Blog & News
Lower Your Energy Consumption and Prepare Your Home for Winter
From the Experts at Perma-Chink Systems
As winter approaches, one of the most important tasks for maintaining your log home is ensuring it’s properly sealed. With the cold months ahead, taking the time to address any gaps and cracks will help prevent cold drafts and keep your home cozy and energy-efficient.
In today’s world of rising fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, keeping cold air out and warmth in has never been more important. A well-sealed home reduces your energy consumption, helping you save money while also minimizing your environmental impact.
At Perma-Chink Systems, we specialize in products designed specifically to help you seal your log home effectively. Although we’re widely known for our premium stain products, our reputation was first built on our high-quality chinking and sealants. So, what exactly do we mean by “sealants”?
In the context of log homes, sealants are materials used to fill gaps, cracks, seams, joints, and any other spaces where air, water, or pests might enter. While many people refer to these materials as “caulk,” we call them “sealants” to emphasize the superior quality of our products compared to typical caulks you’ll find at your local hardware store.
What makes Perma-Chink sealants different?
Our products are specifically designed for log homes, offering superior performance in sealing, and insulating. Unlike basic caulk, many of our sealants remain flexible after curing, providing long-lasting protection without cracking or peeling. They come in a variety of formulations, each tailored to meet different needs—from maintaining flexibility to achieving a hard, durable seal.
Sealants are typically plastic-like compounds that come in tubes or pails, and once applied, they cure to form a strong bond with the surrounding material. This process helps prevent drafts and moisture infiltration, ensuring that your home stays warm and dry throughout the winter months.
If you’re ready to lower your energy costs and get your home winter-ready, Perma-Chink Systems offers the ideal sealants to help you achieve the best possible results. Let us help you seal in comfort and save energy this winter! Call us at 1-800-548-3554 or visit us at Store.PermaChink.com.
How should I go about making sure that I get started right when it comes to maintenance? How critical is it to begin proper maintenance when the home is new?
Research
Do your research in finding the right system. We provide a robust library of Tech Tips that provides information you need to take care of your log and timber home. New homes should not have issues, and we recommend homeowners perform inspections of their home to find any small issues and fix those now, before they become big issues.
The Right System
Chose a system of fully compatible log or timber frame home products to protect your home, such as Perma-Chink Systems. When doing your research ask for samples. This allows you to choose the best color combination you prefer. Our products cover all stages of log home finishing from insect and mold prevention to wood cleaners to sealants to finishes. Our “whole-home” approach results in all our products working together in preserving your log home.
The Right Amount
You’ll also need to know how many linear feet will you get out of a pail of the sealant or chinking that you use to order the proper amount. Do you know the square footage of your log home exterior? You’ll need to know that when ordering finish and topcoats. How many square feet of coverage will you get from a gallon of finish? Sometimes the more moderate or even higher priced products are a better value because they go further than the cheaper ones. This is worth considering, as labor rates keep increasing.
Proper Project Prep
Prep is always the number one thing when sealing or staining. Clean logs, proper log texture (not overly smooth), and compatible weather – avoid extremes and rainy weather.
Hiring a Contractor
If you hire a contractor, make sure that they have a solid background, check their references, make sure they are current with their insurance company, and get quotes from more than one contractor. Perma-Chink Systems has a list of Preferred Applicators that know best how to care for your log home. And pro tip – book contractors well in advance, many Preferred Applicators book months in advance.
Proper surface preparation is a must and is the key to a successful job. Wood has a chemistry, all of it’s own. First of all, it is close to neutral in pH, much the same as drinking water. Any chemical you apply is likely to change the basic chemistry of the wood and may affect the performance of your finish. That means once you have prepared the wood and before applying the finish, you should try to return the wood to a neutral pH.
LOW PH WOOD CLEANER
Log Wash is a liquid concentrate for cleaning log and wood surfaces. It can be used as maintenance cleaner or to prepare the surface of wood for a new coat of stain or topcoat. Log Wash removes dirt, grime, pollen, and surface stains without harming the wood or the finish. As opposed to bleach solutions, Log Wash does not upset the natural pH balance of the wood, thus preventing wood fiber damage and iron tannate stains. (To treat gray, UV-exposed wood see below Wood Renew).
One gallon of Log Wash when diluted with water will clean 3000 sq.ft. for maintenance cleaning.
For redwoods and cedar, we recommend Cedar Wash. It is a ready-to-use cleaner specifically formulated for preparing the bare wood surface of wood species that contain high levels of wood extractives and resin oils.
