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Wood Finishes

Lifeline Prelude

Clear Wood Primer for Log Homes

Porous wood absorbs stain unevenly. One area darkens while another takes on less color, leaving variations that become more noticeable across an entire log wall.

Lifeline Prelude transparent wood primer fills the surface pores before finish is applied. The result is more uniform color across the home while the natural character of the wood remains visible. The formula also contains UV Boost for added protection during the finishing process.

Use Prelude on interior or exterior wood surfaces as the first step in the finish system. A final Lifeline wood finish must follow because Prelude is not designed as a standalone coating.

Shop Available Sizes

Project size determines how much clear wood primer you need. Lifeline Prelude comes in 1-gallon and 5-gallon pails for anything from smaller interior work to a full log home. A free 3-ounce sample is also available to test the product before placing a larger order.

Product Information

A consistent finish starts with the condition of the wood underneath. Our clear wood primer for interiors and exteriors seals porous areas, so stain has a more even surface to work with. 

Wood grain remains visible rather than being covered by an opaque base. One coat is sufficient for proper preparation. Prelude is made exclusively for Lifeline wood finishes and should not be paired with Deck Defense or Log&Timber Defense.

Features

  • Contains UV Boost
  • Enhances Wood Grain
  • Ideal for porous wood surfaces
  • Not to be used with Deck Defense or Log & TImber Defense

Keep leftover Prelude in its original container with the lid secured between projects. A clean rim helps the pail close properly after each use. Check the date before pulling an older container from the shelf. Lifeline Prelude clear wood primer has a three-year shelf life. 

Clean, dry wood gives Prelude the ideal surface. Mold and mildew removal may be necessary. A brush or airless sprayer will work fine regardless of job size. Back-brush as you go for an even coat and keep the edge wet. 

Give the container another stir every 15 to 20 minutes, especially for large jobs. Direct sun makes the work harder and increases the chance of lap marks.

Lifeline Prelude remains beneath the finished coating, so there is no separate maintenance schedule. Once the transparent wood primer has done its job, attention shifts to the Lifeline finish applied over it. Inspect that surface over time and follow its recommended maintenance schedule.

Application Temperature

40° to 90°F

Application Methods

  • Airless sprayer
  • Brush

Surface Preparation

  • Clean and dry
  • Free of mold and mildew
  • Never use steel wool

Special Instructions

  • Back-brushing required
  • Stir container every 15-20 minutes
  • Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
  • Avoid applying in direct sun

Shelf Life

3 Years

Frequency

One time surface sealer

Drying Time

  • Dry to the touch in 1 hour
  • Cures within 72 hours

Coverage Rate

  • 200-400 square feet / gallon

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifeline FAQ

Do Lifeline finishes need a clear topcoat?

Yes. For all Lifeline exterior finishes we recommend Advance topcoat in either satin or gloss finish. Lifeline interior finishes we recommend Acrylic or PCS Clear Shield.

Do your finishes offer UV protection?

Yes. Ultra-7 and Ultra-2 finishes have UV Boost premixed. UV Boost is available to add to other Lifeline finishes.

Do I need to stain first before chinking?

It depends on the project. We recommend applying finish first, then chink. Read our article here for more info.

We’ve used the Perma-Chink Lifeline Exterior on a large rough cut cedar siding home. It has looked so beautiful and lasted so long that other contractors have asked what we used because they haven’t found anything that performs as well. We have also used the interior products with the same wonderful results.

–Jane

I have a cabin in Washington State where I used your Lifeline Exterior finish on. The Stain is very easy to use and still looks like I just put it on yesterday, and it’s been on my home for over 7 years. Thanks for making such a durable & long lasting finish.

–Kurt

Was looking for a spot to share my results of your product and wanted to express my satisfaction!! 100% Satisfied Customer!! Thank you Perma-Chink for bringing my Cabin back to life.

–Anjannette

Absolutely love Perma-chink products. We are doing our entire interior with Perma-chink Lifeline, Acrylic, and Sure Shine products and results are outstanding.

–Dave

A coat of Prelude Sealer made my uneven pine logs look balanced and consistent. It also made the Ultra 7 much easier to apply. I’m very happy with these products.

–Susan

Thanks to Perma-Chink for showing me that moisture comes into the logs on the end. So I used their Log End Seal to prevent moisture from seeping into my logs. It works great.

–Karl
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