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.

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Watch how to Stain a Log Home

Read about how to Stain a Log Home

Learn How to Choose the Right Stain

Chat live with log specialist

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.

Review Chemical Ingredients

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??

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Log End Seal

$205.99

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  • Clear
-4%
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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.

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  • Clear
-6%
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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.

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  • Clear
-8%
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Perma-Chink Lifeline Ultra-7 Stain (Water Based)

Highest Performance Transparent Wood Stain

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-9%
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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.

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-9%
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Perma-Chink Sure Shine Interior Clear Coat

Sure Shine is our most durable indoor clear finish. It is suitable for all your wood floors and any other interior surface where you want a lustrous or deep-shine finish. If you want a deep, clear finish using fewer coats, Sure Shine premium finish is the one to use! Since it is water based and fast drying, multiple coats can be applied in a single day. Sure Shine can be used to re-coat older oil based floor finishes. Sure Shine cures to a smooth, hard surface that resists scuffing and abrasion. It prevents discolorations from water and most household cleaners and chemicals.

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Sansin Classic 1

$10.50 – $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
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-16%
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Sansin Classic 2

$15.49 – $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.

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-12%
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Sansin Classic 3

$15.49 – $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.

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-9%
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Sansin Classic Naturals Topcoat

$140.99 – $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
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Sansin ENS

$23.99 – $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.

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-10%
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Sansin ENS Naturals Topcoat

$152.99 – $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
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-10%
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Sansin ENS Optimum Clear

$152.99 – $702.99
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
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Sansin Foundation

$99.99 – $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
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-9%
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Sansin Nature’s Oil

$63.99 – $1,074.99
Sansin Nature’s Oil is a concentrated, plant-based interior finish that deeply penetrates and protects wood in just one coat. Ideal for furniture, timbers, floors, and trim, it enhances natural color and grain while delivering a smooth, low-lustre finish. With low VOCs and no harsh solvents, it’s a safe, eco-friendly alternative to traditional oil finishes. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
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Sansin Purity Floor Stain

$34.99 – $784.99
Sansin Purity Floor is a tough, water-based urethane finish for interior wood floors, stairs, and furniture. It delivers rich grain enhancement, scuff resistance, and excellent clarity. Apply clear, tint with Sansin pigments, or pair with Sansin Purity Stain for deeper color control. Low-VOC, fast-drying, and available in multiple sheens. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
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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.


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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.

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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.

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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! 

Now Learn how seal up your home

What our clients are  Saying

We've owned our log home for over ten years and I have a pretty good understanding of maintenance and construction issues. I must say his knowledge, advice and service was excellent. I was most impressed with the immediate (same day) turn around on my order. I will certainly be doing business with Canada’s Log Home Store in the future.

Willis S Albert Bridge, NS

Perfect !! We were forced to shop out of town, as Thunder Bay did not have what we needed...Not great. Luckily we came across this website "Canada's log home store" ..Wow impressed ! Bruce was fabulous, our product was shipped the same day. it arrived in 4 days. So happy. Do not hesitate to order from this company. Super happy .

Rhonda M Thunder Bay, ON

Great customer service, I am hobby builder and ordered on a Saturday got an immediate response and was able to change the product format to get a quicker delivery. Product was very well packed and I am very satisfied.

Steve G Ottawa, ON

Not only did he have great knowledge and experience, he took the time to really find out what my needs were to be sure that he was offering us the correct product. His friendly and supportive nature made doing business super easy - the prices were great - and the finished product was amazing! Definitely highly recommend them for any of your log home needs!

Angela D Wetaskiwin, AB

Very helpful and knowledgeable in finding me products I needed that where hard to find anywhere else. Shipped out right away and price was good. Good inventory/selection on website. Highly recommend for all log home owners.

Kyle Jaffray, BC

Thanks for all the help and assistance. I highly recommend you to anyone with a log home. Your support through the entire restoration process is outstanding.

Alex & Lee-anne D Whitehorse, YT