Let's get Staining!!

Stainalogorwoodhome-Step-03-250x250

Step 3- Staining a Log or Wood Home

You have finished your prep and arrived at one of the most rewarding parts of the job!! Your hard work preparing the logs or wood is about to pay off with a beautiful finish. Time to choose out the best stain for the job. This can vary greatly depending on if you are starting with a raw log or covering up over top of another coating. Canada's Log Home Store carries the industries top products engineered specifically for log and wood homes.

WARNING: Ensure Stain Compatibility with other Coatings/Chinking/Caulking

Did you know that some coatings that you use may contain non-drying oils or waxes and may prevent you from using chinking and caulking in the future? If you are not certain, ask a specialist about our compatibility testing, database of various stains and chemical ingredient review service.

CAUTION: Only use Log Products on Log Homes

We receive phone calls daily from people disappointed they bought a deck/fence /wood stain at a big box or hardware store and it failed early. Log's Ain't Wood and they behave much differently. You don't treat a 2x4 the same you way treat a log. You want a product specifically engineered to perform properly for your home. Would you rather save a hundred dollars on product? Or do the job twice as often??

Sashco Capture Log Stain (Water Based)

Capture® Log Stain’s unique formula moves freely as your logs move, instead of cracking and peeling like the other wood finishes.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info  
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sashco Symphony Interior Clear Coat (Water Based)

Welcome home to Symphony Interior Clear Wood Finish®. It’s music to the eyes.

Enjoy the clean glow of wood with Symphony® interior clear wood finish. The wood of a finely-crafted cello creates a distinguished resonance, just as Symphony® works in harmony with the unique character of your logs and wood to reflect an atmosphere of cozy warmth and elegance. Symphony’s elastic yet scuff-resistant formula means hassle-free cleaning... Eyes can focus on the relaxing ambience, not on gathered dust. Welcome home to Symphony®. It’s music to the eyes.

**The Satin finish cannot freeze. If you need this one in the winter, give us a call and we can help coordinate heated shipping for you.  

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & View More Info  
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sashco Transformation Log and Timber (Oil Based)

Sashco Transformation Log & Timber Stain is a high-performance oil-based stain designed to restore the rich, natural beauty of log homes and timber exteriors. With deep color, superior adhesion, and proven durability—even in harsh climates—this flexible finish delivers outstanding protection with easy maintenance.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sashco Cascade Exterior Clearcoat

Protect your Stain and Logs

You’ve applied Capture® Log Stain and your log home is now the perfect color – the one you always dreamed of. Now it’s time to apply Cascade® Clear Top Coat to help keep your log home in picture-perfect shape for years to come. Cascade’s sheen brings out the depth and character of the wood grain while minimizing color shifts in the Capture® Log Stain. Its easy-to-apply water-based formula makes routine maintenance simple and headache-free, so you get to spend more time enjoying log your home, not working on it. 

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & View More Info    
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sashco Colorfast Pre Stain

Prevent natural darkening of your wood home. Colorfast prepares rough or smooth surfaces for uniform stain absorption.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & View More Info  
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sashco Transformation Siding and Trim (Hybrid)

The best part is that Transformation Siding and Trim won’t peel.

Wood siding can be beautiful, but it usually screams “high maintenance.” Get Transformation Stain® Siding and Trim and give your ears the silence they deserve. Based on a stain formula that was originally created to withstand the extreme requirements of log homes, Transformation Stain® Siding and Trim wood siding stain is no stranger to high performance. It moves and flexes with the wood to maintain a protective coat that remains beautiful over time. The best part is that Transformation Siding and Trim won’t peel, which makes maintenance easy: a light power wash, followed by another coat of stain, and you’re done.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info    
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Lifeline Ultra-2 Stain (Water Based)

Lifeline Ultra-2 is Perma-Chink’s premium two-coat exterior stain system designed for log and timber homes. It enhances wood grain clarity, resists UV damage, and delivers long-lasting protection when used with Lifeline Advance clear coat. Ideal for new construction or restoration.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info  
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Lifeline Ultra-7 Stain (Water Based)

