Which Log Finish Should I Choose?

Perma-Chink Systems, Inc., a long-standing provider of wood care solutions for log and timber homes, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026. Since its founding in 1981, the company has focused on helping homeowners, contractors, builders, and manufacturers protect and preserve wood structures through purpose-built products and practical expertise.

In its early years, Perma-Chink Systems introduced the industry’s first flexible chinking – an innovation that addressed long standing challenges in making log homes energy efficient. That early work helped establish a foundation for continued product development and long-term relationships throughout the log and timber home community.

Over the decades, the company has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive range of specialty sealants, high-performance finishes, preservatives, and cleaners, all designed specifically for the unique demands of log and timber homes. Today, these products are used on a wide range of structures, from cozy cabins to expansive log and timber-frame residences.

Perma-Chink Systems’ progress has been shaped by the experience of its team, whose combined decades of hands-on work in log home care inform both product development and customer support. That practical knowledge continues to guide the company’s approach to research, technical assistance, and education.

“Reaching 45 years is a reflection of the relationships we’ve built and the trust our customers have placed in us through the years,” said Terry Knight, CEO of Perma-Chink Systems. “Our founder, Rich Dunstan, believed strongly in doing things the right way—listening to customers, standing behind our products, and acting with integrity. Those values continue to guide how we operate today.”

As the log and timber home industry has evolved, Perma-Chink Systems has remained focused on supporting those who build, maintain, and live in wood homes. The company’s emphasis on technical guidance, customer service, and thoughtfully engineered products has made it a consistent resource for professionals and homeowners alike.

Looking ahead, Perma-Chink Systems remains committed to building on its experience while continuing to improve how log and timber homes are cared for. Through ongoing product development, service, and education, the company aims to support the long-term durability and beauty of wood homes for years to come.

About Perma-Chink Systems, Inc.

Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. manufactures wood care products formulated specifically for log and timber homes, including chinking, sealants, stains, finishes, cleaners, and restoration systems. Founded in 1981, the company serves homeowners, builders, and contractors with specialized products and technical support grounded in decades of industry experience.

Read about the invention of first log home chinking: Perma-Chink Systems History – The Invention of the First Log Home Sealant – Perma-Chink Systems

Contractor: Ferrari Structures & Woodworks

This historic home in Chesapeake, Ohio, has quite a story. Local tradition says it was built by Jacob Suiter, a stout Pennsylvania Dutch settler, who hand-hewed the white oak logs on site and joined them with wooden pegs. The Ohio Historic Inventory (1976) records the date as 1824, though other sources suggest it may have been built as early as 1805–1825. That makes it the oldest known house in Chesapeake.

The main structure is a two-story, roughly 28′ x 35′, set on a 5′ crawl space/cellar. It originally featured half-dovetail log corners (a hallmark of German-influenced builders), with horsehair chinking later patched in with cement. A family room addition and enclosed front porch were built after 1925, using sandstone quarried right on the property. The upper gables were originally hand-split cedar shakes, which the client asked us to update with cedar shakes vinyl siding for easier upkeep.

In restoring the home, we removed layers of cement that had been applied over the logs and carefully assessed the structure. Twenty-one logs had to be replaced — all with white oak salvaged from a deconstructed 1815 structure in Wheeling, WV. These reclaimed logs were in excellent condition, and it was exciting to bring 200-year-old timbers back into service. We removed the paint on the logs, repaired and replaced chinking throughout, replaced the old fascia and window trim with rough-sawn hemlock and corrected a long-standing gap between the chimney and the house. The roof framing showed sawn rafters rather than rounded poles, which was an interesting detail.

For finishing, we used Perma-Chink Systems products: Log Wash, Ultra-7 in Gentry Gray, Lifeline Advanced Gloss Clear Coat, Stone-colored Perma-Chink log chinking and Chink Paint, and Dark Natural Energy Seal (which blends more naturally into the logs).

It’s been an honor to help preserve this remarkable piece of history for the current owners, The Nelson’s. Many thanks to Wilderness Woods for supplying the reclaimed oak and hemlock materials and to Perma-Chink Systems for their fantastic Products. Here are informative links to the house with a pre-addition and pre-restoration photos: Oldest House in Chesapeake Ohio | Jacob Suiters House in Ohio

Perma-Chink Systems Products Used

• Log Wash
• Lifeline Ultra-7 – Gentry Gray
• Lifeline Advanced Gloss Clear Coat
• Perma-Chink – Stone
• Chink Paint – Stone
• Energy Seal – Dark Natural

Celebrating Log Home Excellence

Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Icon Project Awards! This annual celebration recognizes the outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of professionals in the log and timber home industry.

