An online (log home) community for log home enthusiasts.

Stain brands....which one is best?

All right all you experts out there. We are close to staining/sealing the exterior of our logs. Weatherguard is the brand I know and have a few tested color of. I like the consistency (like pudding) so it won't run down my arms and make me a mess during this important step. Any other thoughts, suggestions on different brands, et.all for staining White Pine logs? I know we have some work ridding the water stains, and have been reading of some different type of treatments. Any additional thoughts are SO appreciated

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Susan on August 14, 2008 at 8:48am: We used Sansin products. (Recommended by our handcrafter) It was super easy to use. Their customer service is really good too.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shelley Martinez on August 14, 2008 at 6:53pm: I used Sashco. Loved their color selection and also how they held our hand when we stained a portion of the interior ourselves.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin on August 29, 2008 at 2:54pm: Diane,
The product you use should do more than provide color. It should be labled as a wood preservative and provide protection from UV rays, mold & mildew, and have a high water repelling value. I would also discourage using a film forming product as they crack and peel like old paint when aged. This requires expensive removal with cob blasting or chemical strippers. A thick stain as you are describing may have a high pigment content. Be certain you have seen samples of wood with the stain applied, and not just a color sample. If you have visions of beautiful knots and grain highlighted by the stain, you may be disapointed. A thick stain may resemble something more like a paint and not a transparent stain, which would almost completely hide the character of the logs. My company supplies Sashco "Transformation". It was tested and determined as the best for the homes we sell.; ▶ Reply to This