Highest Performance Transparent Wood Stain

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Lifeline Advance Clear Coat

Lifeline Advance extends the life of the finish system while adding depth and highlights to the appearance. It makes your exterior walls easier to keep clean and has the right permeability to keep the film breathable while repelling liquid water. Lifeline Advance is the second component in our exterior wall finish system that includes a limited warranty when used with Lifeline Ultra-7 and Lifeline Ultra-2.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Lifeline Prelude

Price range: $91.99 through $386.99
One coat of Prelude Clear Wood Primer fills the pores of the wood and provides a surface that enables you to obtain a more uniform finish color over the entire home. Prelude is ideal for both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Prelude Clear Wood Primer also contains UV Boost for added UV protection. Prelude is a primer and should never be used as a final finish. For use exclusively with Lifeline wood finishes.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Lifeline Exterior Stain

Transparent Wood Stain Our original exterior wall formula has been updated and improved for over 20 years. Lifeline Exterior forms a thin film at the surface of logs where the protection is needed. Its breathability and flexibility allows logs to go through seasonal expansion and contraction while drying out to their core. Apply a clear topcoat of Lifeline Advance to maximize durability and minimize maintenance cost and labor.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Lifeline Interior Stain

Transparent Wood Finish Enhance the beauty of all your interior wood and seal out household odors and contaminants. Lifeline Interior can be used as a color coat or sealing coat on walls when you want to apply an interior clear-coat for additional protection or luster. Interior finishes make log walls easy to clean. Lifeline Interior breathes to allow trapped moisture to evaporate from logs. The addition of UV Boost to the first coat of Lifeline Interior significantly reduces the ‘picture frame effect’ in sun-exposed locations. Lifeline Interior will not yellow. You can apply multiple coats to develop the color and film thickness that you desire. Lifeline Interior is completely compatible with our other interior finish options.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Lifeline Acrylic

Lifeline Acrylic is a furniture grade clear coat for interior use. Lifeline Acrylic forms an attractive and durable protective film that adds sheen and makes cleaning wood surfaces a breeze. It can be applied onto Lifeline Interior or Prelude or directly over bare wood. Acrylic Gloss and Satin are an excellent finish for highlighting interior log walls, cabinets, paneling, timbers, trim, railings and other vertical wood surfaces. The resilient acrylic polymers in Acrylic Gloss and Satin help protect water-based stains, paints and sealers from abrasion, wear and water damage. The smooth finish provided by Acrylic Gloss or Satin makes woodwork easier to clean.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Log & Timber Defense (Hybrid)

Log and Timber Defense is a new technology semi-transparent wood stain that provides the ease of application and penetration of the older solvent oils with the performance and longevity of a penetrating polymer based finish. This combination is truly unique. Log and Timber Defense penetrates into the wood like an oil coating, but unlike oils, it hardens into a lattice, supporting and strengthening the natural wood fibers to protect the wood from the inside out.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin SDF

Sansin SDF is a one-coat, penetrating wood finish for siding, decks, fences, and log homes that delivers durable protection without peeling or blistering. Its breathable formula enhances wood grain, resists UV and water damage, and is easy to maintain. SDF has exceptional UV resistance and creates a monolithic bond with wood for long-term durability. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin SDF Naturals Topcoat

Price range: $140.99 through $645.99
SDF Naturals Topcoat is a low-lustre, eco-friendly finish that locks in the colour of Sansin SDF while adding long-lasting UV and water protection to exterior wood—all without cracking, peeling, or blistering. This product does not require tinting and is formulated for Sansin's Natural colors. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin SDF Topcoat

Price range: $22.99 through $718.99

Sansin SDF Topcoat is a durable, low lustre finish designed to enhance and protect wood surfaces coated with Sansin SDF. Ideal for siding, decks, fences, and log homes, it provides long-lasting UV resistance, water repellency, and dimensional stability. Easy to apply and maintain, SDF Topcoat won’t crack, peel, or blister—making it perfect for high-performance exterior wood protection.

Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Classic 1

Price range: $10.50 through $378.99
Sansin Classic 1 is a deep-penetrating base coat designed for log homes, timber frames, and wood siding. As the first step in the Classic 1·2·3 System, it stabilizes wood, improves water resistance, and creates a breathable foundation for long-lasting protection. Ideal for both new builds and restoration projects. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Classic 2

Price range: $15.49 through $622.99

Sansin Classic 2 is the second step in Sansin’s Classic 123 system, designed to deepen colour, enhance water repellency, and prepare wood for long-term durability. This hybrid penetrating finish builds on Classic 1 to deliver a breathable, UV-resistant surface ideal for log homes and timbers.

Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Classic 3

Price range: $15.49 through $511.99

A digital stain swatch is a rough estimation of the color. Color may vary depending on texture, grain, color, porosity and type of wood.

Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Classic Naturals Topcoat

Price range: $140.99 through $645.99
Sansin Classic Natural Topcoat is a clear, penetrating finish designed to complete the Sansin Classic system. It enhances water repellency, UV durability, and surface protection—without adding color or gloss. Ideal for log homes and timbers where a natural appearance is desired. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin ENS

Price range: $23.99 through $864.99

Sansin ENS is a premium, film-forming exterior and interior wood finish that delivers long-lasting protection and beauty. Ideal for siding, logs, windows, doors, and trim, ENS offers exceptional UV resistance, water repellency, and color retention. Available in Gloss, Satin, Low Lustre, and Extra Low Lustre, it adheres well to both bare wood and existing coatings for a rich, durable finish.

Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin ENS Optimum Clear

Price range: $61.99 through $702.99
Sansin ENS Optimum Clear is a high-performance clear topcoat that delivers exceptional durability and UV protection. Compatible with Sansin systems such as SDF, Classic, DEC, and ENS, as well as other water- and solvent-based finishes. Ideal for use on wood, fiberglass, metal, and composite substrates. Available in Gloss, Satin, Low Lustre, and Extra Low Lustre sheens, it enhances and preserves color with a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish. To refresh color, it can be tinted with different tint loads. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin ENS Naturals Topcoat

Price range: $152.99 through $702.99
Sansin ENS Naturals Topcoat is a clear, satin-finish wood coating that enhances the tone of natural wood while boosting UV protection and water repellency. Ideal for use over existing finishes like SDF, Classic, DEC, or ENS, this environmentally friendly topcoat delivers long-lasting beauty and durability for decks, siding, doors, and outdoor furniture. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Foundation

Price range: $99.99 through $501.99
Sansin Foundation is a penetrating wood conditioner that prepares and stabilizes bare wood for even stain absorption. It enhances finish uniformity, reduces blotchiness, and improves long-term performance of Sansin Classic and SDF systems Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sikkens Cetol Log & Siding (Oil Based)

Price range: $149.98 through $729.99
The Sikkens Cetol Log & Siding gives wood applications a vivid look and a smooth touch. Most importantly, it provides superior protection and performance that increase the wood’s lifespan. Stain Calculator
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sikkens Cetol Maintenance RE (Oil Based)

Original price was: $159.99.Current price is: $149.99.
Sikkens Cetol Maintenance RE is a premium, clear, alkyd resin exterior wood finish designed for use exclusively as a maintenance coat on wood previously coated with Sikkens ProLuxe Log & Siding or Sikkens Cetol 123 system  (Clear) Stain Calculator

Sikkens Cetol 1 (Oil Based)

Price range: $109.99 through $519.99
Sikkens Cetol 1 RE Stain is a premium, translucent, exterior wood base coat to be used with Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus. Its superior oil alkyd formulation offers excellent penetration and adhesion to vertical wood surfaces. Powerful UV absorbents protect color and wood substrates. Provides a mildew-resistant finish. Stain Calculator
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus RE (Oil Based)

Price range: $124.99 through $579.99
Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus is a premium translucent topcoat for Cetol 1. Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus offers superior UV protection, and is highly transparent, water repellent, weather resistant, flexible, and breathable. Stain Calculator
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Stain Calculator

Measured Square Footage
Type of Log
Maintainance Coat?
Rough Surface?

Measured Square Footage

Take each wall and multiply length x height. Example 40' long x 10' high= 400 sq. ft.

