WeatherSeal Exterior Wood Stain Finish

There is absolutely nothing quite like WeatherSeal Stain. Unlike typical thin & runny stains, WeatherSeal is thick and rich and easy to apply – not a mess like all the rest. Formulated especially for log homes, WeatherSeal Stain can be used over ALL types of outdoor wood surfaces where a natural wood appearance is desired. It’s an applicator’s dream: it spreads creamy smooth, there’s no pigment settling, and it soaks into the wood like a much thinner stain. Due to its thick consistency, you get more WeatherSeal protection per brush stroke because more stain can be deposited on a vertical surface without dripping off.

Product Type: Oil-based formula

Uses: Logs, Wood Siding, Decks, Railings, Wood Shakes

• Two coat application
• Thick, rich no-drip formula makes application easy especially cutting-in and around log chinking
• Beautiful wood-tone tints make your log home stand out.
• Multi-use formula for logs, siding, shakes, fences and decks.
• Second coat gives wood a little sheen

Coverage of WeatherSeal

Product Facts for WeatherSeal

WeatherSeal in Canyon Brown

Special Note: In July, 2014, WeatherSeal was reformulated due to environmental considerations. The replacement ingredient provides a cleaner environmental profile.  Previous customers will notice it is still very thick but not super thick as the previous formula. The core ingredients are the same.  The color of an open container of the thicker version may look different than the newer thinner version due to the difference in thickness. Pigments have not changed and BOTH versions may be intermixed.

Colors of WeatherSeal Exterior Wood Stain Finish

WeatherSeal Stain comes in 12 semi-transparent colors (Classics), and 4 new transparent (Translucent) colors.

Translucent WeatherSeal Stain Colors

• Butternut
• Cedar
• Natural
• Natural Oak

Classic WeatherSeal Stain Colors

• Apache Brown
• Autumn
• Cabin Brown
• Canyon Brown
• Frontier Pine
• Golden Honey
• Historic Brown
• Natural Pine
• Pioneer Gray
• Rustic Pine
• Saddle Brown
• Sunlite

Surface Preparation

Clean Your Logs

Surface Preparation for new, bare wood

Great Preparation is the Key to Application Success!

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Mix X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or All Wood Cleaner according to manufacturer’s directions on the container.
3. Apply X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or All Wood Cleaner from bottom to top with a pump up sprayer.
4. Allow cleaner to dwell on the surface for 15-20 minutes. Scrub any areas that have excess dirt, pollen or mildew collected on the surface with a stiff bristle brush.  Warning: Never use steel wool on wood.
5. Rinse with a pressure washer at no more than 500 psi. Washing with a pressure washer above 500 psi can damage wood.
6. If using X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or non-chlorine bleach, test the rinse water with pH strips to make sure X-180 and/or bleach has been washed off completely. Clean rinse water should be between 5 and 7 on the pH scale.
7. Allow wood to dry for 3-5 dry, warm days before applying wood finish. Most finishes require wood to below a specific moisture content.  Make sure to check the wood with a moisture meter before applying wood finish.
8. Walls beneath porch overhangs will not dry as fast as exposed walls.

Surface Preparation for weathered, gray wood

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Mix X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or All Wood Cleaner according to manufacturer’s directions on the container.
3. Apply X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or All Wood Cleaner from bottom to top with a pump up sprayer.
4. Allow cleaner to dwell on the surface for 15-20 minutes. Scrub any areas that have excess dirt, pollen or mildew collected on the surface with a stiff bristle brush.  Warning: Never use steel wool on wood.
5. Rinse with a pressure washer at no more than 500 psi. Washing with a pressure washer above 500 psi can damage wood.
6. If using X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer or non-chlorine bleach, test the rinse water with pH strips to make sure X-180 and/or bleach has been washed off completely. Clean rinse water should be between 5 and 7 on the pH scale.
7. Allow wood to dry for 3-5 sunny days before applying wood finish. Most finishes require wood to below a specific moisture content. Make sure to check the wood with a moisture meter before applying wood finish.
8. Walls beneath porch overhangs will not dry as fast as exposed walls.

Surface Preparation for maintenance cleaning

To enhance the existing finish and provide a cleaner surface so that any insect additives

will continue to work better a yearly maintenance cleaning is recommended.

