Perma-Chink Systems have the best stains for log and timber homes. While we tend to call our stains "finishes," most consumers are used to the phrasing of "wood stain." Why the difference? The quick answer is that stains permeate the wood, while finishes form a film over the surface, protecting the wood. If you want to know more about the difference, our tips below can answer your questions.

The Tech Tips are grouped below by how our system works. Like most things in life, success is determined by a strong foundation. So the first section contains information on getting your log or timber home ready for the finish of your choosing. Following the surface prep section, we've consolidated information about our finishes for both exterior and interior. The final section is dedicated to known issues with log and timber homes that all homeowners have to deal with, regardless of which finish they choose.

Application Guide

Wood Finishes Application Guide

Tips For Surface Prepping, Cleaning, & Washing

TECH TIP	PDF	TECH TIP	PDF
Buying the System		Avoiding Metallic Contamination
About Sealers, Stains, and Topcoats		The Use of Steel Wool or Wire Brush
Application Temperatures		Calculating Square Footage
About Osborn Brushes		About Linseed Oil
Sanding Tips		Coating Shakes & Shingles
Cleaning Guidelines		Hot Weather Applications
About Spot Cleaning & Stripping		How to Clean Bare Wood Surfaces Using Wood Renew & Log Wash
Media Blasting Versus Chemical Stripping		About Pressure Washing
Washing Media Blasted Surfaces		About Pressure Washers
How to Remove Existing Finishes		The Dynamics of Weathering
Freeze-Thaw Stability		Why Log Homes Need a Pigmented Finish

Tech Tips About Stains & Finishes

TECH TIP	PDF	TECH TIP	PDF
What is a Breathable Finish		About Back-Brushing
Maintenance Coats of Finishes		About Using Quality Brushes
Peeling Issues on Logs & Siding		How to Repair Peeled Spots
Removing Dried Finishes, Sealants, Borates, and Cleaners From Surfaces		About VOCs
Mixing & Boxing Stains & Topcoats		About Log End Seal
Oil Based Stains Versus Lifeline Water Based Stains		Sealing Grayed Wood
Penetration of Film Forming Stains		Beading Water
About Handrails

Tech Tips For Exterior Finishes

TECH TIP	PDF	TECH TIP	PDF
How to Apply Lifeline Exterior		Applying Lifeline Over Oil-Based Stains
How to Use Defense Products - Log & Timber/Deck		About VOCs
Applying Lifeline Over Existing Stains		About UV Boost
About Clear Exterior Finishes		Stain and Topcoat Additives to Lifeline Finishes
About Prelude Clear Primer		Sealing Log Siding
The Role of Advance Exterior Topcoat		Mixing Advance Satin
Coating Shakes & Shingles		About VOCs

Tech Tips For Interior Finishes

TECH TIP	PDF	TECH TIP	PDF
How to Apply Lifeline Interior		Applying Sure Shine
Interior Color Coats & Topcoats		Finishing Floors

Tech Tips For Moisture, Mold, & Wood Issues

TECH TIP	PDF	TECH TIP	PDF
What is Mill Glaze?		About Water Stains
About pH		About Moisture Content
About Moisture Meters		About Mold & Mildew
About Resin Bleed		Preventing Mold Growth