Add each wall together Example 400 + 400 + 250 + 250 = 1300 sq. ft.

For each of your gable ends (the triangles) use Base x Height/2
Example 30' x 15' = 450'/2 = 225 sq ft. Add all areas together.


Adjust for Type of Log

A round log has a different surface area than a flat timber. We must account for the curvature and size of the log so we don't end up short on stain. Select your log type


Maintenance Coat

Most maintenance coats are done with one coat, often clear. If you plan to add a coat of color and a clear, feel free to ask one of our specialists for some advice.


Surface Condition

Rough logs will take more stain than smooth logs. If your logs are rough, check off the box and it will calculate based on a rough surface.

Note: All calculations are estimated. Actual coverage will vary based on surface condition, species and moisture content.


Email Address Product



Your Name Your Email Contractor's Name Contractor's Email Product



Capture first Coat: 0.0 Capture Second Coat: 0.0 Products Details
Cascade Only requires one coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
Sikkens CETOL first Coat: 0.0 Sikkens CETOL Second Coat: 0.0Products Details
×

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

×

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

×

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

GATHER TOOLS

01.

You'll need

One of the products listed above

  • Plastic sheeting to protect surfaces not getting stained
  • Log Brightener/Cleaner, if necessary, to remove surface contaminants
  • A power washer or media blaster for surface prep
  • Sand paper, Sashco’s Buffy Pad System or Osborn brushes (or a combination of all) to remove wood fuzz (called felting)
  • Squirrel cage mixer to mix the stain
  • Stain sprayer
  • Large (5-6” wide) long-handled stain brushes
  • Some buddies to help
  • Food to feed said buddies

PREP THE SURFACE

02.

The most important step...

Use one or a combination of methods below: 

  • Primary Prep
    • Media Blasting with crushed recycled glass (feels like sand)  
    • Osborn Brush, Sanding Discs or Random Orbital Sander
    • Log Stripper or Log Brightener/Cleaner
    • Pressure Washer
  • Secondary Prep
    • Sand paper, Sashco’s Buffy Pad System or Osborn brushes (or a combination of all) to remove wood fuzz (called felting)
Log Restoration Ontario

APPLY THE STAIN

03.

Everyone's favorite step! 

Here we go…

  • First Coat
    • This should be a drench coat (except for Sikkens stains). No subsequent coats will penetrate deeper than this so it is very important to not skimp. 
  • Immediate Back-Brushing
    • A critical step to ensure good penetration of the stain. It also ensures stain gets pushed into any checks or cracks in the logs to provide water protection. 
    • Second Coat (Best for protection and color) 
      • This one goes on much lighter than the first and usually does not require back brushing although you still want to brush out any runs. 

PRO TIP

VERY IMPORTANT:
TEMPERATURE: The surface of a log, especially the upper curvature gets very hot in the sun.   Example:   32C outside= 77C degrees on the surface. This will flash the stain and it will not penetrate before drying. Use a laser thermometer to test first or DO NOT work with the sun at your back.   

MOISTURE: Logs should be under 19% moisture content for most stain applications. If you pressure wash as prep, experience rain, or have logs that are still drying,  you must not stain if they are above this level. It can trap too much moisture and result in rapid release when the sun hits that log, this is a major cause of blistering and peeling of stain. 

Clear Coats

04.

Apply the clear coat (if required)  

Extra Protection

If your stain has a clear coat component, you would apply now. You can choose a matte or semi-gloss finish. For exterior, the semi-gloss is far more popular. For interior the satin finish is much more popular. Usually this can be applied with a simple weed sprayer and then just brush out the runs. Your clear coat now becomes your maintenance layer until you decide to add a coat of color.  Interior clear coats typically require no maintenance but they make your logs easily washable and collect very little dust.  

Clean up as you go

05.

Almost ready to relax! 

Get the beer ready…

  • Clean the drips and any runs right away. They are much harder once dry.
    • For water-based stains use soap and water for clean up.
    • For oil based stain mineral spirits work well. 

Kick your feet up & enjoy your work, you deserve it! 

What our clients are  Saying