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A simple comparison of the cost of a gallon of wood stain is a mistake because all stains differ in their lifespan, coverage rate and quality of appearance and protection
Whether you’re currently building your dream log home or simply checking off tasks on your annual home-maintenance “to do” list, we’re always looking for ways to skimp on expenses around the house.
But when it comes to putting your best foot forward with a beautifully stained home that’s also protected from the exterior elements, you might want to think twice before being lured in by the lower price tag of a middle-of-the-road finishing product.
Why Should I Consider a Higher-Priced Stain?
Not only does a log stain and finish define the aesthetic appeal of your log home, enhancing the striking beauty of the wood’s grain and natural color, but it serves as a shield for your home’s most precious building blocks – the logs. Because of this, it makes sense to spend the extra money upfront on a high-quality wood finish for your home that will protect the wood surface.
And, as it turns out, choosing a premium stain will save yourself oodles of cash over the lifetime of your log home.
How Premium Stains Are Cheaper Than Low-Cost Alternatives
The total cost for finishing your log home includes labor, tools and the materials involved in preparation of the wood surface, application of the finish and maintenance of that finish. When you consider the cost, it’s important to include the total long-term cost of the stain that you choose. There is not just one component to consider, nor one simple calculation to determine which stain is less expensive than the others.
To prove this point, the professionals in the industry performed a careful analysis that shows that in the long run, it’s actually less expensive to apply the best quality stain, despite its higher initial cost. Field tests show that while low quality wood finishes last two years or less, top quality 100-percent acrylic polymer finishes such as the Lifeline™ family from Perma-Chink Systems (PCS) last five years or more. Restaining every few years requires labor, and whether you perform the restaining yourself or hire an expert applicator, it comes at a cost. A DIY project could require renting equipment (sprayer, scaffolding, etc.) and spending time prepping the surface, applying the stain and topcoat, and clean-up after the project.
To illustrate this idea, let’s look at an example.
Is It Really Cheaper to Use a Premium Stain?
For an average-size log home, let’s take a standard labor cost for finishing of about $4,500 (labor rates vary across markets). In addition, about 20 gallons of stain would be needed to apply two coats to the home. For an ordinary stain from a typical big box home improvement store, let’s say the cost per gallon is around $45, totaling $900 for the entire job (we’ll ignore taxes for simplicity). Add in $4,500 for labor, and the total cost of the job is $5,400.
Field tests show that the job will last two years, the cost per year of service would be $2,700 ($5400 / 2 years).
Now let’s take a look at the cost of Ultra-2, our premium 2-coat wood stain. At a cost of somewhere around $116 per gallon, the cost for 20 gallons would be $2,320. Again, the labor would be $4,500, so the total would be $6,820 – a significant increase compared to the lower-priced product.
However, the stain will last at least five years, which lowers the cost per year of service to $1,364 – less than half the yearly cost of the “budget” stain job! Imagine the savings over an even longer period of time – say ten years.
Do Premium Finishes Cover Less than Cheaper Finishes?
Our example above does omit one aspect of stains – the coverage rate. Every manufacturer has a different rate for their stains. They can range between 150sqft and 400sqft of coverage per gallon, depending on wood porosity and which stain coat is applied. By comparison, Ultra-2 has a coverage rate between 350sqft–450sqft per gallon for a first coat and 600sqft–800sqft per gallon for a second coat. That is roughly double the coverage of other stains. Not only do PCS stains last longer, but they go further than others on the market.
Premium Products Come With Expert Support
PCS offers the best product support in the business, leading the way with free samples (not color chips!) and free customer support. Our Customer Service Representatives deal exclusively with the log and timber home industry and are happy to answer any question regarding wood care. PCS is focused on this niche; we’re not splitting attention to a catalog of thousand different house paint colors, or selling applicances alongside our stains and sealants. Wood care is our sole business, and our customer support is second to none.
PCS is committed to being accessible to customers, with real people staffing phones, chat, and email accounts. We use no automated bots, AI filtering, or complex phone menu when customers reach out for assistance.
We will be with you every step of the way, and have the resources to back that up. For five decades PCS has cared for log and timber homes. We’ve done a fantastic job maintaining our records, so for many homes, we can dig a little through our system and find the historical product usage for a customer’s home. If a customer has recently bought a log home and is unsure of what products are on the home and if the previous owner used PCS products, it’s very possible we’ll have that information.
Choosing a Premium Stain is the Right Thing to Do
It’s no surprise that high-quality products from PCS’ extensive collection of exterior finishes and stains will result in spending less time and money protecting and maintaining your log home over the years. With a longer-lasting finish that saves you time on refinishing projects and a higher coverage rate that goes further than the “competition,” our stains and finishes are the best options on the market. Yes, the initial cost is more than a big-box product. But doing the math in total project cost, PCS’ unmatched stains and topcoats will produce a greater value to log and timber homeowners. The best is worth it.
