Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
It is a good idea to apply a chlorine solution to the logs after stripping. Although the stripping process will remove any mold or mildew that is visable, the spores can remain in cracks and checks that the stripper may not have reached. Once the new finish is applied it very likely the spores will grow and spread underneath the stain. This is evidenced by black spots appearing. If it can be removed by applying chlorine, then it is on the surface of the log and not a big problem. However, if it can not be removed, it is under the finish. If that is the case, the only solution is to strip again. So, it is well worth the time it takes to apply chlorine. For more log home restoration tips click here.
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Log Home Restoration: Finish Removal
The debate among log home restoration contractors rages on as to the proper way to remove old finishes from a log surface. Use a chemical and blast it off with water pressure, or use crushed corn cob or other media and blast it off with compressed air. Those are the the two most used procedures. (Read More)
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Log Home Restoration: Mission Accomplished
Once the old finish (paint) was removed (media blasted) the wood was reconditioned and neutralized. An oil based sealer/ preservative was applied to the point of refusal by brush and “worked” into the wood. This was a custom mix to match the existing finish on the garage. The garage finish is latex with a clear top coat. The house finish is oil with a clear top coat. We prefer to use penetrating oils that not only absorb deep into the logs but will not crack, blister or peel.
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Log Home Restoration: Removing Latex Paint
This Log Home Restoration required media blasting removal of a fairly new coat of solid
latex paint. The “hot pink” had to go! Being a fresh coat, it was harder to remove than a finish several years old. Crushed glass was used to “cut ” the thick coat.
After a chlorine wash to kill any mold and mildew, a coarse sanding will smooth the rough profile caused by the media blasting. Only a light sanding with coarse paper is required. Sanding too smooth will prevent a penetrating stain from absorbing properly.
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
During the log home restoration process if you go through the trouble of stripping your log home to bare wood, it is a good idea to apply a borate treatment to all the woodwork. Borate will help ward off and kill most insects. It also helps preserve the wood making it less likely to rot. Two coats are generally applied using a sprayer. It can be brushed but, spraying is much faster and easier. The wood must be clean and bare so any finish left on the logs will prohibit penetration. Be sure the logs are stripped properly.
Also, a proper solution mixture is important. Too strong and there will be sodium crystals visible on the wood and can react to the new finish. Too weak and it will not do what it was ment to. Hiring a professional will be money well spent. Lets do it right if we are going through all the trouble of stripping and applying a new finish.
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Log Home Restoration:What About The Caulking?
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
Be sure when taking pictures of the family to say “smile.” If not, there is a good possibility somebody may want to show off. Peggy Sue always behaves. Heidi on the other hand is the prankster……
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Log Home Restoration: Rain, Sleet or Snow
Today it will be in the upper 80s and sunny. In the picture in Staunton, VA. it was Febuary, 33 degrees and had just stopped snowing…….12 inches. The sun came out and melted some of the snow and then it froze that night. The next day we had to use hammers to beat holes in the ice covered snow so we could get the legs of the ladders down through the snow to solid ground. Got the house stripped, then had to wait for a few days for the weather to break and warm up. Three days later it was in the mid 50s and we started staining. This time everything work out. Ole Man Winter had mercy on us.
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Log Home Restoration Media Blasting
Check out our latest media blasting video. This log home restoration consisted of removing Sikkens Cetol 23. It was only 3 years old and already peeling. Probably applied to wet logs, the only solution is to remove the finish and start over. Clean, bare, DRY wood is imperative for good adhesion of any finish, especially a film-forming sealer.
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Log Home Restoration: Dedicated To Getting The Job Done!
Log home restoration has come a long way over the years with the advancement in technology. Latex stains, synthetic chinking, aerial lifts, media blasting machines ect… all make the job more productive. But, sometimes you have to improvise. This log home was situated on a very steep hill with trees very close to the house. The homeowner did not want to cut back or disturb the trees and it was impossible to get a ladder or anything else in position to be able to access the corner.
So, up the tree we went!
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