From breathtaking new log and timber home construction to the careful restoration of historic log homes, this year’s winning projects showcase the artistry and expertise required to build, preserve, and maintain these timeless structures. Each project highlights the passion and skill of the builders, contractors, and restoration specialists who continue to keep the tradition of log and timber homes thriving.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable work and craftsmanship that define excellence in the log and timber home community.

Honoring Extraordinary Dedication

At Perma-Chink Systems, we recognize and honor the extraordinary dedication of those who preserve these iconic structures. Their work keeps the log home legacy alive, blending craftsmanship, innovation, and reverence for history.

Meet the 2026 Icon Project Award Winners

Icon Project Gold Award – Ferrari Structures & Woodworks

Project Name: Historic Home – Chesapeake, OH

This historic home in Chesapeake, Ohio, has quite a story. Local tradition says it was built by Jacob Suiter, a stout Pennsylvania Dutch settler, who hand-hewed the white oak logs on site and joined them with wooden pegs. The Ohio Historic Inventory (1976) records the date as 1824, though other sources suggest it may have been built as early as 1805–1825. That makes it the oldest known house in Chesapeake.

The main structure is a two-story, roughly 28′ x 35′, set on a 5′ crawl space/cellar. It originally featured half-dovetail log corners (a hallmark of German-influenced builders), with horsehair chinking later patched in with cement. A family room addition and enclosed front porch were built after 1925, using sandstone quarried right on the property. The upper gables were originally hand-split cedar shakes, which the client asked us to update with cedar shakes vinyl siding for easier upkeep.

In restoring the home, we removed layers of cement that had been applied over the logs and carefully assessed the structure. Twenty-one logs had to be replaced — all with white oak salvaged from a deconstructed 1815 structure in Wheeling, WV. These reclaimed logs were in excellent condition, and it was exciting to bring 200-year-old timbers back into service. We removed the paint on the logs, repaired and replaced chinking throughout, replaced the old fascia and window trim with rough-sawn hemlock and corrected a long-standing gap between the chimney and the house. The roof framing showed sawn rafters rather than rounded poles, which was an interesting detail.

For finishing, we used Perma-Chink products: Log Wash, Ultra 7 in Gentry Gray, Advanced Gloss Clear Coat, Stone-colored chinking and chink paint, and Dark Natural Energy Seal (which blends more naturally into the logs).

It’s been an honor to help preserve this remarkable piece of history for the current owners, The Nelson’s.   Many thanks to Wilderness Woods for supplying the reclaimed oak and hemlock materials and to Perma-Chink for their fantastic Products. Here are informative links to the house with a pre-addition and pre-restoration photos: Oldest House in Chesapeake Ohio | Jacob Suiters House in Ohio

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Log Wash
• Lifeline Ultra-7 Gentry Gray
• Lifeline Advanced Gloss Clear Coat
• Perma-Chink – Stone
• Chink Paint – Stone
• Energy Seal – Dark Natural

Icon Project Silver Award – 888 Log Guys

Project Name: Janice M. – Anamosa, IA

This was a full media-blast restoration, requiring complete removal of existing coatings to ensure

long-term compatibility and performance. Given the home’s size and exposure, proper preparation and protection of surrounding areas were essential.

Following completion of this full restoration, the homeowner approved the work and expressed confidence in the outcome. She valued the extensive preparation process, including media blasting and borate treatment, and felt well informed throughout the project. The final result exceeded expectations by delivering both a dramatic visual transformation and peace of mind knowing the home was properly protected moving forward.

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Lifeline Ultra 7 – Oak 332
• Lifeline Advance – Clear Gloss

Icon Project Bronze Award – River to River Log Homes

Project Name: McCall, ID

This was a seriously cool project. A massive 32‑foot log was rotting out, and the homeowner needed a solution that didn’t involve a full replacement. E‑Wood ended up being the perfect answer. We used nearly five full cases to rebuild and restore the log, shaping it back to its original profile. After that, I mixed stains to get the closest possible color match, blending everything until it tied in seamlessly with the surrounding logs. The homeowner was blown away by how clean and natural the final result looked.