For New Construction Projects
Let’s start with brand new wood right out of the mill. As the logs are planed, the process creates surface heat and pressure. This heat can cause the starches and sugars to form mill glaze on the surface of the logs. Mill glaze is very smooth and can inhibit adhesion and penetration of finishes. Most finish manufacturers recommend removing mill glaze prior to application. The best way to remove mill glaze from exterior wood surfaces is by using Wood ReNew, a percarbonate cleaner, and pressure washing. One old standby procedure was to wash the home down with household bleach. This is a No-No. Bleach is caustic and it will destroy lignin in the wood. Lignin is what holds the wood fibers together. You will end up with “fuzzy” logs, as the lignin is destroyed and the fibers break loose from each other.
You are probably wondering why this neutral balance is so important. Wood is a very interesting object and usually is very forgiving. But whenever the pH balance of wood is altered, the chances of developing iron tannate stains increases. While these stains do not damage the wood, they are unsightly and are very often misdiagnosed as mold or mildew under the finish. If tannin stains develop, they are easily removed with treatment of oxalic acid solution, like Oxcon, a brightener. Oxalic acid is a mild acid, but must be treated with caution and properly rinsed off to bring the chemical balance of the wood back to neutral.
Order free samples of Wood Renew and Oxcon
Some wood has characteristic of stains such as bluestain or sapstain that come along with the wood. They are natural occurrence and can’t be removed. Some people try to remove it by spot sanding. While this may lighten the color somewhat, it is best to leave it alone. Spot sanding creates a different surface textures that result in different color acceptance of sanded areas making the finish uneven. If you must sand, try to send the entire wall. Another solution for staining wood with uneven texture is to use a clear primer such as Prelude.
For Restoration Projects
There are two ways to remove old finishes from the logs, Wet and Dry.
Wet Method – Removing Old Finishes
We offer two types of environmentally-friendly wood finish removers that specifically designed for log homes: S-100 and StripIt. Both products are water-based solvents that remove most oil, water-based stains and topcoats. They contain no-harsh chemicals, are bio-degradable and non-flammable, and unlike caustic strippers will not discolor the wood. As opposed to media blasting, chemical stripping is much more user-friendly since all it takes is a general purpose pressure washer.
Order free samples of S-100 and StripIt
Dry Method – Media Blasting
The latest and greatest dry method around is blasting that aging, discolored finish off with new age glass media. Glass media is lighter than sand so while it strikes your home with necessary force, it has less weight – this allows it to remove the stain without harming the wood so much. There is also no risk of blowing water into your house, and because the media is dry, you can re-stain immediately. Of course, you can hire someone to do it for you. If you prefer, call us and we find you a contractor near you, or visit https://www.permachink.com/contractors/ for a list of contractors in your area.
For Maintenance Cleaning
The exterior of a log home is a settling ground for dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants that dull the surface and encourage mold growth. A light cleaning once or twice a year with Log Wash will keep a home looking beautiful and helps prolong the life of the exterior wood finish.
Read the product labels, follow the directions, be well informed before you start the surface preparation process, and the results will be rewarding. And remember, rinse, rinse and then rinse again! You should apply log finish as soon as the home has adequately dried.
Honeybee after honeybee painted on buildings around the world — each one is handcrafted by artist Matthew Willey, founder of the Good of the Hive. https://www.thegoodofthehive.com/
Painter Matt Willey is creating a mural at the Rifle Branch Library. The project will include events every Sunday through Sept. 9 — the scheduled day for mural completion.
Honeybees within the hive ‘think’ collectively. They are hard-wired to understand that their immune system is collective. Their health is based on the health of the hive, not the individual bee. A personal experience with a honeybee in 2008 sparked a paradigm shift for Matt Willey. He realized that human and planetary health are collective, although we rarely act like it. COVID was a reminder that we are truly all connected more deeply than we realize. The global hive Matt is painting is a metaphor for the connectedness of all things. Bees are a symbol for humans, trees, animals, pollinators, water, soil and everything in between…
“A bee is always considering the welfare of her hive. She is wired that way. But humans are wired for choice. So we must choose to see how connected all our problems are.”
Healing the planet is a marathon, not a sprint. Eight years into an estimated 21-year project, Matt has created 42 murals and installations with over 10,000 hand-painted bees.
Matt started his art journey at the age of five. He was born and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts. His mother was a painter and since he was the youngest sibling, he became his mom’s helper. Since then, it never occurred to him to be anything but just that – a painter.
Matt Willey had a successful career as an artist – painting for interior designers, being an NBA sports muralist and a portrait painter. He’s lived in Manhattan, D.C., Asheville, and now upstate New York.
It was 2008, in his studio in New York City when he found his true calling. The inspiration was a bee that had landed on his rug.
“For whatever reason, I got down on the floor and hung out with this little bee and I connected with her,” Willey said. But the bee was dying. He said it crawled about two inches over a span of two hours before it died. His connection with the bee made him start researching to learn more about them.
