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Applicators Only Workshop

Smoky Mountain Log & Timber Workshop - Applicators Only!

February 27-28, 2025

Pigeon Forge, TN

 We welcome our valued Applicators and Contractors

The Staff and Management of Perma-Chink Systems are pleased to announce our upcoming Smoky Mountain Log & Timber Professional Workshop, scheduled for February 27-28, 2025, at Dollywood’s HeartSong Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN.

This workshop presents an excellent opportunity for both new and experienced contractors to acquire valuable insights and training. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued business and support, and we look forward to sharing our latest company updates, directives, and goals for 2025.

PERMA-CHINK SYSTEMS RETURN POLICY

Return Policy

Returns are accepted for purchases from Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. only, either from a store branch or our Online Store.
If you are making an exchange or a return, we make it easy! Contact us at 1-800-548-3554 for store purchases, or 1-888-838-5070 for online purchases.

  • We will accept returned items within 30 days, with no restocking fee. Returns within 30-90 days will have a 20% restocking fee. Returns after 90 days will not be accepted.
  • You must request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) from Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. prior to returning any merchandise.
  • Have your proof of purchase ready when requesting your RMA.
  • All items must be returned in new, unopened, resalable condition.
  • If you are returning merchandise from an Invoice that qualified for Free Freight, we will deduct the freight amount from your return, according to our shipping charges. If you received Free Freight for our Customer Loyalty Program or Promotional Coupon and return the entire order, we reserve the right to charge the freight to and from your location along with a 20% restock fee, if applicable. If the order is refused upon delivery, we will charge freight to and from your location.
  • When merchandise is returned, credit will be issued in the form of original payment or applied to your account.
    Merchandise exchanges are processed without any fee within 30 days of purchase, no exchanges will be accepted after 90 days.

No returns are accepted on Lifeline Accents or Custom Color Orders, as they are tinted per customer request, so it is important to try the free samples first to determine the color you would like before you purchase the tinted product.

Return Methods – choose from one of the following options:

  • Ship it yourself – Securely package and send the merchandise by USPS, FedEx or UPS to the Perma-Chink System address provided at the top of your packing list.
  • Ask us to arrange shipping – Request that we issue a Call Tag, securely package the merchandise, and a FedEx Driver will come to your house and pick-up your package that you have placed outside your door (please put a note on the package for return “For FedEx Call Tag”). We will deduct $9 per package for the Call Tag fee, plus the FedEx shipping charges, from your returned product(s). For a truck order (LTL) you will need to call Perma-Chink Systems and we will provide you with the return paperwork you will need to take, with the product, to the carrier terminal.
  • In store – Visit your nearest Perma-Chink Systems location for immediate processing of your return.

Returning Wrong Item Shipped – choose from one of the following options:

  • Ship it yourself – Securely package and send the merchandise by USPS, FedEx or UPS to your nearest Perma-Chink Systems location. We will reimburse you for the freight.
  • Ask us to arrange shipping – Request that we issue a Shipping Call Tag, securely package the merchandise and a FedEx Driver will come to your house and pick-up your package that you have placed outside your door (please put a note on the package for return “For FedEx Call Tag”).
  • In store – Visit your nearest Perma-Chink Systems location for immediate processing of your return.

Hi there, sports fans! Can you believe it is November? Seems to me I was just getting used to summer! Cold weather is coming and it pays to get serious about closing those last few orders and thinking about comfort and home protection over the winter. 

You can assure customers by suggesting they've spent their last winter with drafts, cool air, and high energy costs with a properly sealed home. They will be much more comfortable, increase their home value, and protect their log home investment by chinking now, before the winter cold sets in.

If the logs themselves could use some additional protection, suggest LIFELINE natural wood finish, which is specifically designed for log homes. LIFELINE is easy to apply, enhances the natural beauty of the logs, and provides premium protection against the ravages of the coming winter.