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Mix Log Wash according to manufacturer’s directions on the container.
3. Apply Log Wash from bottom to top with a pump up sprayer.
4. Allow cleaner to dwell on the surface for 15-20 minutes. Scrub any areas that have excess dirt, pollen or mildew collected on the surface with a stiff bristle brush.  Warning: Never use steel wool on wood.
5. Rinse with a garden hose and sprayer attachment.

Surface Preparation for wood with mold and mildew

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Mix 1 quart household bleach, 3 quarts water , ¼-½ cup trisodium phosphate and 3-4 squirts of dishwashing detergent like Joy® or Dawn®.
3. Spray solution on wood surface.
4. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
5. Wash solution off completely with a pressure washer at no more than 500 psi for best results. Do not allow solution to dry on the wood surface before rinsing.
6. Failure to rinse solution off the surface completely can result in uneven coverage and streaking.
7. Allow wood to dry 3 – 5 sunny days. Surface should not be damp. Walls beneath porch overhangs do not dry as fast as exposed walls.

Check the Moisture Content of Your Logs

Do not apply WeatherSeal to wood over 18% moisture content. Applying two coats of WeatherSeal on wood with over 18% moisture content will create an environment where mold and mildew can grow beneath the surface of the wood finish creating peeling and lifting over time. Apply one coat of only of WeatherSeal over green wood or wood that has moisture content of 18% or more.

To test the moisture content of your wood, borrow a moisture meter from your contractor or purchase one at your local hardware store. For quick reference:

Laminated logs: The moisture content of laminated logs is generally below 14%.  These logs are usually ready for immediate application of WeatherSeal once they have been cleaned and allowed to dry for the appropriate amount of time. Always use a moisture meter to confirm the moisture content.

Kiln-dried or air dried logs: Use a moisture meter to check.

Green, wet, or treated logs: These logs have moisture content greater than 18%. Allow the logs to sit in a dry area and check their moisture content on a regular basis. Logs with high moisture content can take up to 6 months to 1 year to reach the appropriate 18% or below moisture content for applying WeatherSeal.

Apply a Wood Preservative

Have your logs been pre-treated with a wood preservative ( borate )  at the factory or mill? Contact your log or siding provider if unsure.

What is a wood preservative?

Wood preservatives ( borates )  make wood  toxic to wood damaging organisms such as powder post beetles, carpenter ants and fungi. Wood preservatives do not protect against  Carpenter Bees and other wood drilling insects, only those that ingest wood. Click here to find out about  additives available for prevention of Carpenter Bees.

Why apply a wood preservative  before applying WeatherSeal?

Applying a wood preservative can protect your home from damaging organisms for the life of the structure. WeatherSeal contains mildewcides, insecticides, water repellents and UV protectants; it is not a wood preservative. LogFinish.com  recommends applying ShellGuard RTU or ShellGuard Concentrate to your logs  before applying WeatherSeal.

Caulk All Gaps and Checks

WeatherSeal may be applied  over cured latex caulks without harm to the caulk. If possible, caulk first before staining with WeatherSeal. However , if applying a latex caulk or synthetic chinking over a WeatherSeal coated surface, lightly sand over the areas of WeatherSeal that will come in contact with the latex caulk or chinking to insure good adhesion of the caulk.

It is natural for wood to crack/check over time due to changing seasons, temperature and aging.

Fill any spaces between the logs and upward facing cracks/checks in the wood after applying a wood preservative ( borate )  and before applying WeatherSeal. Fill all joints, cracks, and nail holes with a good quality acrylic latex caulk/filler created specifically for use with wood like Energy Seal or Check Mate 2 prior to applying finish.

Test the Stain

We always recommended performing a two coat color test to a clean, dry, bare area of the structure that you are planning on applying WeatherSeal.  Please Note: WeatherSeal is difficult to remove once it has been applied. Before doing a full application make sure that your color selection is correct, has a look you want, and a maintenance schedule you can manage.