It was then that he set off to share this message — that we as humans are a lot more connected than we think and could actually learn something if we behaved like the bees.
The dying bee in Matt Willey’s studio became the inspiration for his organization, “The Good of the Hive”. The organization is a movement to hand-paint 50,000 honeybees. He said this is the number necessary for a healthy, thriving hive.
He painted his first bee mural in LaBelle, Florida. Willey’s friend had sent him a picture of the side of a honey business he thought would make the perfect canvas.
So how did Matt Willey end up in Rifle, Colorado?
Well, it all began with and thanks to Lydia B. LaBelle de Rios — whose last name in relation to Willey’s first mural town (LaBelle, Florida) project did not go unnoticed. LaBelle de Rios works for the U.S. Forest Service but her idea for this project has nothing to do with her work. She refers to her role in this as an excited community member and has always liked bees. Read more about this here https://www.postindependent.com/news/towns-abuzz-international-artist-comes-to-rifle-to-paint-bee-mural.
The Rifle Library mural project has a few more weeks of work left before completion. Perma-Chink Systems is a very proud contributor to the project. When the president of Perma-Chink Systems, Rich Dunstan, first learned about it from a friend in Rifle he immediately set out to be a part of it. He thought the project would bring added beauty to an already beautiful community.
Rich contacted his Rifle branch manager, Samantha Herter, to ask her to support the project. Samantha jumped on the request and met with Alex Garcia-Bernal, who is the education and events manager with Garfield County Libraries. Also in the meeting was Amy Tonozzi, who is the Rifle library branch manager. Perma-Chink Systems voiced support for the project and backed this by presenting a check of $500 to contribute to the project.
Left to right – Alex Garcia-Bernal, Amy Tonozzi and Samantha Herter
Matt Willey will be available to talk with all of those who are interested during his time at the Rifle Branch Library. Updates on the project will be provided by the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and Rifle Citizen Telegram.
Update:
With the project completed, the bee mural really envelopes the Rifle, CO library, adding a little whimsy and imagination that libraries often contain. We’re elated that our small contribution is making a huge impact in drawing residents to the library. Here are some pictures of the completed artwork of the bees, those industrious pollinators that help make our world beautiful.
Looking For Stain and Sealant In One?
Perma-Chink Systems® has extended our log and timber home finish options for our customers with Log and Timber Defense™. Unlike our traditional Lifeline wood finishes, Log and Timber Defense penetrates wood much like an oil coating. Once Log and Timber Defense penetrates the wood surface, it forms a strong lattice network within the wood, reinforcing and strengthening the entire system from the inside out. This mechanism greatly reduces the chances of peeling and flaking by leaving the system breathable to water vapor. Many traditional oil-based finishes can also form a network, but are often so high in solids that they can easily blister and peel. Vapor pressure builds up behind the thick, unbreathable solid film and pushes the film away from the wood. This leads to an unfortunate situation requiring removal of the compromised coating down to bare wood.
Log and Timber Defense is designed to be applied to bare wood in one or two coats. If it is applied to wood that already has an existing coating, this can prevent it from forming the lattice network inside the wood. We have had some customers ask: “Can I apply a topcoat such as Lifeline Advance™ to Log and Timber Defense?” We do not recommend application of a topcoat. The reason we do not recommend this is because when a maintenance coat of Log and Timber Defense is needed in the future, there will be difficulty with penetration into the wood because the topcoat forms a barrier to penetration. This could leave undesirable surface defects as well as an uneven appearance. Furthermore, it could lead to peeling and flaking of the film.
How Does Log and Timber Defense Look?
Texture is another property that distinguishes Log and Timber Defense from our Lifeline Stains. Due to its penetrating nature, Log and Timber Defense leaves the surface with a more natural, rustic beauty. It will appear much flatter in appearance. However, if a slightly different look is desired, a second coat of Log and Timber Defense may be applied, but the appearance will remain relatively flat. The second coat will increase color intensity and provide an increased level of overall protection for the system.
Difference Between Stain and Sealant vs. Film-Forming Finishes
In contrast, our traditional Lifeline stains are actual breathable film-formers. This is to say they form a film directly on the surface of the wood, but do not penetrate deeply into the wood. When applied correctly our Lifeline stains are not likely to peel due superior breathability and excellent adhesion. They are, however, only slightly more likely than Log and Timber Defense to peel due to their film forming nature. In addition, our Lifeline Stains are designed to be applied over our existing topcoat with no problems with adhesion, color development or film defects. The film-forming stains will provide a much higher level of gloss development than Log and Timber Defense due to the films being primarily on the surface of the wood, with the added benefit of being able to apply Advance gloss topcoat to finish the system.
Which One Should I Choose?