And for sure note that if you apply LIFELINE finishes to the home now, we assure compatibility with Perma-Chink chinking for later applications. Works great the other way around, too - chink now with Perma-Chink or Energy Seal and follow up with LIFELINE for a dynamite sealant system. 

Q: I am always pressed for time, how soon after LIFELINE application can I apply Perma-Chink?

A: LIFELINE will dry to the touch in an hour or so, and Perma-Chink can easily be applied the following day. 

The Difference is Clear, but it’s NOT What You Think.

It makes sense that the more your product costs, the higher the quality of ingredients.

To prove this point, the professionals in the industry performed a careful analysis that shows that in the long run, it’s less expensive to apply the very best quality stain, despite its higher initial cost.

How Does a Low-Cost Option Cost More?

Field tests show that while low-quality finishes last two years or less, top-quality, 100-percent acrylic polymer finishes such as the LIFELINE™ Ultra family from Perma-Chink Systems last five years or more when applied to a properly prepared surface and maintained on a regular basis.20 Year-Old Home With Original Finish

CHEMIST'S CORNER: Can All Wood Species Be Prepared the Same Way, Using the Same Cleaning Products?cedar log home

The obvious answer to this question is NO. Although all wood species contain many of the same components - including cellulose and hemicellulose and minor amounts of extraneous materials - it is the wood extractives that differentiate wood species from one another.

How to Use Deck Defense™ and Log & Timber Defense™ Products

Proper treatment and care of your horizontal and vertical structures can add beauty and longevity to your entire living space. To help seal and protect your deck, fences, or railings we recommend using our waterborne finish Deck Defense. For vertical structures such as wood siding, trim, timberframe, beams, and rough-cut cedar we recommend Log & Timber Defense.

Defense products work by penetrating several layers deep into the wood fibers creating a lattice network that strengthen and protect your wood from the inside out. These products are formulatedfor better performance, longer life, easier application, and upkeep. They also will not flake or peel when applied according to labeled instructions.

All structures should have a surface moisture less than 20% before applying a Defense product. High moisture content will hinder the penetration and adhesion of the finish. If constructing a new deck, boards should be placed bark side down. Also, if the boards have a high moisture content, they should be placed in direct contact with one another when laid down. As the boards dry a gap will open for proper airflow and drainage. If you gap them when they are too wet, the gaps between the boards will likely be too large. Having to estimate what the final gap will be, can be avoided if moisture equilibrated kiln dried boards are used. Finally, let the new boards season for several months prior to application of a finish. This will allow time for the wood to shrink completely and come to an equilibrium with its environment.

Wood Preparation

In situations where a Defense product is going to be applied on an established deck, the deck must be free of the existing finish, in addition to being clean and dry. The cleaning solution required depends on the condition of the boards.

Log Wash™ is an excellent wood cleaner to remove dirt, grime, pollen and surface stains from bare wood (use two cups per gallon of water).

Cedar Wash™ is a ready to use cleaner designed specifically for wood with high extractives content such as Southern Pine, Spruce, Douglas Fir and Cyprus wood.

Wood Renew™ is used when the wood surfaces have been damaged. i.e., grayed wood and mill glaze. It will restore the wood back to its natural color. Wood Renew is also the preferred method for preparing deck boards for staining. It is important to follow all labeled instructions when using this product.

Sanding is used to remove surface imperfections. Although labor intensive, sanding helps to increase mechanical adhesion, provides for better color uniformity and aids in opening the substrate to promote better penetration of the stain. 40 – 60 grit sandpaper is recommended for decks. Always sand in the direction of the grain. When finished with the sanding, clean the surface using our Log Wash solution.

Finish Removers are used to remove an existing finish. There are two relatively safe waterborne finish removers designed to soften the finish so that it can be removed mechanically using a pressure washer.
(1) S-100™: Is supplied as a ready to use high pH gel. The gel helps it to remain active for an extended period.
(2) Strip It®: Is supplied as a ready to use pH neutral finish remover. It is designed to remove multiple layers of finish at a time.

We recommend that you obtain samples of each and test both to determine which works best for removing your finish. Follow all labeled instructions.