You will be amazed at how PCS’ premium stains and finishes highlight the natural wood grain, keeping your home looking beautiful over the long term with easy maintenance and fewer restaining projects.
Have Questions or Ready to Order Samples?
Operators are standing by! Just kidding. Our Customer Service Representatives have chairs to sit on, so they’re ready to answer any questions you may have regarding wood care for your log or timber home. If you have your stain options picked out, order free samples today by calling 1-800-548-3554 or visiting Store.PermaChink.com. We recommend trying samples – even if you know the one you want – because lighting, wood color, and wood age can all affect the final color. We want you to be happy – or over the moon – with your color choice.
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the American log home. It’s more than just a structure; it’s a symbol of freedom, heritage, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. People are drawn to log homes for their timeless beauty and rustic charm, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity. They offer a retreat from the noise of modern life, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature, with family, and with yourself.
Natural Aesthetics of Log and Timber Homes
There’s a liberating power in waking up to a view that feels untouched and wild. Log homes carry a rugged elegance that mirrors the spirit of self-reliance – nestled in forests, perched above valleys, or standing quietly beside a lake, they’re not just shelters – they’re sanctuaries of discovery.
Energy Efficiency Capability of Log Homes
Independence starts with sustainability. The natural thermal mass of logs keeps your home comfortably balanced, often reducing energy use by up to 30%. That means more freedom from energy bills – and more peace of mind.
Durability of Building Materials
A legacy of strength. Properly maintained, log homes endure for generations by weathering storms and standing tall as a symbol of success, built with purpose.
Fire Resistance
While others may doubt, the truth is empowering: the solid structure of thick logs gives log homes an unshakable resilience, and in many cases, they resist fire more effectively than traditional homes. Strength lies in the unexpected.
Health Benefits of Log and Timber Homes
In a log home, you’re not just breathing easier, you’re living freer. The organic materials regulate humidity, reduce indoor pollutants, and create a space where body and mind can truly unwind.
Ability for Customization
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain retreat or a showstopping estate, log homes are a canvas for your ambitions. Each detail is a chance to express your style, success, and story.
Enabling a Connection to Nature
There’s no substitute for the clarity that comes from a sunset over still water or the rustle of wind through the trees. A log home gives you the space to reset, reflect, and explore life on your terms – far from the noise, and close to what matters.
Step into our gallery of log homes, where you’ll find everything from secluded cabins deep in the wilderness to expansive estates that embody rustic luxury. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a legacy built to last, there’s a design waiting to feel like home.
Built By Alpine Log Homes – Protected By Perma-Chink Systems
Protecting a Treasure for Over Two Decades
Those of us that have been in the industry for 20 or more years will remember. Alpine Log Homes was one of the industry leaders in the design and building of handcrafted log homes. For example, this beautiful home in the mountains of Glenwood Springs, Colorado was built by Alpine Log Homes 22 years ago. I know you would prefer to see a photo with spring flowers and green leaves by now, but it is a reality of the Colorado mountains – they have snow in April! Yes, the photo above was taken in early April of 2023. Indeed, the winters in the Colorado mountains can be long and present extreme conditions for any home. But it is not just the winter months that pose challenges to log homes. This log home experiences on average 12+ feet of snow a year but it also sees on average 320 days of sunshine a year, which presents extreme UV conditions being located at an altitude of 8,100 feet.
Will the Products Last Against Colorado’s Extreme Weather?
Trusting in the products to protect the home from such extreme conditions, in 2003 the exterior of this home was stained with Lifeline Ultra-2 Bronze and Advance Gloss topcoat. Two coats Ultra-2, one coat Advance to start with, and with little maintenance done since this home was built, looks as great as it did the year it was first stained. What a great testimony to Lifeline stains and finishes. This beautiful finish has weathered the environment for over 20 years!
Perma-Chink Systems Products Used: Lifeline Ultra-2, Advance Gloss, Perma-Chink, EnergySeal, Log End Seal, Lifeline Interior, and Lifeline Acrylic.
Logs were washed with Perma-Chink Systems’ Oxcon (Log Wash was not invented back then) before stain was applied. A borate treatment similar to Bora-Care was applied to all first-floor framing and two feet up from the foundation to prevent any wood destroying insects from attacking the house. The house is at approximately 8000 feet elevation and the area gets in excess of 320 days of sunshine per year. In addition, it is not unusual to have up to five feet of snow on the ground in the winter. To protect the logs from this extreme exposure the house exterior is coated with two coats of Lifeline Ultra-2 Bronze, followed by a clear protection coat of Lifeline Advance. The transparent pigments in the Lifeline Ultra-2 stain provide crucial ultraviolet protection for the logs. Two coats of the stain further protect the wood and develop the perfect shade of color. A coat of clear Lifeline Advance protects the tint finish and gives that ‘furniture grade’ ever-so-slight sheen to the logs.
Any upward facing checks were filled with a matching tone of EnergySeal (Check Mate 2 is now the recommended product). Upward facing checks can trap water and funnel it into the house. Any check that twists for the length of log can provide a channel for outside air, water, and insect to enter the house. All exterior log ends were coated with Log End Seal to prevent water from being drawn into the logs, as untreated log ends are natural straws.