It can be difficult to choose between our finish options. Rest assured, all our options are high quality and engineered to last. Both Lifeline Stains and Log and Timber Defense are formulated with ingredients that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Log and Timber Defense is both a stain and sealant in one package. It helps to keep liquid water out, which reduces biological growth that can attack and destroy your wood. In contrast, traditional natural oils such as Linseed Oil can easily promote growth of mold and mildew. Finally, both Log & Timber Defense and Lifeline Stains are both waterborne, low in odor, have easy soap and water cleanup, and are non-flammable. Each of our stains and finishes offer unique properties designed to give your home the very best protection possible.
For more information about our finishes, please visit PermaChink.com and click Wood Finishes.
Colors have the ability to evoke emotions and change our attitudes. They can inspire and motivate us to try something new and bold. They can alter our moods and appetites; even make a room feel small and cramped, or large and spacious.
If you plan to redecorate a few rooms this year, the right color choices can make all the difference in the feeling you’re trying to achieve. Better yet, it’s one of the simplest and most affordable decor changes you can make. Not sure which colors to choose? Here is one of the best color palette for home interiors, according to the Pantone Color Institute:
In Praise of Gray
Current trends have featured grays for a few years and we see grays as a key color for paint, home textiles, and interiors. And second only to blue as the most popular color for menswear. Above all, grays serve as the perfect neutral base to work with all other colors.
Often described as a color of scarce emotion, Gray is actually full of meaningful nuances. It is an eclectic but objective color from its coldest hues close to white to its deepest charcoal tones close to black. Gray is like a canvas, which allows you to paint to your heart’s content. It is also the non-perceptible color of nature suggestive of misty fogs, extreme landscapes, and unreachable horizons.
Do you love the idea of gray but worry about the coldness of most gray colors? Try out our new Lifeline Ultra-7 in Eucalyptus or Rustic Gray colors, they are absolutely stylish! Get free exterior wood finish samples here.
If you love your browns more than grays, but still want a hint of that rustic look, try these trendiest new colors in our Lifeline Interior stain collection.
From colors to textures, we’ve got the scoop on which color trends are going strong and we would like you to know about them. We design eye-catching colors in many diverse tones that have the power to transform the entire ambience of your exteriors and interiors.
If you’d like some guidance for a more substantial home restoration, or you’re interested in trying a new color this year, please reach out today 1-800-548-3554. Just pick your colors and order FREE samples to try it on your wood. Custom colors are available upon request.
It’s time to evoke emotions!
Decks are Outdoor Entertaining Spaces – And Should Look It
Indoor spaces can feel overbearing and confining when hosting a small (or large) gathering of friends and family. Spending time outside creates a welcoming atmosphere, encourages more interactive conversations (think games like cornhole or horseshoes), and fosters relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.
The foundation of a great outdoor experience is right under your feet — your deck. Its condition can enhance or detract from the event, so maintaining it is key to creating exceptional memories.
Deck Surface Issues and Problems
If left unprotected or unmaintained, a deteriorating finish allows water and other contaminants to seep into the wood, leading to decay and damage. Over time, the wood weathers, ages, and cracks, allowing even more moisture to penetrate. Keeping a protective finish on your decking helps preserve the wood, limits mold, mildew, and decay, and keeps it looking fantastic.
Deck Defense to the Rescue
Deck Defense is our leading finish for decks, handrails, and fences. Its unique composition bonds with the wood, providing a tough, durable encapsulation. Not only is Deck Defense an exemplary finish for exposed wood surfaces, but its seven standard colors — plus custom color options — also allow homeowners to match their deck to their home’s aesthetic.
Take a Gander at a Recent Deck Project
Curious how good a deck can look after an application of Deck Defense? A Washington State contractor, RadRai Development, recently submitted a project using Deck Defense in Weathered Gray. We think the pictures speak for themselves. The first images show the deck’s condition before the application – and the transformation is striking.
And now the “After” shots of the deck with Deck Defense:
Enjoy Your Outdoor Living Spaces, Starting with Deck Defense on Decks
Deck Defense is available now – order from our Online Store, call us at 1-800-548-3554, or come down to one of our seven PCS stores.
Project pictures courtesy of RadRai Development (Rad Raichynets 425-906-9559) of Western Washington
Remember that the key to maintaining a beautiful exterior and a structurally sound energy-efficient log home depends on controlling UV-light exposure and preventing excessive moisture absorbtion. Proper attention to maintenance during your first three to five years in your log home will reduce maintenance for many years beyond.
Dealing with Seasonal Checks
The seasonal checks (the small cracks that develop in wood) that catch water on the exterior should be filled to prevent any further water entry with Check Mate 2 or Energy Seal sealant. Check Mate 2 is the preferred product for sealing checks, as it is highly elastic and adheres exceptionally to wood, allowing for an excellent seal as checks change sizes. You can learn how to seal checks in our Tech Tip here.