Application of WeatherSeal

Weather Conditions during Application

• Apply between 50° F (10° C) – 90° F (32° C).
• Do not apply in direct sunlight, or if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 40° F (4° C) are expected within 24 hours. If WeatherSeal is applied to close to rain or heavy dew, milky discoloration, streaking, spotting and wash off may occur.
• If exposed to excess moisture, without a sufficient time to dry, coating complications may also occur, involving longer dry and cure time and/or reduced adhesion to wood surface.
• WeatherSeal will change color as it dries, allow 8-12 hours in warm weather (70°). Final color appearance may take longer in cooler weather.

Apply WeatherSeal

Please Note:

• WeatherSeal is a one or two coat application on clean, dry, bare wood with moisture content below 18%. Any more or less than two coats will lead to peeling and decreased durability.
• For wood already coated with WeatherSeal, it is a one to two coat maintenance coat depending on weathering. Please see the WeatherSeal Maintenance section for more details.
• Because of WeatherSeal’s unique chemistry, a color change will occur with WS when it is wetted. In areas where water puddles accumulate (from rain, dew, sprinklers, etc.) on the dried stain’s surface, WS will temporarily turn to a lighter milky, hazy color. Once the water dries, WS will return to its normal color. Over time, this “water-spotting“phenomenon will diminish and will be barely noticeable. Nothing is wrong with WeatherSeal, nor is its performance compromised when this color change occurs. It is only temporary and of course it is most noticeable on flat surfaces where water puddles. The color change is most extreme when WeatherSeal is recently applied.

1. Always follow application procedures on container.
2. Buy sufficient product for the whole job and intermix full and partial containers together before starting to ensure color uniformity.
3. Mix thoroughly with a paint drill mixer. After creamy, consistent texture is reached, mix for 4-5 minutes more to ensure product is thoroughly mixed.
4. Stir periodically during application.
5. Do not thin unless necessary for application. If necessary, dilute with mineral spirits up to 8oz per gallon of WeatherSeal only where air quality regulations permit.
6. Apply between 50° F (10° C) – 90° F (32° C). Wood surface temperature must not be 50° or below or 95° or higher.
7. Do not apply in direct sunlight, or if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 40° F (4° C) are expected within 24 hours. If WeatherSeal is applied to close to rain or  heavy dew, milky discoloration, streaking, spotting and wash off may occur.  If exposed to excess moisture,  without a sufficient time to dry, coating complications may also occur, involving longer dry / cure time and/or reduced adhesion to wood surface.
8. Brushing is the best method of application. Use a synthetic bristle brush.  Roller application is acceptable for rough sawn surfaces and T1-11 siding, for best results, use a ¾” knit polyester/wool blend roller.  Airless sprayer application is also acceptable when there is access to a professional sprayer with a .015-.017 tip and 1500-2000 PSI.  WeatherSeal must be backbrushed after sprayer application.
9. Apply one even coat, following the wood grain pattern of WeatherSeal, avoiding heavy application.  Any excess stain should be brushed smooth to avoid uneven application.
10. Let surface dry for 8-12 hours. If rain or dew occurs between applying the 1st and 2nd coat of WeatherSeal, wait 24 hours before applying 2nd
11. Apply second coat of WeatherSeal. Make sure you are applying a 2nd coat of WeatherSeal over a fully dry first coat. The 2nd coat will not appear smooth or even if the 1st coat is not dry.
12. Apply in the direction of the To avoid lap marks, start at one edge and follow through to the end of each board or log, maintaining a wet edge.
13. Coat all end grains and the back of all boards if possible.
14. Clean tools with mineral spirits.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• If applying two coats, put insect additives in the second coat.
• Do allow adequate time to for WeatherSeal to dry before rain occurs, generally about 24 hours
• Do apply over cured latex caulk.
• Do add insect prevention additives to the final coat
• Do assure  air temperatures are between 50 degrees and  95 degrees Fahrenheit. Wood surface temperature must  not be 50° or below or  95° or higher.
• Do stir well before using.
• Do saturate all end grains, nail holes, cavities, and cracks in the wood.
• Do apply liberally in the direction of the wood grain using a long-haired synthetic brush
• Do back prime (if coating wood siding, apply 1 coat to the back of the siding, if possible.)
• Do touch up patches of wear before they start affecting adjacent areas, this will prolong the overall life of the stain

