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Wood Finishes

Lifeline Ultra-7 One-Coat Exterior Log Cabin Stain

Premier Outdoor Wood Stain

Lifeline Ultra-7 is the most durable exterior finish Perma-Chink Systems has ever developed. Proven through extensive real-world exposure testing in some of the harshest climates across the country (the sun-soaked Southeast and extreme mountain environments).

The secret behind our Lifeline Ultra-7 stain is a state-of-the-art resin. It creates a flexible and tough seal on your home’s logs. Homeowners and contractors can expect superior protection from holes and gaps that might otherwise develop with a lower-quality finish.

Perma-Chink log cabin exterior stain is resistant to UV degradation, color fading, and adhesion loss. And just like all Lifeline finishes, the water-resistant film breathes (just like a Gore-Tex® clothing treatment) to allow trapped moisture to evaporate from your logs.

Lifeline Ultra-7 Colors
Caramel
#325
Oak
#332
Almond
#345
Cedar
#385
Bronze
#374
Chestnut
#365
Smoke
#363
Eucalyptus
#390
Rustic Gray
#372

Available Outdoor Wood Stain Sizes

Lifeline Ultra-7 comes in 5-gallon pails and 1-gallon pails. Free samples of all our finishes are available. We encourage you to test the color on your actual wood. Age, grain variations, and surface conditions will determine project needs.

Light repairs or touch-ups typically call for the smaller size. Larger exterior projects often require 5-gallon containers for better coverage and consistency.

Product Information

Premium outdoor wood stain designed for log homes and vertical wood surfaces.

Features

  • Appearance – Superior color retention
  • Longevity – Long-lasting finish
  • Value – More coverage than other brands
  • Environment – Low VOC and water-based

Application Temperature

40° to 90°F

Application Methods

  • Airless sprayer
  • Brush

Surface Preparation

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

Special Instructions

  • Back-brushing required
  • Stir container every 15 minutes
  • Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
  • Requires one coat of Lifeline Advance topcoat
  • Avoid applying in direct sun

Shelf Life

3 Years

Frequency

As needed, depending on exposure

Drying Time

  • Dry to the touch in 4-6 hours

Coverage Rate

  • 250-350 square feet / gallon depending on the porosity of the wood

How to Store 

Seal open outdoor wood stain containers after each use. Then place in a dry environment to avoid direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. Each can negatively impact performance. Shelf life typically reaches three years with proper storage. 

How to Apply 

Surface prep controls the outcome. Start with clean, dry wood. It should be free from old finishes or contaminants. Apply using a sprayer. Then, follow up with back-brushing to work the stain into the surface. 

Keep sections small to maintain a wet edge. Doing so prevents lap marks. One coat of Lifeline Ultra-7 stain is standard. Followed by a clear topcoat after the surface dries. 

Maintenance 

Periodically check exposed areas where movement or wear occurs. Reapply as needed to maintain protection. If a new coat is necessary, clean surfaces to ensure adhesion. Thin layers tend to perform better than heavy buildup.

Application Videos

How To Apply A Lifeline Log Home Finish
About Lifeline Advance Topcoat

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifeline FAQ

Do Lifeline finishes need a clear topcoat?

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

Do your finishes offer UV protection?

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

Do I need to stain first before chinking?

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

This stain is so beautiful! I have been using different stains for about 30 years and have never been happier than with Ultra 7 (#365)

–Debby

We used Smoke Ultra 7 with Brown chinking for a more rustic look on this Colorado Home so the home would fit into an older neighborhood and not look out of place. Very pleased with color, sheen and overall quality.

–Brian

This house hadn’t received the maintenance it should have for a long time it amazed everyone that looked at it using Lifeline Ultra-7 in Carmel and Lifeline Advance Topcoat. The house looks like it’s new.

–Jon

The finish on my cabin was grey and quite dirty. Cleaned it and put on Ultra-7 and Advance. Your products worked as promised. Great directions. I’ve been in construction 35 years. Almost nobody tells the truth anymore.

–Ray
Lifeline News
Why do my choices regarding surface prep, stain, and color matter? When it comes to choosing a finish system for your log home exterior there are many factors to consider and depending on what choices you make it will have a significant impact on the longevity of the finish system.
Let us assume that you have a brand new log home, or a home that has had an old finish recently removed. The bare wood is nice and bright, and the color is exactly what you always envisioned for your log home.
We often get asked if it is acceptable to apply our Lifeline™ finish systems over an existing oil-based or petroleum stain. It would be nice if there was a simple yes or no answer to this question, but there is not.

Here's What Our Customers Are Saying