What to Look for with Checks and Why
With winter being almost over and spring just around the corner, it’s time to get out of the house and see what the ravages of winter have bestowed on your home and do a little spring cleaning. Depending where you live, winter can be a very unfriendly companion for your home. For instance, if your home is located in areas prone to large amounts of snowfall, the snow can lay against the logs on your home for weeks. Or worse, windblown snow can work its way into unsealed checks, slowly soaking into the wood. As the snow begins to melt during the day and re-freeze at night, the melted snow causes water to run into the seasonal checks and small areas that rainfall normally doesn’t get into. The moisture inside the check can work its way into the wood substrate beneath the finish and make the wood very wet.
Once the freezing process starts again, the trapped water will expand as it freezes beneath the finish and can, in some instances “pop” the finish off at the edges of the check. The wood then is unprotected and can start to suffer damage from ultraviolet light and repeated moisture.
It’s Not Just the Exterior
Seasonal checks that face upward and allow water to enter can not only lead to exterior finish problems, but they can also serve as a channel for the water to work its way to the interior of the home. Water carried into the interior not only brings in unwanted moisture, but it also brings along with it tannin stains or “water stains,” visible and unsightly on interior walls.
These stains can be very difficult to remove, especially if the interior of the home is finished with a stain or sealer. Water stains on unfinished wood can normally be removed with a light scrubbing with Oxalic acid mixed with a mild non-ammonia type cleaner. If the wood is covered with a stain or sealer, it may be necessary to remove the finish, clean and re-finish the affected area.
Repairing Damage to the Stain or Topcoat
If the edges of the check are unprotected, they should be cleaned, lightly sanded and touched up with the stain and topcoat to restore the protection.
Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. is delighted to reveal the winners of the first-ever Icon Project Awards. This inaugural event showcased an impressive array of log and timber home projects, celebrating the craftsmanship and artistry of skilled professionals in the field.
Whether it’s creating new structures or restoring historic log homes, log and timber care professionals play a vital role in preserving a true emblem of the American frontier: the log home. With a rich legacy as homesteads, frontier forts, and more, these homes now symbolize independence and freedom.
Passed down through generations, cherished log homes face the relentless effects of nature, requiring expert care to ensure they endure the test of time.
With this perspective, Perma-Chink Systems recognizes and honors the extraordinary dedication of those who preserve these iconic structures. And now, it is with great excitement that we present the top three projects of the 2025 Icon Project Awards!
Icon Project Gold Award
Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Masters Restorations
Project Name: LaVeta
Log Masters Restorations initially embarked on a recoat project but soon discovered the log home had two different stain colors, a result of a previous maintenance company’s mistake. After assessing the situation, the scope of the project expanded into a complete restoration, starting with stripping the logs down to bare wood.
During the process, they identified approximately 80 feet of damaged logs that required replacement. Other areas of log damage were skillfully repaired using Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood. The team also replaced handrails and deck posts, finishing them to match the log home. Once repairs were complete, the surface preparation began with Log Wash to remove debris, pollen, and dirt, ensuring the Tim-Bor preservatives could fully penetrate the wood. LIFELINE Prelude Primer was applied to create a uniform base for the final color finish.
To address the mismatched stain colors, Log Masters Restorations applied Perma-Chink Systems’ premium two-coat stain, LIFELINE Ultra-2 Oak, across the entire home. Energy Seal Dark Natural was used to seal log replacements, with Perma-Chink White sealant around the house, and Chink-Paint White giving intact log gaps a fresh, clean appearance. The whole-home protection system was completed with a layer of LIFELINE Advance Gloss.
Adding to the challenge, accessing the property proved difficult due to a 5-mile driveway that was inaccessible to the rental company. As a result, rental equipment had to be transported along the driveway by the Log Masters Restorations team.
Despite these unplanned obstacles, the homeowners were thrilled with the team’s professionalism and dedication. Being a vacation home, Log Masters Restorations kept them informed with regular updates and progress photos throughout the project. Special recognition was given to the team’s craftsmanship in seamlessly blending new logs with the existing structure, creating a cohesive masterpiece. The successful completion of the restoration culminated in the homeowners being placed on a maintenance schedule to ensure the log home’s preservation for generations to come.
Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Energy Seal Dark Natural, Perma-Chink White, Chink Paint White
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-2 Oak
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Gloss
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Tim-Bor
Perma-Chink Systems Primer Used: LIFELINE Prelude Primer
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: Media Blast
Perma-Chink Systems Log Repair Products: M-Balm, E-Wood
Icon Project Silver Award
Log and Timber Care Professional: Mickel Log Homes
Project Name: Alvin Butz, Inc.