Rinsing is very important to completely remove the cleaning solution and debris. Use pH strips to test the rinse water run off to make sure the rinse water is between 6.5 – 7.5. Inadequate rinsing will lead to unnecessary problems and shorten the life of the stain. After rinsing allow the surface to completely dry before application of a finish.

Application Guidelines

• Surface Preparation: Must be applied to clean, dry surface.
• Application Weather Consideration: Do not apply if rain is eminent within 6 hours.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Although Defense products are considered non-toxic, gloves are recommended when applying.
• Protect from overspray: Wet down and cover nearby vegetation and adjacent surfaces. Keep these areas wet during application and rinse promptly when finished.
• Mixing: Mix thoroughly initially and every 15 min. to ensure color uniformity. Do not use powered mixing equipment.
• Boxing: We recommend boxing pails together if using different batch numbers. This will help with uniform color.
• Application Methods: Low-pressure pump-up sprayer, Paint Pads (for deck application), quality brush, or roller. Apply in a flooding manner to completely cover the surface of the wood, allowing the product to soak into the wood. Back-brush the finish into the wood using a quality brush.
• Maintain a wet edge: Work in small sections to help maintain a wet edge. This will help prevent lap marks.
• Work in the same direction: When applying the finish apply in the direction of the grain and stop only at natural breaks such as board ends to prevent lap marks.
• Application Surface Temperature: 40 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit:
• Number of Coats: Defense products works great as a one coat stain. However, for color or if the surface appears blotchy, a second coat may be applied. The second coat should be applied wet on wet. If it is not, wait one week before application of a second coat.
• Drying Times: Drying times will vary with application, airflow temperature and humidity. Under ideal conditions Defense Products will dry to the touch in 20-30 minutes. For horizontal surfaces wait 4 - 6 hours before walking on the surface and 24 hours before replacing heavy furniture.
• Coverage Rates: Coverage rates will vary considerably based on the type of substrate and methods of application. A second coat will require much less. Below are some approximations of coverage rates based on the type of wood.
• Rough Sawn Wood: Rough sawn wood such as fences will soak up a large amount of stain. Perhaps as low as 100 – 175 ft2 per gallon
• Older mature decks: 175 – 250 ft2 per gallon
• New Wood: 250 – 300 ft2 per gallon
• Protect from Freezing: Although freeze thaw stable, this will ensure any possibility of degradation.

Clean Up

If cleaned soon after application, tools and equipment are easily cleaned with soap and warm water. Dispose of unused product in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.

Maintenance

Good maintenance for decks as well as for other wood surfaces will prolong the need for re-staining or removal. Defense products will not flake or peel when properly applied. Clean with log wash when needed. We recommend using one cup concentrated log wash per gallon water. Expect to see more wear in high traffic areas such as steps and traffic patterns. These areas can be recoated easily where needed after cleaning with log wash. We discourage using a clear topcoat over Defense products. A topcoat will prevent any future recoating.

When it comes to using elastomeric sealants, considering the potential movement of your wood is almost always a smart move. Some important factors to consider that impact wood movement are moisture content, species type, type of cut (flat tangential cut or quarter sawn radial cut) and local environmental conditions.  Not taking these into account has the potential to lead to costly repairs in the future.

family care for your dream home

There is no secret in retaining the beauty of your log home. A little care and maintenance along with the use of quality products designed specifically for log homes will keep your home looking great for generations to come.

CARING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

The proper application of preservatives, stains and finishes is equally important as the prep work to the wood.

NEW LOG HOMES

 

restore maintenance guide  STEP 1SURFACE PREP

 Over the years we have discovered that chlorine bleach is not a good product to use for cleaning wood surfaces, it contributes to several problems including the loss of film adhesion, discolorations due to tannin extraction, and the formation of iron tannates, streaks, blotches and premature failures of the finish system. We have also discovered that several wood and deck cleaners available at paint and hardware stores, home improvement centers and Do-It-Yourself outlets contain components that interfere with the proper performance of wood stains and finishes.

