For best results, apply ENERGY SEAL in temperatures of 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit, out of direct sunlight.
LOG PREPARATION
Log area to be caulked must be clean, dry and free from loose or foreign materials. Do not apply to oily or glass smooth surfaces. Some paraffin based stains and sealants may cause adhesion problems (if in doubt, test small area for adhesion).
WORK TIPS
Wear old clothes and shoes. ENERGY SEAL is not easily removed from fabric. Always maintain a clean working area. Discard used rags, etc. in proper disposal containers. ENERGY SEAL that is allowed to dry completely cannot be easily removed. When ready to quit for the day, simply leave bag or gun containing material in a moderately warm place. The open ends of the bag or gun will form a "plug"; this will prevent the rest of the material from curing. When ready to begin again, simply squeeze the plug out, discard hardened material and continue. When reusing an open bucket of material, be sure to remove any partially cured "skin" before filling bag or gun.
CLEAN UP
Spills or runs must be cleaned up with water immediately. Once cured, it is extremely difficult to remove ENERGY SEAL completely.
APPLICATION CONDITIONS
Of all the field conditions that are normally encountered, temperature and humidity are largely responsible for log movement. When the temperature rises, the logs will expand, and at the coldest temperature, they will contract. When you apply sealant during cold, damp conditions the logs will more than likely be at the smallest dimensions (after some normal shrinkage may have occurred). Then when the weather dries out and warms up, the sealant will normally relax. Conversely, if you apply your sealant during hot, dry conditions, the joint will be at it's smallest point, and when temperatures fall or even turn very humid, the logs may contract and put the sealant in stress. Sometimes the contraction, or movement may be severe enough to tear the sealant.
TOOLING AND FINISHING OF JOINTS
All joints should be tooled by spraying a small amount of water onto the chinking and smooth to the desired finish. Always trowel in such a way as to form a good seal to the wood. Maintain a depth a little more than 1/4", as the material will shrink slightly when cured.
INTERIOR SEALANT WHEN STACKING LOGS
All logs should be clean and free of dirt, sawdust, and oil or grease. If gasket tape was supplied by home manufacturer, apply as per their instructions. Then, apply a 1/4" or 3/8" bead directly from the caulking gun. Continue this as logs go up.
EXTERIOR SEALANT in lieu of Chinking
The depth should be not less than 1/4" and no more than 1/2". To provide proper two-point adhesion, always use a backer rod or a "breaker" tape prior to the application. Apply ENERGY SEAL directly from the caulking gun, maintaining a 1/4" minimum depth across the joint.
AS A CAULK
Apply ENERGY SEAL directly from the caulking gun, any place a caulking seal is required... like around doors and windows, log intersections (butt joints), interior and exterior corners.