Few things are as frightening as a house fire, and in a log home, fire poses unique challenges due to the thickness of the logs and the wood’s preservation treatments. Mickel Log Homes undertook the significant task of replacing multiple charred log walls following a fire that compromised the structural integrity of the home.
Matching replacement logs to existing logs was its own difficulty, and Mickle Log Homes expertly blended red pine and white pine logs together. After replacing the burned logs, Mickel Log Homes media blasted the repaired walls to prepare them for staining and sealing. A thorough cleaning with Log Wash, followed by the application of Armor-Guard preservative and LIFELINE Prelude Primer, set the stage for a beautiful finish.
The team applied LIFELINE Ultra-7 Cedar, complemented by Perma-Chink Tan and the newest Energy Seal color, Energy Seal Cedar. To complete the restoration, LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat was used to protect the fully sealed walls, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of the home. Thanks to their precision and dedication, Mickel Log Homes successfully rebuilt the log home to be enjoyed for generations.
Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Perma Chink Tan, Energy Seal Cedar
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-7 Cedar
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Gloss
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Armor Guard
Perma-Chink Systems Primer Used: LIFELINE Prelude Primer
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: Media Blast
Icon Project Bronze Award
Log and Timber Care Professional: Brent’s Repair Service
Project Name: Mike Brown Project
Brent’s Repair Service’s submission for the Icon Project involved an extensive, multi-year restoration and maintenance effort that thoroughly tested the crew’s patience and expertise. The original finish had failed, while the hardened topcoat necessitated a challenging removal process using various techniques. Once the team stripped the log home to its bare wood, they applied Shell-Guard RTU as a preservative and Log Wash for cleaning, preparing the surface for the final coating of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chestnut and LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat.
Examining the bare logs revealed the home’s age, along with checks and damaged chinking. To address this, Check Mate 2 was used to seal the numerous checks, preventing water intrusion. While the primary log gap chinking remained in excellent condition, Energy Seal was utilized to repair many joints.
Complicating the project was the home’s intricate construction, featuring dormers, overhangs, and other intricate design elements. The team relied on multiple lifts and ladders to ensure every surface was meticulously addressed. The result surpassed the customer’s expectations, demonstrating Brent’s Repair Service’s exceptional craftsmanship.
In a true testament to their dedication, despite relocating to Florida, the company continues to perform annual maintenance on this West Virginia log home at the customer’s request.
Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Energy Seal, Check Mate 2
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chesnut
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Satin
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Shell-Guard RTU
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: StripIt Finish Remover
Icon Project Awards Honorable Mentions
The following projects have been acknowledged for their significant contributions to the care and preservation of homes, historic buildings, and wooden structures. Demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in wood restoration and the application of protective products, these endeavors highlight the dedication of skilled professionals. Perma-Chink Systems takes great pride in having such capable hands entrusted with safeguarding natural wood homes and structures. View the gallery at the end of the list to see the projects.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Mountain Ash Log Design, Inc.
Project Name: Franklin
Mountain Ash Log Design’s project showcased an innovative approach to log home construction, utilizing the bases of trees instead of the more traditional uniform-shaped logs. The flared ends of the logs created a distinctive aesthetic for the home while also presenting challenges in properly sealing the joints.
To address these complexities, Mountain Ash Log Design expertly applied Perma-Chink Systems’ Perma-Chink Tan synthetic chinking to seal the log gaps and joints. Their skilled application ensured the intricate seams and gaps were beautifully sealed, accentuating the creative construction technique and celebrating the natural essence of wood.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Alexander Homes
Project Name: Dog House
The Dog House project by Alexander Homes exemplifies their commitment to delivering exceptional transformations that surpass customer expectations. The homeowner, unhappy with the home’s dark brown appearance, desired a lighter, more natural finish.
Since bare wood is vulnerable to UV damage, Alexander Homes proposed the use of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Dark Honey—a premium choice for shielding against UV exposure and other environmental challenges. The team meticulously stripped the structure down to bare wood using StripIt Finish Remover, applied the one-coat Ultra-7 stain in Dark Honey, and sealed the wood with LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat, ensuring robust protection and a stunning finish.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Mountain Ash Log Design, Inc.
Project Name: Ardend
Mountain Ash Log Design undertook the restoration of a log home where damaged logs at the base would lead to compromised structural integrity. The team began by media blasting the old finish and washing the home with Perma-Chink Systems’ Wood ReNew, successfully restoring the natural color of the logs.
To repair the damaged sections, M-Balm and E-Wood, reliable wood epoxy fillers from Perma-Chink Systems, were expertly and artistically applied to blend in with the natural wood. LIFELINE Prelude Primer was used to ensure an even color finish, seamlessly blending the repaired logs with the rest of the structure.
