HOW WE DO IT

The methods for removing stains or paints from log homes range from pressure washing with chemical strippers to hand sanding the old fashioned way. We have had most success over the years with media blasting followed by sanding. We prefer this method to remove log home finishes.

When thinking about the removal process, it is most important to remember the goal; get the best bare wood possible for the stain to adhere properly. What we find to be the best methods to do this are:

• Blasting with ground walnut shell then sanding. The walnut media is biodegradable, gentler than sand or glass, and if done properly and the wood isn’t too soft, not very damaging to the wood. After blasting, we sand the wood using 6-inch random orbital sanders with 60-80 grit depending on the condition and species of wood. The sanding process is the most important step prior to any stain.
• Grinding with mechanical grinders. Sometimes a finish can be real difficult to remove with just blasting and sanding alone. We use angle grinders with an 80 grit pad to gently remove the stain. We then go back over the home with random orbital sanders to ensure a smooth, no-swirl finish in the wood.
• Just sanding. Often times the wood is too soft or the stain comes off easy enough to just sand. In these cases, we prefer to lightly blast areas that are difficult to reach with a sander then focus most of our labor on the sanding process.

After sanding (which is part of any method of removing stain or paint), we clean and prep the wood for stain. We mask all windows, decks, rocks, etc, which usually takes about a day. We then apply either an oil based or water based stain depending on the environment, customer’s preference, or condition of wood.

The types of stain to use can be confusing. We primarily use TWP 1500 series, Sashco and Perma-Chink exterior stains, and exclusively Permachink Lifeline Interior for interiors of homes. They each have their benefits and the stain of choice is a decision we discuss in depth with each client on each project.

Unfortunately, if a log home has been constructed without thought to environmental factors or if a log home has been neglected over the years, rot can and will eventually occur. Some of these construction issues can be inadequate overhangs (should extend at least 3 feet from the wall), poor weather-wall alignment (lots of logs exposed to high amounts of direct sunlight), logs too close to the ground (first log on top of foundation should be at least 16″ off the ground), logs protruding beyond the overhangs, no gutters, poor roofing jobs, etc. Some maintenance issues that may cause rot over the years include letting vegetation grow too close to the walls (leave at least two feet between any plant and logs), poor flowing gutters, no stain maintenance, etc.

There are many ways to repair rotten logs, but most of the time the best way is to remove the rot entirely and either replace the log in full or with a half log. We employ a variety of techniques and skills to give home owners the most cost effective and long lasting solution to rotten areas.

Rot is usually the first thing a log home owner should tackle before anything else in the restoration process. If left alone, rot can spread and affect the structural integrity of a wall, corner or deck and turn to a costly fix.