With this in mind we have decided that the ONLY cleaning products approved for use with our finishes are those products supplied or recommended by Perma-Chink Systems, Inc.

  1. If the wood has not grayed, wash the surface with Log Wash™ solution and a pressure washer no more than seven (7) days prior to staining. Rinse well and allow the wood to dry.
  2. If you are finishing Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Walnut or Mahogany, use Cedar Wash™, a ready-to-use cleaner, instead of Log Wash for better surface preparation and finish longevity on these specific wood substrates.
  3. If there are signs of grayed wood, use Wood ReNew according to the label along with a pressure washer. Rinse well and allow wood surface to dry before staining.
  4. If after washing there are still dark streaks or discolorations, use a solution of Oxcon™ on the entire wall. Rinse well and allow the wood to dry before staining.

Resources: 

Download Cleaning Guide in pdf

Watch Videos

Cleaning Tech Tips

View All Wood Cleaning Products here


 preserve maintenance guide STEP 2PRESERVE

Special purpose preservatives to protect against termites, insects, wood rot, mold and mildew.

Resources: 

Read More About Borates

Watch Videos

Wood Preservatives Tech Tips

View All Wood Preservatives Products here


stain maintenance guide  STEP 3STAIN and FINISH

 Finishes to protect and bring the beauty of your exterior and interior walls, decks and floors. 

Resources: 

Stains and Finishes Application Guide

Watch Videos

Staining and Finishing Tech Tips

View All Stain and Finishes Products here


seal maintenance guide  STEP 4 - SEAL and CHINK

Flexible sealants for every weather-proofing job around your chinked or chinkless style log home.

Resources: 

Sealants Application Guide

Watch Videos

Sealing and Chinking Tech Tips

View All Sealants and Chinking Products here

 


MAINTENANCE for EXISTING LOG HOMES

Check for weathering patterns that can include:

  1. Fading of the finish.

To test your finish or stain, use a spray bottle to mist the logs with water. If the water beads up and runs off like a freshly waxed care, then it’s doing it’s job. If logs soak up water, then you’ll need another application of finish.

  1. Water staining on exposed log ends.

If you have exposed timbers on the underside of your eaves that extend flush with the overhang or protrude past it, the ends of these logs are susceptible to rot. Treat with Shell-Guard then sand and seal with Log End Seal.

  1. Water staining on exposed walls.

Check flashing around the windows to ensure that all water is being channeled out and down the exterior walls. Water stains of the logs or drafts around the windows or doors indicate that air and water is infiltrating your home. The right sealant is the solution for this problem.

 

Download Inspection Checklist here

Log and Timber Home Maintenance in Details here


Log Homes with an Existing Finish That is Still in Good Condition

If a maintenance coat of Lifeline stain or topcoat is going to be applied over an existing Lifeline finish, wash the coating surface with Log Wash solution no more than seven (7) days prior to staining. Rinse well and allow the wood to dry, then apply a fresh coat of stain or finish.

Still have questions, call us 1-800-548-3554 or chat with us on permachink.com


Need a Contractor?

Check for Log Home Contractors Near You find contractor


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Perma-Chink Systems® has recently added another beautiful wood finish option for our customers. Unlike our traditional Lifeline film-forming wood finishes, Log & Timber Defense™ penetrates your wood. As it absorbs into the wood surface, it forms a strong lattice network within the wood, reinforcing and strengthening the entire system from the inside out. Due to its elastomeric nature and penetration, it greatly reduces the chances of peeling and flaking by leaving the system breathable to water vapor. Many penetrating oil-based finishes can also form a network but unfortunately often contain harmful flammable solvents that make working with them both dangerous for you and our environment. In contrast our Log & Timber Defense is water-based making it both easier and safer to work with.

Perma-Chink Systems® recently added another beautiful wood finish option for our customers - Log and Timber Defense™. Unlike our traditional Lifeline wood finishes, Log and Timber Defense penetrates your 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.

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