Log Home Interior Using Lifeline Interior
The interior of this Colorado log home is intentionally a darker shade of tint than most log houses. This was done to promote the old-time feeling of the frontier and add warmth to the larger spaces. Two coats of Lifeline Interior 130 (Dark Natural) were applied and then a coat of Acrylic Satin was applied to the interior for a durable, furniture-grade finish.
The chinking between the logs is Perma-Chink Medium Grey 224. The darker shade of grey provides a warm contrast to the dark natural shade of the logs.
The Dark Natural color develops the warmth and inviting feeling while the Satin topcoat’s unobtrusive film coat makes it easier to dust and clean logs, and aids diffusing the reflected light.
The ceiling in the dining room and the media room are a European stucco product from Stuc-O-Flex International. Both are custom tinted – the kitchen is a hand-troweled light brown tone that reflects light and warms up the large kitchen/dining space.
The ceiling in the media room is an “old leather” maroon look to provide a stately feel to the high ceiling room and highlight the logs.
Over 20 Years of Protection from PCS’ Wood Care Products
This beautiful finish has weathered the environment for over 20 years! With minimal maintenance, the home’s finish and sealant has endured harsh climate conditions without issue. A true testament of quality and performance of PCS products that our customers require to protect and preserve log and timber homes. Our customers have poured their hearts, time, and effort into building their homes – it’s only right they trust products that are just as enduring, so their legacy can stand strong for generations.
If you want to see more photos of the exterior click the following link: https://www.permachink.com/photo-category/photo-gallery/
Which Is the Best Log Home Topcoat
Often we get asked which performs better: Advance Gloss or Advance Satin? Overall, both topcoats protect the finish and your log home exceptionally well. While it mainly comes down to personal preference on which log home topcoat you choose, as the manufacturer of the topcoat, we’ve learned some things that can tip the scales if you’re undecided on which topcoat to select for your log or timber home. So the quick answer is we recommend Advance Gloss.
Reflectivity
When it comes to performance and longevity there is no doubt about it- a gloss topcoat will outperform a satin topcoat. Why? The most important factor is reflectivity. A smooth, glossy surface reflects more ultraviolet (UV) light than a less reflective one, like a Satin, or worse, a dull one. This is why a vast number of automotive finishes don’t come in satin versions, and why a shiny coat of wax helps retain a vehicle’s color.
Cleanliness
The next factor is cleanliness. The smooth, slick surface provided by Advance Gloss sheds dirt easier than the Satin. That’s because the flatting agent used in Satin results in microscopic roughness in the surface of the finish where airborne dust, pollen and pollutants can lodge. Although particulates can be removed with a good washing, it takes a bit more effort with the Satin finish than removing dirt from the Gloss surface.
Bee Deterrent
The last factor, at least in the Southeast, relates to how Advance Gloss reduces carpenter bee damage. A few years ago we did a survey of customers who used both our satin and gloss topcoats and the results clearly revealed that the gloss topcoat substantially reduced the number of carpenter bee holes. Although there was some reduction in carpenter bee activity using Advance Satin, it was not nearly as significant as the Gloss. Carpenter bees are searching for a wood space to create a chamber to lay their eggs. If this wood surface is coated and that coating is reflective, it creates a mechanical deterrent for carpenter activity.
Order Samples To Test
Whenever requesting exterior finish samples, include a sample of Advance Gloss and Advance Satin, even if you are only interested in one topcoat. By applying both on your wood, you will be able to see the difference for yourself. You may end up choosing the other topcoat because of the way it looks and how it highlights the color of the stain. Although there are other gloss topcoats on the market, none that we have tested retained their level of gloss for more than a few months. Advance Gloss, on the other hand, has been on homes and walls since 2003, and they continue to retain most of their initial gloss.
Just as clear coats are vital to the performance of today’s automotive finishes, our Lifeline Advance™ topcoats are an integral part of all exterior finish systems. Not only do they extend the life of the color coats, but they do much more to protect your log home.
The Benefits of Lifeline Advance
Advance Topcoat significantly improves the look of the finish by enhancing the color, clarity, and depth of the finish. In other words, they make our finishes the most beautiful log home finishes in the world. Second, they help keep the surface clean. The very nature of a pigmented stain makes it susceptible to dirt pick-up through adhesion or impregnation. Since we have designed Advance to form a smooth, strong film, it makes it much more resistant to dirt accumulation. In addition, the smooth surface makes it easy to clean off any dust or pollen that may accumulate on the surface of the logs. A simple application with Log Wash™ and a rinse with a garden hose will remove the dirt and grime that may be hiding the beauty of your home.
Another feature a smooth topcoat provides is greater mechanical resistance to the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. In addition to water, these organisms need something to grip onto. If the spores land on a tough, smooth surface that rapidly sheds water, they won’t have an opportunity to germinate and spread. The surface of your logs stays free of unsightly mold spots and patches of algae.
