Duck Creek Cabin Refinishing 702-303-9085

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Cabin refinishing in Duck Creek, Utah is a multi-step process to restore and protect the wood, starting with surface preparation like cleaning, stripping, and sanding to remove old finishes and damage. After bare wood is exposed, borate treatments can be applied to protect against pests and decay, followed by the application of stain and a final protective topcoat to enhance appearance and weather resistance. Regular maintenance and reapplication of the finish are crucial for the cabin's longevity.

All you need to know about stain for your log home restoration project:

Logs and wood need to be shielded from the long term effects of exposure to the sun and the elements. Applying the correct stain is vital to ensuring your home, cabin or resort is properly protected.  

Re-staining logs and wood not only protects your investment, it also brings the wood back to its  original condition. Understanding what stain is, how it works and choosing the right one is very important when seeking the best value and longevity for your wood structure.

With over 20 years of experience, we are the experts That are leading the industry   when it comes to restoring your  structure back to its former condition and protecting it in the future.

What is wood stain?

Wood stain is a semi-transparent coating that penetrates the wood to provide colour whilst allowing features of the wood, such as colour and grain to remain visible.

Stain works by soaking pigment into wood fiber with a solvent and then having it set and bind into the wood.

Wood stain is an important barrier that protects the wood from sunlight, dirt, and moisture. Choosing the right stain and applying it properly makes all the difference to ensuring the longevity of your wood.

Stain differs from paint in that it  protects and preserves the beauty of your wood compared to paint which covers and hides it. Stain does wear away gradually over time and can require periodic re-coating . Some wood stains are opaque, with a solid colour that sits on top of the wood. Other wood stains are transparent so that the original colour of the wood can be seen. For maximum, long-term performance, log homes and wood structures require specialized stains that contain additives not typically found in your average wood stains and sealants. The best log stain is formulated to prevent moisture from entering the fiber of your logs and has the right amount of pigment to prevent sun damage.

What is the difference between oil-based and water-based stains?

There are many different stain options available on the market. The two main  stains that are used on exterior wood are oil-based and water-based stains.

Oil-based wood stain

Oil-based wood stains are the most popular choice when it comes to choosing a stain, due to their durability and the fact that they penetrate deep within the wood. Oil-based stains tend to have a slower drying time than other wood stains, but it  makes it easier to get an even finish. Oil based stains are excellent moisture repellants and UV blocker.

Water-based wood stain

This type of stain doesn’t penetrate the wood as deeply as oil-based stains and dries very fast so it can be difficult to apply and large surface areas must be  split into sections to allow even application.

Wood preparation

How do I prepare my logs for re-staining?

If your logs do not require the old stain to be removed and only require a maintenance coat, we recommend cleaning the logs or wood with a cloth or light brush and mild soap or TSP and water. We have a step by step guide on how to clean logs before staining which provides valuable information on doing the job right the first time.

Do not use a pressure washer as it will tear up the soft grain raising the hairs of the grain, creating a very inconsistent profile. It will also inject water unnecessarily into the wood and possibly your home, leading to further build up of mould, mildew or rot.

How do I remove old stain from a log house?

The two main ways of removing existing stain from the logs or wood from the exterior of a structure is to either sanding/grinding or blasting with a fine media, no coarser that 50/100 grit. Do not use a coarse medium like walnut shells, as it leaves an oily residue, or heavy grit such as 30/60.

We recommend removing the old coatings and UV damage  by blasting the logs or wood surfaces with crushed glass. This media is as fine as table salt, silica free and 100% environmentally friendly. Once the old coatings are removed and the logs are brought down to bare wood, a new stain can be applied. This blasting prep method leaves a slight profile on the wood surface, allowing the wood to absorb three times the stain product when compared to a sanded surface. The more stain that is absorbed the better and long lasting the protection. Blasting is also effective on siding and soffits without damaging them.

Stain Colour

How do I choose a stain colour?

Generally speaking the darker the stain, the more pigments there are in the stain. The more pigments there are in the stain, the more protection the logs will receive from UV rays and weather. Each log home stain manufacturer  has its own formulation, all of them working hard to produce  the best product that will last for the longest period of time, and for the most reasonable price. This has created a multitude of systems across the log home industry. The type of wood, the environmental conditions and the age of the home all play a role in the decision making, as do time and price.

We recommend that a number of test samples in different colours from different manufactures are tested before applying the stain to the entire building. it is a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure you are happy with the color and finish.

Can you change the stain colour on a log home?

Yes, but you cannot apply a new stain colour over an old stain or coating. We recommend removing the old stain or coating by blasting the logs or wood with crushed glass before re-staining a log home. This medium is as fine as table salt, silica free and 100% environmentally friendly. 

Once the old coatings are removed and the logs are brought down to bare wood, a new stain colour can be applied.

 Exterior Cabin Maintenance:

• Roof: Inspect for damaged shingles, loose flashing, and clogged gutters. Clear debris and repair any issues promptly. 
• Walls: Wash the exterior to remove dirt and mildew, especially focusing on the bottom logs. Apply stain and sealant as needed to protect against the elements. 
• Foundation: Check for cracks, shifting, and water damage. Ensure proper drainage around the foundation. 
• Doors and Windows: Inspect for drafts, leaks, and damage. Replace weatherstripping and caulk as needed. 
• Landscaping: Keep vegetation trimmed back at least 24 inches from the cabin walls to prevent moisture buildup and pest infestations.