Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
STAIN TEST
One way to check the existing finish on your log home is to do a stain test. Take a pice of masking tape and place it firmly on different areas of the logs. Press it firmly so to be sure it has adhered well. Then, quickly pull the tape off and examine the tape. If much of the stain come off with the tape, the stain is failing. If only a little come off, it is probably alright for another year but should be watched and tested again in a few months. When it gets to the point much of the tape is covered, it’s time to think about maintenance coats. Don’t wait too long to recoat. It is better to do maintenance coats too soon rather than too late.
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Log Home Restoration: What is Mill Glaze?
Mill Glaze is a waxy film that results from the fast turning blades that cuts the profile on a manufactured log. The high speed of the turning blades produces heat that draws sap and moisture out of the log. As it cools and dries, it creates a film or coating on the logs. If the film is not removed, an oil stain will not penetrate properly and latex stains will not adhere properly. Although there are “mill glaze” remover products sold, a light chemical strip is all that is needed to not only remove mill glaze, but also dirt, stains and discolorations. Stripping will also remove mildew however, it is recommended to follow up with a chlorine rinse to make sure all the mildew is not just removed, but the mildew spores are killed deep into the pores of the wood. If not completely eradicated from the wood, mildew can grow back under the new stain causing major problems that can only be corrected by going through the whole stripping process again. Do it right the first time.
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
The key to re-coating, or maintenance coating is to not wait too long. It is better to apply another coat too early rather than too late. A good rule of thumb is to wash the house with a mild detergent once a year. Lightly scrub with a brush if there are stubborn stains or mildew present. Then after it has dried, do a “walk around inspection.” Make notes of any areas you see of failing caulk or bee holes or other questionable areas. Make the repairs necessary to these areas. Then based on the inspection, it can be determined if it is time for a maintenance coat.
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
Your log home is a large investment. Spending the time and the money to maintain it is also an investment. Most people would not go to a “big box” store and buy a can of spray paint to re-paint their car. Yet all too often, the “off the shelf” retail stains are bought and used to re-stain their log homes. This is one instance in which “you get what you pay for!” Make an investment!
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Log Home Restoration: Stripping and Sealing
- Log Home Restoration: Failing Finish
Log Home Restoration: After Stripping
- Log Home Restoration: Finished Staining and Chinking
to ensure all chemical residue has been removed for proper stain adhesion.
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Log Home Restoration: Chemical Stripping
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Log Home Restoration: The Importance of Neutralizing
Before and After Neutralizing
Stripping removes failing sealer or grayed out wood but, it also raises the ph level and darkens the wood as well as leaves residue that will not rinse out. If the wood is not neutralized the darkened wood will make a semi-transparent stain several shades darker. Moreover, stripper residue WILL interact with the new sealer causing premature failure. It is one extra step but, if ignored big problems will arise!
In this log home restoration, the left door has had nothing done to it yet, The right side was stripped and still wet from the neutralizer. When it dries, it is properly prepared and ready for sealing.
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Hot Water Rig For Sale
Pictures and details are posted in November 8th archives. I don’t do commercial work anymore and this unit can make the right contractor’s job much eaiser.
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Log Home Restoration: Short Photo Show
This Photo Show of our latest log home restoration show a few before and after pictures of a cabin in Boone, NC. that we did as typical “strip & seal. Heading to Fredericksburg, VA. to a 4200 sf. home to be cob blasted.
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If You Care..
Please sign the petition if you believe in God and our Country!
<a http://manhattandeclaration.org
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