Of course, the best feature of Advance Topcoat is the protection it provides to the color-containing stain. Years ago, cars left the manufacturer with a coat of paint. More expensive cars may have had several coats of paint, but no matter how many coats were applied, after a few years on the road the paint turned dull and started to flake off. Then car coating experts discovered the benefits imparted by clear topcoats.
Today’s car finishes remain shiny and last longer than ever thought possible, all due to the application of clear topcoats.
How Advance Contributes to Stain Performance Improvement
What is there about topcoats that contributes to this performance improvement? The most performance-enhancing feature of a clear topcoat is that it reflects sunlight. Sunlight is composed of several components, including ultraviolet (UV) light. It’s the UV that is responsible for fading colors and, in the case of wood homes, damaging wood fibers through a process called photo-oxidation. The more UV light that’s reflected off the surface, the slower the color coats will fade. Wood fibers will be also be exposed to less photo-oxidation, thus extending the life of the entire finish system.
Although satin finishes reflect a significant amount of sunlight, gloss topcoats reflect more, which is why car finishes are shiny and not dull. The same holds true for our Lifeline™ exterior finish systems. Because Advance Gloss reflects more sunlight over Advance Satin is one of the reasons that log home gloss finishes are becoming more popular. Read more about the differences of Advance Gloss and Satin finishes here.
An additional beneficial feature of a clear topcoat is the protection it provides to the color coats against degradation by airborne contaminates like sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particulates. Even natural contaminants like tree pollen and bird droppings can damage or discolor the color coats by chemical reactions, or promote mold growth. Our Advance Topcoats provide a barrier that prevents these negative events from occurring.
These are some of the reasons why Lifeline Advance Topcoats play a key role in the performance of all of our exterior film-forming finish systems.
Order Your Advance Topcoat Today
Contact us at 1-800-548-3554 or your local Perma-Chink Store to place your order during business hours, or order online at Store.PermaChink.com. We’ll be glad to help you choose the right sheen of Advance, too, either gloss or satin. If you want to try each sheen on your logs, order free samples online.
Stretching Your Dollar With Lifeline Ultra-2
For 44 years Perma-Chink Systems has cared for log and timber homes through exceptional products designed to outlast and out-perform anything on the market. Getting the most for your money is something we can all identify with, and we endeavor to create significant value for our customers.
One key feature that makes our stains and finishes a better value than other options on the market is the coverage rate. An average-quality wood stain available at any big-box home improvement store offers a coverage rate of 150 square feet (sqft) per gallon. Even a finish specifically made for log homes only averages 150-250 sqft per gallon for a first coat, and 300-400 sqft per gallon for second or maintenance coats.
But one stain brand rises above the rest – expertly formulated to complement the unique character and demands of large logs and heavy timbers.
It’s LIFELINE.
Maximum Coverage Rate Means Lower Total Cost
Our Lifeline Ultra-2 stain comes in with a whopping 350-450 sqft per gallon first coat and 600-800 sqft per gallon second coat. That’s double the coverage rate of other products on the market. Additionally, our other Lifeline family of Ultra-7, Exterior, and Accents finishes have similar coverage rates, making any of our exterior finishes an excellent value.
| Finish Brand | First Coat Coverage Rate Per Gallon | Second Coat Coverage Rate Per Gallon | Price per Gallon (as of 8/2025) | Total Price per Square Foot |
| Lifeline Ultra-2 | 350-450 sqft | 600-800 sqft | $115.99 | $0.46 |
| ProLuxe-Sikkens | 150 – 225 sqft | 300-400 sqft | $98.95 | $0.84 |
| Sashco Capture | 150-250 sqft | 250-350 sqft | $90.99 | $0.80 |
“High” Sticker Price Isn’t the Whole Story
Lifeline brand is not the lowest-priced option on the market by design. The science behind Ultra-2 engineered it to be better than available products, made with the highest-quality components, creating exceptional value when you look at the total cost. We’ve analyzed the cost difference between low-quality finishes and high-quality finishes in our Money Matters article, where labor expenses are a significant factor that gets overlooked when comparing project pricing.
For DIY projects, the material cost of Ultra-2 might be more expensive than the lower-cost choices, but the extra gallons needed to equal the coverage rate and years of durability of Ultra-2 negate any savings. Throw in the 5-year Limited Warranty Lifeline Ultra-2 has when properly maintained, the total cost can not be beat by competitors. Lifeline finishes cover double the square footage and can last more than twice as long. Lesser quality finishes degrade faster and do not offer the superior protection Lifeline finishes offer. The inexpensive finish will easily end up costing twice as much for the same coverage, and twice more again when it comes to refinishing the home in two or three years.
Here’s a comparison of the estimated total cost to stain 1,000 sq. ft. log home using the two stain options:
| Lifeline Ultra-2 at $115.99 per gallon | Proluxe Cetol Log & Siding Stain at $98.95 per gallon |
| • First Coat Coverage: 350–450 sq. ft. • Second Coat Coverage: 600–800 sq. ft. Coverage Efficiency Estimated Total Cost Low Coverage $524.72 High Coverage $402.74 | • First Coat Coverage: 150–225 sq. ft. • Second Coat Coverage: 300–400 sq. ft. Coverage Efficiency Estimated Total Cost Low Coverage $989.50 High Coverage $687.15 |
✅ Summary
• Ultra-2 is significantly more cost-effective for both low and high coverage scenarios.
• Proluxe may be suitable for specific finishes or wood types, but it’s nearly double the cost at low coverage.
Get More with Ultra-2 – Performance That Pays for Itself!
At the end of the day, Lifeline Ultra-2 offers better coverage and longer durability than any product at a local big-box retailer. With less frequency between coats over the long, long life of your log or timber home, and impressive coverage rates, the value of Ultra-2 is simply unmatched.
Don’t wait – order your free samples today! – U-2 free samples Custom colors are available in any shade, or we can match your desired color. Call 1-800-548-3554 to get started.
Stains & Finishes Application Guide
Download the full Application Guide for Stains & Finishes here.
Sealants Application Guide
Download the full Application Guide for Sealants here.
Application Surface Temperatures for Perma-Chink System products
Most of our labels list the recommended surface temperature range for the application of the product, but there are always situations when you may need to know a bit more detail about application temperatures in order to schedule or complete a job. This is a high-level recommendation for application temperatures. For more in-depth information, it’s recommended you please read the Application Temperatures article. In some cases, there are steps that can be taken to help cope with extreme hot or cold temperatures. Just remember that we are concerned with surface temperatures, not air temperatures. It is the temperature of the logs that must be considered, not the temperature on the thermometer hanging on the porch.
Lifeline™ Exterior Finishes
- Recommended Range
- All Lifeline stains 40°F – 90°F
- Lifeline Advance 40°F – 90°F
- Log End Seal 40°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
Sealants
Recommended Range
- Perma-Chink® Above 40°F
- Energy Seal™ Above 40°F
- Woodsman™ 40°F – 120°F
- Check Mate 2® 40°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
Finish Removers
Recommended Range
Cleaners & Brighteners
Recommended Range
- Log Wash™ 40°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
- Cedar Wash™ 40°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
- Wood ReNew™ 50°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
- Oxcon™ 50°F – 90°F (not stated on label)
Step 2 – Schedule Interviews
Perma-Chink Systems maintains current contact information, insurance and license information for all contractors on the referral list. Obviously, you’ll want to interview the contractors to determine their reliability, reputation, and experience, as well as their procedures that best meet your individual needs.
So here are the top 4 Key Questions you should ask each contractor candidate:
1. Does the contractor carry insurance?
A contractor should carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you in the event of a job accident. Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage for the type of project.
2. Is the contractor licensed?
Ask if the contractor is licensed by your state and/or city. Not all states or cities require contractors to be licensed.
3. Will the contractor provide references from previous jobs?
Most experienced log home contractors will have a portfolio of past jobs, along with photos and customers testimonial letters.
4. What is the contractor’s workmanship warranty?
Some contractors typically warrant their workmanship for one year or more. Longer warranties are not necessarily more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his warranty. That is best evaluated using customer references.
Choosing a Contractor
There are several more important things to consider as you narrow down your contractor selection. All job bids (if well written) should contain enough detail provisions and terms to clearly state both parties’ expectations. Your contractor’s knowledge of local building laws, their schedule to do the work and, of course, the total price they bid for your project, is all part of the equation. When it comes to caring for your log home, it’s reassuring to know that you can choose a contractor on whom you can rely on for good advice as well trust that they’re dedicated to providing you with the best results possible.
Again, Perma-Chink Systems is happy to offer you all our resources to make this process a successful experience. We will contact you within 7-10 days to follow-up on the contractor’s response and also log information and future follow-up if the job was awarded to one of our preferred log home contractors. Give us a call at 1-800-548-3554 or e-mail info@permachink.com to get a referral to contractors in your area.
Choosing a Log Home Contractor: Getting It Done Right
Are you the hands-on type—someone who enjoys weekend trips to the hardware store and tackling projects yourself? At Perma-Chink Systems, we proudly support DIY enthusiasts by offering user-friendly products, expert how-to articles, and robust customer support. But while we make the DIY route possible, it’s not always preferable—or realistic.
Sometimes, life simply demands a professional. Whether it’s due to time constraints, physical limitations, lack of confidence, or simply not wanting to shoulder the task yourself, hiring a contractor becomes the smart move. And not just any contractor—a log home specialist.
Why a Log Home Contractor?
Think about it this way: would you hand over your car keys to a golf-cart mechanic? Both may know engines, but the experience gap matters. Similarly, log and timber homes require a specialized touch. Log home contractors understand the unique materials, techniques, and challenges these structures present. Their expertise means better results and fewer mistakes—and their existing relationships with product manufacturers often work in your favor.
