Tips On Cleaning Logs
If logs have been stored, and no sap-stain control has been used, and excessive drying has removed sap-stain control from the surface of the logs, and some surface graying has started, or if high humidity has allowed surface mildew to develop, then the logs should be cleaned.There are many products to use on the market today. However, most times standard household bleach, and TSP (tri-sodium phosphate), or oxalic acid will do the job. The main things to remember are:
 Wash the logs very well with clear water, or the bleach salts could remain to feed fungi. Use a diluted mixture on all wood. Example: Use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. On heavily weathered wood, you may need to use a 1:3 mixture.
Oxalic acid mixtures will also help remove iron stains. This product leaves more of a golden color to the wood. Use an oxalic acid based cleaner only if you will be finishing your logs with a solvent-based stain.
If you are staining your logs with a water-born stain, use a compatible cleaner such as PREP which will not cause a reaction with your finish. After cleaning, you could notice a woody pulp on the surface. This can be removed by a hand sanding pad or a quicker method is using a angle grinder or car buffer with sand paper. If you haven’t used a sap-stain control, you may notice sap-stain, a blue, red or brown coloration deep in the wood. These are permanent stains and unfortunately can not be removed.
Note: When cleaning your log home, start at the bottom log and work up, so that any material running down is hitting a wet surface or you will have streaks. A hand held garden sprayer works well for applying cleaning agents, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly after use.
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Exterior
Cleaning:
Lightly pressure wash. When pressure washing, spray a mixture of l part bleach and 4 parts water, plus 1 Tbsp. TSP cleaner before-hand Allow to dry 3 -7 days, depending on drying conditions when pressure washing.
Borates:
Apply preservative. Depending on type, it should be applied when the surface is damp.
Finish:
A pigmented coat of water repellent stain
will last longer than a clear finish .
Apply one coat (2 coats can be applied if moisture content is under 20%) in the first year.
Apply the second coat the next year, if in the1st year the moisture content is not below 20%.
Caulk:
On dry wood - Caulk in first year.
On green wood –Caulk the second year.
Note: Caulk color should match stain. |
Interior
Cleaning:
Same as exterior, or wash by hand or light sanding. Interior may be wiped down more often, so a smoother surface may be desired.
Borates:
On the Interior, a preservative is optional on year-round homes but highly recommended to help deter insects on seasonal homes.
Finish:
Clear finishes can be applied to the interior of the house.
It is recommended to use a light pigmented stain if there is heavy sun coming in to the building.
On dry wood (below 20 % moisture) apply 1 to 3 coats to the logs to obtain the desired effect.
Caulk:
On dry wood - Caulk in year 1.
On green wood - Caulk in year 2.
Use colored caulk in most cases. |
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