For the final touch, the homeowner selected LIFELINE Ultra-2 Dark Honey as the stain, which was safeguarded with LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat, maintaining a natural and beautifully preserved log home.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Home Care
Project Name: Degraf Ohio
Log Home Care took on the challenge of revitalizing a neglected timber-frame structure, formerly a youth camp facility, which had been converted into a private residence. The project required removing a deteriorated finish, further complicated by the home’s intricate design, including tall gables, cupolas, and exposed post-and-beam features that demanded meticulous attention.
To restore the home’s beauty, Log Home Care selected Perma-Chink Systems’ renowned products. The old finish was stripped away using S-100 Finish Remover, and the surface was cleaned with Log Wash to prepare it for staining and sealing.
The homeowners chose LIFELINE Ultra-7 Rustic Gray for the primary color, while Log & Timber Defense Saffron was applied to highlight the timber features, creating a striking appearance. Energy Seal Slate Gray was used to seamlessly match the stain while sealing the home. A final coat of LIFELINE Advance Satin protected the wood and stain, preserving the structure against the elements.
The project was a resounding success, showcasing the skill and dedication of Log Home Care. Their craftsmanship even secured another restoration project on the property, underscoring their excellence in timber-frame restoration.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Knaughty Log Restoration
Project Name: Reviving a Family Legacy: The Woodfords’ Log Home Transformation
When the Woodfords decided to refresh their beloved family cabin—where they had raised their three children—they faced a tight deadline with winter weather quickly approaching. With the guidance of an innovative realtor who recognized that a professional restoration could increase the home’s value by 50%, the Woodfords entrusted Knaughty Log Restoration for a comprehensive exterior media blast restoration.
Knaughty Log Restoration had just three weeks to complete the project, leaving no room for mistakes. The Woodfords requested the full restoration process, ensuring everything was done perfectly from start to finish.
The restoration process began with media blasting to remove the deteriorated finish from all exterior wood surfaces, which revealed logs in need of repair due to rot. Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood were expertly used for these repairs, shaped and textured to blend with the natural wood surface. The team prepped the wood surface by sanding with Osborn brushes and applying a wood preservation treatment of Shell-Guard RTU, followed by sealing and staining the home.
Energy Seal Dark Natural was used for sealing, while two coats of LIFELINE Ultra-2 Dark Natural provided the rich wood color the homeowners desired. To protect the cabin from the elements, the team applied LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat, while Deck Defense ensured ongoing protection for the deck.
This restoration showcased the excellence of Perma-Chink Systems’ product line, delivering everything from wood rot repair to a durable, clear protective coating. The complete system of products ensured the quality and resilience of Knaughty Log Restoration’s work, preparing the cabin to endure both the approaching winter storm and the long-term future.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Performance Log Finishers
Project Name: Fort Christmas Historical Park
Performance Log Finishers made a vital contribution to history through their restoration efforts at Fort Christmas Historical Park. The preservation and protection of log and timber structures demand specialized products tailored to the unique challenges posed by natural wood. For this ambitious project, involving multiple structures and extensive historical fencing, Performance Log Finishers relied on Perma-Chink Systems’ trusted wood care products.
Working thoughtfully around the park’s schedule to minimize disruption to visitors, they began by media blasting the deteriorated finish, followed by the revitalization of the bare wood using Wood ReNew and Armor-Guard wood preservative. A layer of LIFELINE Prelude Primer was then applied to prepare the surface for staining. LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chestnut provided a rich and vibrant finish, while LIFELINE Advance Gloss safeguarded the structures against environmental wear.
The fort-style fencing was treated with Log & Timber Defense, a penetrating stain that maintained the park’s frontier aesthetic. Additionally, the aging wood required sealing with Check Mate 2 Clear to protect against water intrusion, wood rot, and pest infestations. Log gaps were meticulously sealed using Perma-Chink Stone, ensuring the durability of these historical structures for future generations to experience.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Home Care
Project Name: Ocala Horse Barn
Log Home Care collaborated with Hearthstone Homes to construct a stunning timber-frame barn designed for horses and more. The barn serves as a sanctuary for rescued thoroughbred racehorses and includes specialized areas for equine care, an office wing for client meetings, and a space for entertainment.
As part of this new construction project, Log Home Care conditioned the eastern white pine and Hardie board siding using Perma-Chink Systems’ Wood ReNew and applied LIFELINE Prelude Primer to ensure a durable bond between the wood and stain, achieving a smooth and consistent color finish.