Don’t

• Don’t add mildewcide to WeatherSeal
• Don’t apply on wood surfaces that are damp
• Don’t apply in the rain or if rain is expected within 24 hours with temperatures at 70°F or 48 hours with temperatures at 50°F
• Don’t apply in cold temperatures or cold surfaces below 50°F
• Don’t apply directly in hot midday sun or on hot surfaces above 95°F
• Don’t apply more than one coat over green wood (moisture content above 18%)
• Don’t stop in the middle of a section, complete each section to avoid lap marks
• Don’t apply latex caulk over WeatherSeal before testing for adhesion

Temporary Color Change When Wet

Because of WeatherSeal’s unique chemistry, a color change will occur with WS when it is wetted. In areas where water puddles and accumulates (from rain, dew, sprinklers, etc.) on the dried stain’s surface, WS will temporarily turn to a lighter milky hazy color. Once the water dries, WS will return to its normal color. Over time, this

“water-spotting“phenomenon will diminish and will be barely noticeable. Nothing is wrong with WS nor is its performance compromised when this color change occurs. It is only temporary and of course it is most noticeable on

flat surfaces where water puddles. The color change is most extreme when WS is recently applied.

Maintenance of WeatherSeal

Regular maintenance and annual attention to your log home can save you money and time.  Proper maintenance starts with visual inspection. Weather, exposure and altitude may vary, so maintenance may be needed sooner than later in some locations.

Every Year

• Inspect logs and check for any upward facing checks/cracks that can hold water.
• Fill all checks with backer rod and Check Mate 2 when the wood is completely dry.
• Examine caulking at corners, butt joints, windows and doors, and fill any voids with backer rod and Energy Seal.
• After filling cracks and checks, perform an annual maintenance cleaning with Log Wash to clean off the accumulation of dirt and pollen.
• Check for wood that looks dried out, shows color changes, cracking or fading of WeatherSeal

Maintenance Application

When WeatherSeal is showing signs of wear and no longer effectively protecting the wood surface, it is time to re-coat. Depending on the severity of the wear, 1-2 coats of WeatherSeal in the same previous color are recommended to effectively restore and protect the wood surface.  As always the wood surface must be properly prepared prior to application to insure best performance.

To prolong the natural look of WeatherSeal, it is important to only pressure wash and apply a maintenance coat when it begins to show obvious signs of deterioration like fading, chalking or flaking. Those areas that reveal bare wood or show signs of deterioration should be washed with log cleaner, rinsed completely with clean water, and once dried lightly sanded with 180-220 grit sandpaper and then touched up with the same color.

1. Wash the wood surface according to Maintenance Cleaning directions stated above.
2. Always follow application procedures on container.
3. Buy sufficient product for the whole job and intermix all product together before starting to ensure color uniformity.
4. Mix thoroughly with a paint drill mixer. After creamy, consistent texture is reached, mix for 4-5 minutes more to ensure product is thoroughly mixed.
5. Stir periodically during application.
6. Do not thin unless necessary for application. If necessary, dilute with mineral spirits up to 8oz per gallon of WeatherSeal only where air quality regulations permit.
7. Apply between 50° F (10° C) – 90° F (32° C). Wood surface temperature must not be 50° or below or 95° or higher.
8. Do not apply in direct sunlight, or if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 40° F (4° C) are expected within 24 hours. If WeatherSeal is applied to close to rain or heavy dew, milky discoloration, streaking, spotting and wash off may occur.  If exposed to excess moisture, without a sufficient time to dry, coating complications may also occur, involving longer dry and cure time and/or reduced adhesion to wood surface.
9. Brushing is the best method of application. Use a synthetic bristle brush.  Roller application is acceptable for rough sawn services and T1-11 siding, for best results, use a ¾” knit polyester/wool blend roller.
10. Apply one even coat, following the wood grain pattern of WeatherSeal, avoiding heavy application.  Any excess stain should be brushed smooth to avoid uneven application.
11. Let surface dry completely.

Shipping Restrictions

WeatherSeal is available for shipment by  ground only and is shipped via FedEx. No shipping to the Southern

California Orange County Air District.

Shipping to Canada is permitted. However, orders will be drop shipped from the manufacturer with bilingual labels on containers.

Click here for this product’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS)