Spring/Summer is here and some of you are embarking on the journey of building a new log home. In this issue we're going to address one major concern we've received from our customers, plus introduce our newest products for log home finishing and maintenance.

Moisture Content and Log
Construction/Stain Application

Knowing the moisture content of your logs is critical to the success of your log finish application.

If log finish is applied to logs that have an 18% and over moisture content, mold and mildew has fertile ground to grow beneath the surface of the log coating. When log moisture is below 18% the log surface will not support the growth of mold and mildew. Also, high moisture content logs can cause film type log coatings such as Sikkens Cetol Log and Siding to blister or peel. When in doubt about moisture content, use a moisture meter to make certain the moisture content is below 18% prior to applying any log finish.

Moisture in log structures comes from one of two sources: Original moisture from the tree that remains in the unseasoned log and moisture that has penetrated dried wood from the environment. The moisture present in the wood naturally is referred to as Initial Moisture Content, expressed as a percentage of its dry weight. The living tree typically has a moisture content of 30% and can be as high as 200% or greater in some domestic species. Most structural lumber products are dried to between 15%-19% moisture content for reasonable stability after they have been installed. Due to the large cross section of logs typically used in log structures, it is very difficult to guarantee specific moisture content throughout the log. When logs have a moisture content less than 18%, the logs are considered dry enough to apply a stain/coating.

A log's moisture is significant for several reasons:

1. Wood will continue to lose moisture through evaporation until it reaches equilibrium with the temperature and the relative humidity of the surrounding environment. Trying to apply a stain too soon while this water is evaporating out of the logs can cause film forming stains to lift or peel from the log.
2. As moisture is lost from a log, dimensional change is likely to occur. This is called seasoning. The change is seen as Shrinkage as the cell walls shrink and densify. The release of the stress created when the cells collectively shrink may be heard as a loud pop and appears as a check running along the grain on the surface of the log.
3. Shrinking and swelling seen in seasoned wood is known as movement. Finishes, caulks and chinking must be designed to allow this movement without failing.
4. Blue Mold is a sap staining fungi that occurs in high moisture content logs that have not been properly treated at the initial debarking. Once Blue Mold is present, it is virtually impossible to remove.
5. Wood's physical properties benefit as moisture content is reduced. Less moisture means lower weight and easier handling. Interior sanding quality improves and becomes easier.

Here are four types of wood and treatment options you can use to work with your moisture content issues:

1. Kiln Dried Log Siding - Generally, Log Siding has a moisture content between 12%-16%. This product is immediately ready for staining after cleaning.
2. Laminated Logs - On the average, the moisture content of laminated logs is below 14% and they are ready for immediate application of log finish once they have been cleaned.
3. Kiln-Dried or Air-Dried Logs - The moisture content of these logs is generally below 18%. However, some logs may have a moisture content higher than 18%. It is recommended you apply Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment and then allow a six month drying period before applying your log finish.
4. Green, Wet, or Field Borate Treated Logs - These logs have a moisture content greater than 18%. It is recommended that Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment be applied and allowed one year to dry before applying a final log finish.

Testimonial from a Happy Customer
Need to Clean Your Logs? X-180 Does The Job!

Jean A. of Parkersburg, WV owns a log home that clearly needed to be cleaned and restained. Jean purchased a five gallon pail of X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer from Logfinish.com and applied the product as directed. She then cleaned the logs with her pressure washer. She sent us this amazing digital photo of the results. As you can see, X-180 brought her logs back to an almost new look! If your log home needs a good cleaning, check out what X-180 can do for you by following this link to: Click Here.

New Logfinish.com Products:

SIKKENS Log Pre-Treatment is a clear waterborne exterior treatment which stabilizes wood, minimizing splitting, warping and cracking. It will keep out excess moisture while allowing moisture vapor in the wood to escape gradually. This is an ideal temporary coating for those woods with a higher than 18% moisture content that need 6-12 months to dry out before applying a stain. Log Pre-Treatment can be used on exterior lumber, logs and smooth and rough sawn siding. Coverage: One gallon container will cover 200-400 SF depending on if the wood is smooth or rough sawn. Log Pre-Treatment comes in a Clear only, flat sheen and has a shelf life of approximately three years if unopened. For more information on Log Pre-Treatment follow this link to our website: Click Here.

Due to recent demand from our customers for a glossy exterior coating for log homes, we're pleased to offer SIKKENS Cetol Log and Siding, the next generation of translucent coatings from Sikkens "Simply Beautiful" Woodcare products. SIKKENS products are known throughout the industry for offering unrivaled looks, durability and performance for all types of wood. They've made significant improvements to their exterior finish which is now a two-coat process with a lower odor. Cetol Log and Siding has been specially formulated to maximize the longevity and beauty of log homes, as well as homes constructed with natural wood siding. It provides a high performance, translucent, satin finish for vertical surfaces. This alkyd high solids formulation offers optimum protection and a premium look in just two coats. The high solids alkyd resin used in SIKKENS Cetol Log and Siding is another example of the advancements central to Sikkens “Next Wave” Technology. Sikkens Cetol Log and Siding is designed for use on siding, logs and trim with smooth, resawn or hand hewn surfaces. It is proven to perform on fir, cedar, pine, spruce and redwood varieties of lumber.

SIKKENS Cetol Log and Siding is available in five natural wood tone colors: Natural, Natural Oak, Natural Light, Cedar & Western Gray. For more information on SIKKENS Cetol Log & Siding follow this link to our website: Click Here.

UV Boost is a concentrated water-based liquid stain additive that contains a new ultraviolet light inhibitor that minimizes the darkening of wood. When used inside it will help prevent the "picture frame" effect where some of the areas of your wall covered by pictures will remain light while the rest of the wood in the wall darkens due to UV exposure. Over time the ultraviolet light in sunlight darkens the lignin component of wood. UV Boost is designed for use in water based interior stains in areas of the country subject to high intensity sunlight. It is only effective when used in the first coat of stain or finish applied to bare wood. UV Boost must be in direct content with the wood for it to work. For more details on UV Boost follow this link to our website: Click Here.
 

RemovALL 220 is a brushable water-based patin/stain remover that is biodegradable, non-toxic, used friendly and environmentally safe for the exterior and interior of building. It is extremely effective in removing the toughest coatings from wood, masonry and brick. RemovALL 220 has proven it will effectively lift latex, alkyd paints, lead-based paints and varnish, as well as most two component epoxy coatings and fusion bonded epoxies from all types of substrates including steel, aluminum, metal alloys, concrete and masonry. It is powered by patented SARA Technology. This technology utilizes the physical forces released by chemical reactions to break the bond between the paint and the substrate. Coatings lift off cleanly and can be easily removed. For more information on RemovALL 220 follow this link to our website: Click Here.

Log Wash Concentrate is an annual maintenance cleaner designed to remove dirt, grime, pollen and surface mold and mildew from your log home. Log Wash cleans your home without harming the wood or the finish. If during the washing process you notice areas where the stain or topcoat is coming off, it is probably time to apply a new coat of stain or topcoat. Log Wash is safe to use on chinking and sealants and is environmentally friendly. For more information on Log Wash Concentrate follow this link to our website: Click Here.

For more information on pricing and product descriptions:

• Visit our website at www.logfinish.com
• Call us toll free at 888-208-2248

Send your photo submissions for the Logfinish.com Newsletter:

• By email at info@logfinish.com
• By mail to Logfinish.com, P.O. Box 608, Lake Lure, NC 28746.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The Logfinish.com Team
Bill, & Rae Frykberg, Gale Wilson, Rob Landis and Dave Lefave