Perma-Chink Products Used

• E-wood
• M-balm
• Lifeline Ultra-7 – Caramel
• Lifeline Ultra-7 – Chestnut
• Lifeline Ultra-7 – Almond

Icon Project Awards Honorable Mentions

Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. is proud to recognize the Honorable Mentions of the 2026 Icon Project Awards. These projects represent outstanding achievement in the care, restoration, and preservation of log and timber homes and wooden structures.

888 Log Guys

Project Name: Terry L. – Simpsonville, KY

This project involved a combination of maintenance recoat, log replacement, and chinking repairs. This historic home required careful surface preparation to address age-related wear and previous fungal staining, while also replacing select logs to restore structural integrity. Matching new material to existing profiles was critical to maintaining the home’s original appearance.

Upon completion, the homeowner completed our quality checklist and signed off on the project, confirming satisfaction with both the workmanship and overall experience. The homeowner appreciated the attention to detail in blending replacement logs with the existing structure, as well as the thorough cleanup and final walkthrough. The combination of maintenance coatings, chinking repair, and structural log replacement delivered a noticeably refreshed appearance while reinforcing long-term protection for the home.

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Ultra 2 – Gray
• Lifeline Advance – Clear Satin
• Perma-Chink chinking (Light Gray)

Aug’s Logs

Project Name: Boulder Double Pen

In Boulder, Colorado, we embarked on a detailed restoration project of a square antique style log cabin, focusing on preserving its historical charm while enhancing its structural integrity. Utilizing high-quality materials from Perma-Chink Systems, we implemented their renowned chinking products, including the Perma-Chink brand chinking and Check Mate 2, recognized for their durability and flexibility, essential for maintaining the cabin’s aesthetic and functional longevity.

The project presented several obstacles that tested our team’s commitment and adaptability. A significant challenge arose when the engineers requested a structural upgrade midway through our restoration work. Upon further inspection, it was determined that rebar and concrete blocks were needed between the logs to strengthen the framework. This unforeseen decision required us to halt our chinking activities temporarily, consuming additional time to integrate the new structural elements without compromising the cabin’s appearance. During the two-month process, we embraced traditional methods in our restoration efforts. Drawing inspiration from pioneers, we employed a trowel and pail technique, a renowned approach shared by craftsmen Johnny Jett and Sherman Thompson. This technique allowed us to achieve an authentic finish that aligns with the cabin’s historical style while ensuring the integrity of the chinking application. Our work was further complicated by the winter weather conditions; we faced numerous snowstorms during the project. At one point, we found ourselves battling against two feet of snow accumulating on the cabin’s porch. This necessitated protective measures to safeguard the structure while we continued our chinking efforts, showcasing our team’s resilience and determination to complete the project successfully, even in the face of harsh winter conditions. The outcome of the project left the owner thoroughly impressed. She expressed her happiness with our work, commending us for doing a great job sealing up the cabin. Additionally, the professional who conducted the blower test indicated that the cabin had achieved the best “score” of any cabin he had ever tested. Such recognition underscored the effectiveness of our methods and the high standards we maintain in our work.
This project not only reinforced the rustic beauty of the log cabin but also highlighted our ability to adapt to challenges without sacrificing quality. The use of Perma-Chink’s innovative materials, combined with our commitment to employing traditional techniques, facilitated a sturdy and visually appealing finish. This ensures that the cabin can continue to stand the test of time while reminding future generations of its rich heritage. The successful completion of this restoration reflects our team’s dedication to craftsmanship and our respect for the architectural history of Boulder, Colorado.

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Perma-Chink
• Check Mate 2
• Shell-Guard RTU
• Grip strip
• E-wood

KC Coatings & Paints

Project Name: Michigan Log Home / Horse Farm Media Blast and Stain

This home was nestled on a beautiful horse farm that needed to be brought back to life. Years of a previous product that caused black logs, sun faded logs without finish, peeling finish among other normal signs of a failed product. We were hired to media blast logs and wood siding back to bare wood.

It was alot of work during a hot August month. A “space suit” in 90 degree heat isn’t a blasters best friend! The heat caused extra moisture in the media, causing the hopper to plug up and slow down our process. Little critters chewing into the bags of corn taught us a lesson on better storage when not in use. Along with the standard pains of application in the heat, adjusting our timing of day to stain specific sides of the project, etc. Nothing came easy when your trying to go the extra mile for awesome customers! Not to mention moving horses from the field to stalls in the barn when we needed to work on the lean-tos.

We cob blasted the 2 story home, 3 stall equipment garage, 36×60 house barn and 2 horse lean-tos. Sanded /osborne brushed, log washed and primed with Lifeline Prelude. We used Ultra 7 stain in Caramel. We added bug juice for insect repellant, then put 1st coat on. Once dry we used backer rod on checks and Energy Seal caulk in Dark Natural to seal checks and around windows etc. We finished 2nd coat of stain and finished the final clear coat with Lifeline Advance in Gloss and butt ends with Log Seal. At the end of the day, our customers were beyond happy. The generous tip they gave us was icing on the cake!!

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Log Wash
• Lifeline Prelude
• Lifeline Ultra-7 Caramel
• Energy Seal Dark Natural
• Lifeline Advance Gloss
• Log End Seal

Knaughty Log Restoration

Project Name: Heartwood Haven

Heartwood Haven is not grand or majestic. It will probably never grace the cover of a magazine or give viewers much pause when they look at it. Instead, it is a modest 1,100-square-foot log home, tucked away in the rolling hills of Kodak, Tennessee. After her husband’s death, the homeowner was unable to keep up with the required maintenance on her own. Over time, the chinking began to fail, the stain began to fade, the cold air began to seep in, and she came to the realization that both she and her home needed help. Her daughter, who had recently moved back in to help care for her, contacted us through Perma-Chink Systems’ Preferred Applicator referral program. From the first conversation, it was clear that this restoration was about so much more than just aesthetics to the homeowner. She didn’t want to pass down a burdensome project to her only child; instead, she wanted to gift her daughter with a safe haven and a place to call home.

Our crew members came in and removed the dirt and grime by using Perma-Chink’s Log Wash, then applied both the Lifeline Ultra 7 in Rustic Gray and a coat of Lifeline Advanced Gloss to protect against the elements. They cut out the damaged chinking, replaced it with Perma-Chink and then brushed white Chink Paint over all the lines. They used Perma-Chink’s Energy Seal everywhere sealing was needed.

We didn’t face the typical challenges on this project like mismatched stain or excessive rot, but instead, we were faced with the challenge of honoring a homeowner’s desire to hand down her property with dignity and care. The work required a certain amount of tenderness and care for our client as well as her memories on top of the usual technical precision. The crew, feeling inspired after getting to know the homeowner and her daughter, volunteered to replace the rickety set of stairs for them, even though the scope of work just included the sanding and staining of the existing staircase.

Heartwood Haven may not command attention or stretch across a ridgeline, but its value was never in its size. For the daughter, it is a daily reminder of her mother’s love which was sealed into the logs and rebuilt into the steps she now walks. And for us, being part of that process reminds us that while some projects impress with size, others endure because of meaning.

Perma-Chink Products Used

• Log Wash
• Lifeline Ultra 7 in Rustic Gray
• Lifeline Advanced Glass
• Perma-Chink with Grip Strip
•  White Chink Paint
• Energy Seal

LLC Restoration

Project Name: Hyak, WA Snoqualmie Pass

This house is in a little town named Hyak at the top of the Snoqualmie pass. About 200ft from the door is the ski lift which makes this home a focal point for anyone riding it. The job consisted of sanding down some areas that were weathered. Followed up by cleaning the home with Log Wash and then using U2 Natural on the sanded areas, U7 Almond was used for some accenting, and lastly a full final coat of Lifeline Advance Gloss to really bring the finished protection and shine to the home. Between being highly impressed at how well the home looked upon arrival and how much it shined after the restoration work; this house really is a testament to the quality of the PCS products!

Perma-Chink Projects Used

• Log Wash
• Lifeline Ultra-2 Natural
• Lifeline Ultra-7 Almond
• Lifeline Advance Gloss

Submitting your Projects

All Perma-Chink Systems contractors are eligible for this award. To be considered for the 2027 Icon Project Award, we invite you to Submit Your Project and showcase the craftsmanship, dedication, and expertise behind your work.

This award celebrates projects that set the standard in care, restoration, and preservation. If you’ve completed a build or restoration you’re proud of, we want to see it.

Share your project with us and let your work inspire others in the industry. We’re looking forward to reviewing the outstanding projects that make this community exceptional.

Homeowners almost always have a list of projects they want to complete around their home. As a contractor who has worked on the exterior, winter is a great time to reconnect with your customers and check whether they have interior projects they’d like to address during the colder months.

There are several winter indoor maintenance and upgrade projects that are ideal for winter months. Help homeowners improve the look of their home now while keeping you productively booked during the off-season.