Perma-Chink Systems offers a nationwide referral network of experienced log home contractors homeowners can access online on our website, our Find A Contractor tool. While these professionals aren’t directly affiliated with us, most are self-employed specialists trained to use our products with precision and care. Many of these relationships span years, and we continuously review our referral list to maintain the highest standards.
Two Key Steps & Four Critical Questions
Step 1 – Get Informed
Before speaking with any contractor, empower yourself. Knowledge gives you confidence and ensures better conversations. Dive into our literature, explore detailed application guides, attend one of our free homeowner workshops, or schedule a private webinar with our team of log home experts. Our specialists are ready to walk you through the process, explain the products, and help you understand what to expect. An educated homeowner is a contractor’s best client.
Step 2 – Conduct Smart Interviews
We keep up-to-date records of licensing and insurance for all contractors on our referral list, but it’s essential to vet them yourself too. Ask the right questions to ensure the contractor’s reliability, reputation, and fit for your project.
Here are four questions that should top your list:
- Do you carry insurance?
Look for comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Always request proof before work begins. - Are you licensed?
Licensing requirements vary by state and city—make sure your contractor is properly credentialed according to local laws. - Can you provide references?
Seasoned contractors will happily share photos, testimonials, and previous work portfolios. - What warranty do you offer?
While warranty durations vary, what truly matters is the contractor’s integrity and track record of honoring their work—something former clients can confirm.
Making the Right Choice
When reviewing estimates, pay close attention to the details. A well-written bid should spell out clear expectations on both sides. Consider your contractor’s availability, knowledge of local codes, and, of course, overall cost.
Ultimately, you want someone you can rely on—not just to complete the job, but to do it with care and craftsmanship. With the right contractor, maintaining your log home becomes not just easier, but a whole lot more satisfying.
Let Perma-Chink Systems be your guide. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from initial exploration to follow-up after your project is complete. Within 7–10 days of your request, we’ll reach out to record your contractor’s response and keep tabs on next steps.
To get connected with qualified professionals in your area, call us at 1-800-548-3554 or email info@permachink.com. Let’s bring your log home project to life—with the right expert by your side.
The key indicators that your logs need a little R & R (repair and refinish)
It’s difficult to ignore a log home; they possess a personality that always turns heads. Such natural good looks are part of their allure, but the attention they command extends to more than admiration. Log homes need regular maintenance to protect their beauty, performance and longevity. Fortunately, a few simple indicators will tell you exactly what your home needs (and when!). Here’s how to assess your logs’ status:
Annual Inspection of Log and Timbers
An annual inspection and exterior wash are an easy way to stay on top of your home’s maintenance needs. Sometimes a stain may look faded when, in fact, its appearance is just dulled by layers of dust, dirt and pollen. A simple wash will brighten everything up and return your home to its sparkling beauty. Ideally, this annual cleaning and inspection is done in late spring, after pollen season. A product like Log Wash from Perma-Chink Systems, Inc., which is environmentally friendly and is formulated with low pH, cleans the wood and preps it for a new coat of stain or topcoat if one is needed.
Perform a Water Test for Finish Integrity
Washing your home is also the perfect opportunity to do a water test, which tells you if you need to reapply a topcoat or the stain. When you wash your home, if you see water sheeting over the logs and being repelled, it’s a sign that the finish is working. If you’re unsure, perform a spot test by using a spray bottle filled with plain water to spritz a small section of the dry log with water. If the water soaks in, it’s an indicator that you need to re-apply the finish. If it beads up, your finish is working and you’re in good shape.
Is Your Log Color Beginning to Fade?
Stains add color and dimension to logs, enhancing a home’s aesthetic. However, they play another critical role. A log home’s stain, whether oil or film-forming, is responsible for protecting the wood. So, when the appearance begins to fade, that means the protection is, too. Keep an eye out for areas where your wall color is beginning to fade, indicating it’s time for reapplication of stain.
How to Perform a Tape Test
What if you purchased an older log home and don’t know what was applied prior to your arrival? Conduct a tape test! Simply take a short strip of high-adhesive masking tape and place it on the exterior wall, making sure the tape has good adhesion, then pull it off. If you see 50% or more pigment or stain color on the tape, that’s an indicator that not only do you need to re-stain the exterior, but you need to strip it down to bare wood. If you apply a new stain on top of a product that is peeling or flaking off, the new product isn’t going to stick.
Re-Application Made Easy
Once you’ve assessed your home and decided it’s time to reapply, Perma-Chink’s products not only prevent fading but also make application easier in the future. Unlike most film finishes, Perma-Chink’s system is a two-step process that involves a stain, such as LIFELINE™ Exterior, Ultra-2, or Ultra-7, Accents, then a topcoat finish of LIFELINE Advance. The extra step of adding a topcoat finish may seem like more work at first, but it saves you maintenance headaches down the road. That’s because with the LIFELINE brand, the stain protects the wood and the topcoat protects the stain, therefore extending the life of the stain.