The expansive 7,300-square-foot barn was completed with LIFELINE Ultra-7 Smoke and LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat on the exterior, while Ultra-7 Butternut was chosen for the impressive timberwork and wood surfaces inside. To enhance energy efficiency, Energy Seal Slate Gray was used to seal gaps, perfectly complementing the barn’s aesthetic.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Log and Timber Solutions
Project Name: Event Center
Log and Timber Solutions undertook completing the customer’s vision for a newly constructed timber-frame structure, designed to serve as an elegant event venue for celebrations and memorable occasions. The interior timber elements were intended to be captivating focal points for guests, and Perma-Chink Systems’ LIFELINE Ultra-2 Chestnut and Classic Brown proved to be the perfect choice for the task.
To accentuate the intricate interior woodwork, the ceiling was finished with LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat, creating a striking contrast and elevating the space into a luxurious setting.
A unique aspect of the project’s construction involved staining the interior timberwork prior to the ceiling’s installation. Following the ceiling’s placement, the interior was coated with Advance Satin, ensuring a flawless and elegant finish.
Log and Timber Care Professional: Wenger’s Do-It All
Project Name: Kathleen Guinter
Wenger’s Do-It All’s project evolved from a straightforward cleaning and topcoat application into a comprehensive re-stain and repair effort addressing carpenter bee damage and wood rot. After enduring over a decade of UV exposure and environmental wear without maintenance, the home’s condition, revealed by an application of Log Wash, made it evident that a fresh coat of color was needed.
To restore the home, Wenger’s Do-It All used Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood to repair wood rot found in the roof eaves. They cleaned the home with Log Wash and filled carpenter bee holes to prepare the surface for staining. A single coat of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Classic Brown was applied to refresh the home’s appearance, followed by a layer of LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat to protect the wood and finish for years to come.
Through their meticulous service, Wenger’s Do-It All identified and resolved key issues with the log home, successfully rejuvenating it with the help of Perma-Chink Systems’ trusted products. Their efforts ensured the home was both restored and safeguarded for the future.
About Perma-Chink Systems
Founded in 1981, Perma-Chink Systems (PCS) revolutionized the log and timber home industry with the introduction of the world’s first synthetic log chinking, specifically designed to accommodate the significant movement demands of these homes. Building on this groundbreaking innovation, PCS expanded its focus to develop a comprehensive system of premium wood care products, including cleaners, restoration solutions, and both exterior and interior stains. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, PCS stands unrivaled in its commitment to helping log and timber homeowners preserve their homes for generations.
When Perma-Chink arrived on the log home scene over forty years ago, it revolutionized the industry in the best way possible. We developed a log home sealant that replaced and outperformed traditional mortar chinking.
Perma-Chink Log Home Sealant stretches with log movement and is vastly more flexible than the cement-based chinking of old. When log home builders and owners want the best log home chinking, what they really want is the best log home sealant: Perma-Chink.
Advancing the log home chinking industry further, Perma-Chink pushed the envelope by providing a synthetic chinking that offers more coverage compared to others on the market. A 5-gallon pail of Perma-Chink covers almost 400 linear feet of log gaps, nearly double of the closest competitor.
Some log home sealant brands may offer comparable coverage, but it comes at the expense of the applied thickness. A thick layer of sealant usually induces slumping, where the sealant cannot withstand its own weight. Too thin of sealant application will be tested by environmental exposure and log movement, resulting in blistering and adhesion issues.
| Log Home Sealant Product | Linear Distance Coverage of 1” Gap | Recommended Application Thickness | MSRP of 5-gallon Pail (as of 7/2025) |
| Perma-Chink | 259 linear feet | 5/16”-3/8″ | $295.99 |
| Log Jam | 195 linear feet | 1/2” | $324.49 |
| Triple Stretch Chinking | 347 linear feet | 1/4” Maximum | $312.95 |
Which Is The Best Value?
By the numbers, Perma-Chink Log Home Sealant is $1.14 per linear foot. Triple Stretch Chinking is $0.90 per linear foot at a very thin application thickness, and Log Jam is $1.66 per linear foot at a slightly thicker application thickness.
When you compare the coverage amount at a dependable application thickness, Perma-Chink is the best log home sealant on the market based on cost per linear foot. Add in the superior quality of Perma-Chink and the exceptional performance on homes for 30 years and beyond, it is simply unmatched on the market. The advantage of using Perma-Chink is its fundamental design, as Perma-Chink is a thixotropic* sealant. It stays exactly where the applicator leaves it.
*Thixotropic: Under shear, the compound decreases in viscosity. When pumped or squeeze-applied (shear) it flows as applied, and when the shear goes away the viscosity increases.
In addition, Perma-Chink is part of our whole-home system, designed to work in concert with our finishes and topcoats to make a beautiful log home last for generations.
Perma-Chink Log Home Sealant is also backed by a 10-year Limited Warranty and a dedicated staff of Wood Care Experts that will help you preserve and protect your log home. If you have any questions, call us at 1-800-548-3554 and we’ll be happy to help.
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.