1. Freshen Wood Trim and Moldings, Doors and Window Frames, Cabinets, etc.

Freshening wood trims, cabinets, doors and window frames are perfect indoor maintenance projects for winter. Winter is the best time to stain inside because the air is drier than humid summer air and helps the finishes dry more quickly. You also can crack a few windows in winter to provide proper ventilation without worrying about bugs flying inside. Another reason to stain in winter is that you will get your inside projects done and have more time to do exterior projects when the weather improves.

Keep in mind that you do things a little differently when staining interior trim than when staining walls. You’ll need to sand your trim, clean the dust, and then apply finish. You can apply color stain before you finish it with a clear topcoat, or just apply a clear primer like Lifeline Prelude directly to wood and then topcoat it with clear Acrylic Gloss or Satin, or PCS Clear Shield finish. If you would like to add more gloss to your wood trim, PCS Clear Shield is your best choice. Click here for application instructions.

2. Check for Air Leaks

Many indoor winter maintenance projects also help homeowners save money. In fact, one of the best money-saving maintenance tasks is checking for air leaks. According to HomeAdvisor you can “stop energy-sucking, money-wasting air leaks by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping all of the gaps, seams, cracks, and openings in your home.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing air leaks cuts heating and cooling costs, improves durability, increases comfort, and creates a healthier indoor environment. It’s especially important to check for air leaks if you have a log-style home since builders intentionally leave room for settling.

What does an energy audit do? Energy audit is the first step in the process; it finds the source of any air leaks and determines how bad those air leaks are.

The three basic tools used for an energy audit are a blower door, a thermal imaging camera and a computer loaded with the appropriate software. The blower door in conjunction with the computer measures the cumulative air leakage within the home and provides a negative internal air pressure, so the thermal imaging camera can better locate air leaks. The thermal imaging camera takes actual pictures of the air leaks, so you’ll have a record of exactly where they are located. Read more about the thermal imaging and blower door testing here.

After you identified the leaks, sealing or caulking and weather-stripping are two common solutions. Seal and weather-strip doors and windows that leak air. You also should caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring enters through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits. Seal air leaks around chimney, furnace, and gas-fired water heater vents.

Sealing the leak with Energy Seal or Perma-Chink prevents water penetration along with air infiltration. General purpose caulks and sealants found at local hardware stores and DIY outlets just don’t offer the performance that’s required for the unique needs associated with log or timber homes.

Give us a call at 1‑800‑548‑3554 with any questions about the proper application of our products or any technical information you may need. We’re here to help.

Yes! Pantone has officially announced the Color of the Year for 2026, and it’s Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201) – a soft, balanced shade of white.

This marks a historic first: it’s the first time Pantone has chosen a white hue for its annual selection. The Pantone Color Institute describes Cloud Dancer as:

• Designed to evoke serenity and mindfulness in an era of digital overload

Pantone says the choice represents simplicity, clarity, and a fresh start, and it’s intended to serve as a “blank canvas” for creativity.

What does this trend mean for our customers?

Good news — you don’t need to rush to Home Depot for a can of white paint. Perma-Chink Systems has you covered.

We’ve developed stain colors specifically formulated for large logs and timbers — allowing the wood to breathe while the finish flexes and moves with it. And we have the perfect match for this emerging trend: Pickled White in our Lifeline brand. It’s available for both interior and exterior use, and several of our log and timber home manufacturers are already using it on their own homes — you could say they’re ahead of the trend!

Just look at Honest Abe Homes below, for example. Their stunning white-toned finishes show exactly how beautiful this shade can be. The name Cloud Dancer fits our Pickled White stain perfectly. Its semi-transparent finish allows the natural wood hues to shine through, adding depth, character, and a soft, modern elegance. It truly feels as if the color is dancing across the logs.

Pickled White also pairs beautifully with a wide range of colors — from Dark Walnut to Midnight to Barn Red — creating a versatile canvas of design possibilities.

Ready to explore the new trend?

Order your free samples here for your interior or exterior project.

A collection of beautifully decorated log and timber homes to inspire you this season. Enjoy – and may your holidays be warm, joyful, and full of light.

Beautiful decorations by Honest Abe Log Homes, Hearthstone Homes, Appalachian Log Homes, Satterwhite Log Homes, Beaver Mountain Custom Homes, Timberhaven Log and Timber Homes and StoneMill Log Homes.