Because the topcoat protects the stain, it may be years before you find that the stain needs to be re-applied. With conventional film-forming products or an oil-based stain, the stain will likely need to be re-applied every 2-3 years depending on the sun exposure.
Alternatively, if your log home has been repeatedly treated with an oil-based stain, it might be a good candidate for Log & Timber Defense. This product is a stain and sealant in one. It’s not film-forming and performs more like an oil by penetrating the wood, yet a water-borne finish that cleans up with soap and water.
Looks and Longevity
Knowing how to take care of your log home and choosing products that make maintenance easy will help ensure the beauty and durability of your log home for years to come. With Perma-Chink Systems, you get peace of mind, gorgeous looks, and a minimal maintenance routine that will give your home the longevity you desire. Order your stains today at Store.PermaChink.com or call us at 1-800-548-3554.
How Do Rips and Tears Happen?
Occasionally rips and tears form in log home chinking, especially in new homes that have been constructed with fairly green wood. Most of the time these tears appear on the top edge of the chink joint. That’s because during the tooling process, most people tend to pull product from the top to the bottom of the chink joint, which results in a thinner than recommended layer of chinking along the top edge. In addition, people forget to “push” the chinking up against the top edge, resulting in inadequate adhesion. When the logs shrink, it puts a strain on the chinking and if it was not properly applied, it can pull away from the wood. So when working Perma-Chink®, it is important to keep pushing the product towards the top of the joint.
Before making any repairs, determine if the chinking was properly applied originally (see our Application Guide here for reference). If you find that the thickness along the top edge is consistently less than 1/8”, you may be faced with constant repairs as it will be better to cut it out and start over again. You won’t be able to apply another layer of Perma-Chink on top of what’s already there to bring it to the proper thickness. If you do, the added layer will probably develop blisters in it.
Our rule of thumb is that if a tear is less than one foot long, it can be repaired. If it is longer than one foot, the chinking should be cut out and replaced. The reason for this is that on long tears, the chinking tends to sag out, and there is no way to hold it in place while the repaired area cures.
Begin with making sure the area that you are repairing is good and clean. You don’t want any dirt to interfere with the adhesion of the chinking. It’s easier to make a repair using a tube of chinking or a bulk loading gun than it is to scoop some out of a pail.
Put a bead of chinking along the tear, making sure that you have good contact with the torn chinking and the wood. Once it’s applied, you can press it into place with a tool or your finger. Now use a small, inexpensive paintbrush with the bristles cut to about 2” long, dip it into some water to get the bristles wet, then work the chinking smooth with the brush. This will help match the texture of the chinking repair with the surrounding cured chinking.
In the cases of older chinking in need of repair, it will be necessary to apply Chink Paint over the repaired area to make the color uniform.
Typically, the Chink Paint painted areas will be cleaner and brighter than the old, existing chinking, so you’ll probably want to Chink Paint all of the chinking to renew the look of your entire home. If you want to change the color of your chinking, this would be a good time to take advantage of Chink Paint.
What Causes Blisters?
There are several causes of blisters forming in uncured chinking. The first is whenever chinking is applied in hot, direct sunlight. The surface quickly skins over, preventing the water vapor from escaping from the underlying material. This problem is usually easy to diagnose, since the blister will start to form in the middle of the product, and if the blister is cut away, you can still see chinking under the blister.
Another common cause of blisters is chinking over unsuitable backing materials. This includes blue board, pink board, and other colored EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam and bare wood. These materials out-gas and as they do, they can form blisters in the soft, uncured chinking.
Only those products recommended by Perma-Chink Systems should be used as backing materials for Perma-Chink Log Home Chinking. Some blisters can be directly attributed to the application process. If the chinking is “trowelled” in by hand, small pockets of air can become entrapped during the process. It is very important to “mash” out the chinking in order to work the air out.
Entrapped air also occurs when you apply very small beads of chinking with a tube or a bulk load gun if the tip cut too small, when compared to the size of the joint. Air can be trapped between the beads when it is smoothed out, leading to blistering.
It’s important to work the chinking, although most people are hesitant to do this as it tends to pull during the process. A light mist of water on the surface of the chinking will help prevent pulling, although some chinking professionals only wet the tool they are using, until they get ready to finalize the finish. It is never necessary to flood the surface of the chinking with water, a very light mist is all that you need.
There is no satisfactory way to repair a blister other than to completely cut out the blistered sections and re-chink the entire joint. If you try to cut out and fill in the blisters, you will end up with visible depressions along the chink joint. Once the blistered section is removed, be sure to check the backing material. If it’s the wrong material, replace it with the correct material; if it is bare wood, cover it with masking tape. If you don’t use the correct backing material, you run the risk of blisters reappearing in the repaired sections.
Read Our Application Guide
Read our Sealants Application Guide to learn the best practices, ensuring a beautiful log home for generations.
Inspection Checklist – Downloadable PDF for print
| Wall A | Wall B | Wall C | Wall D | Wall E | Wall F | |
| Are gutters and downspouts clean and working? | ||||||
| Overall condition of roof and dormers. | ||||||
| Are shrubs and tree limbs away from the roof, walls, and foundation? | ||||||
| Sprinklers not hitting the wall? | ||||||
| Are there signs of finish wear or fading? | ||||||
| Check eaves and fascia. | ||||||
| What about the window and door trim? | ||||||
| Is the foundation in good shape? | ||||||
| Check plumbing and electrical penetrations. | ||||||
| Are crawl space vents clear and working properly? | ||||||
| Are there any signs of leaks around windows? | ||||||
| Are there cracks, tears or adhesion loss in chinking or caulking? | ||||||
| Are there any new checks that may need sealing? | ||||||
| Are there any signs of insect or decay infestations? | ||||||
| Are the exposed log ends showing signs of water penetration? | ||||||
| Does the topcoat still look to be intact or is it becoming dull? | ||||||
| Is the color coat showing signs of fading or darkening? | ||||||
| Have any discolorations appeared under the finish? | ||||||
| Are there any signs of peeling around checks and fissures? |
What Do I Use on the Interior of My Logs and Timbers?
The inside is where you do most of your living. As such, it’s important to take time to select the right interior stains and finishes for your log and timber home. In this way, you will achieve an interior that is visually pleasing and performs well for years.
Two Issues
When it comes to interior finishes, there are two phenomena that homeowners tend to overlook:
1. Surprising amount of surface area. Interior walls and ceilings dramatically increase the amount of surface area that requires treatment – there is about twice as much stainable interior surface versus the exterior. You’ll be looking at your stain choice years to come throughout your entire home. Choose wisely the color and stain product, which we recommend Lifeline Interior.
2. Choices, choices, and more choices. During a new build, homeowners are faced with hundreds of decision points along the way. It’s common for homeowners to ask the general contractor (GC) for advice, which is typically the “safe,” neutral off-white color. A GC wants to stay on schedule, but selecting your interior stain takes a little time. You can’t undo stain without a lot of added expense and time removing the old finish and applying the new finish.
What’s Your Color?
To make the best choice for your log home’s interior stain, think about how you spend time inside your home and the feeling you want to create. Does the space have abundant, natural light? Do you prefer cozy, dark walls and a lighter ceiling or a bright, fresh feeling with lighter walls? Another consideration is that wood absorbs light, so a darker stain may translate into a much darker room than you anticipated.
Then there is the tint base. Do you prefer browns, reds, grays, or a bleached look? Like many things, wood stain decisions can follow design trends, or stay within classic choices. Explore your options and be sure to choose a tint that will look beautiful to you over time. You can always darken a lighter stain, but not the reverse.
To order FREE color samples visit our store.
Distinct Needs
Not all interior wood is the same. Logs and heavy timbers are not like the wood of cabinets, moldings, and furniture. These smaller wood products are usually sprayed with nitrocellulose lacquer for protection, giving them a hard, shiny finish. Larger timbers and logs are more dynamic than cabinets, tables, and trim. If you try and put a similar lacquer on your interior log walls, the finish will crack and peel as these larger pieces of wood naturally contract and expand.
Some homeowners wonder if they can go “au natural” with their interior wood, avoiding the protection an interior finish provides. While interior logs may not be subjected to the same elements as their external counterparts, they will absorb cooking oils and odors, collect dust, handprints, and water stains if not protected. There’s another reason to finish them: Have you ever run your hand across rough-cut wood? It feels mildly like sandpaper. All those little crags and jags on the surface need to be covered in a light film; one that’s strong enough to be wiped down and protect the wood while remaining flexible enough to not crack as the log expands, shifts, and contracts over time.
Choose a stain that’s designed for its job. Exterior stains contain higher levels of biocides and preservatives that you don’t need or want inside your home, especially where you’re eating and sleeping. This is also why you want to avoid an oil-based stain. Oil-based products have high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are extremely unhealthy in enclosed spaces.
Smart & Attractive
Start with a stain that gives you the aesthetic and exact level of transparency you desire. Here at Perma-Chink Systems, we recommend using our Lifeline Interior stain, which comes in a wide array of tones, including clear. After staining, add one or two clear coats of Lifeline Acrylic, PCS Clear Shield, or Sure Shine, a water-based poly finish. Both add just enough film to protect your logs and minimize scratchiness so they can be easily wiped and cleaned. Lifeline Acrylic and Sure Shine come in gloss or satin sheens, with PCS Clear Shield offering gloss and matte sheens.
These stains also contain the right amount of UV protection to avoid “picture framing” with the addition of UV Boost. Picture framing is the shadowy discoloration that remains on the wall when you move a bookshelf or a picture. Your stains should not dictate how you can decorate your home if you have to cover outlines of wall hangings. Perma-Chink interior stains and finishes will ensure that the inside of your log home is just as breathtaking and gorgeous as the outside.
To order color samples, visit our store here.