The following FAQ's relate to Brush Over

Can I brush on your stains?

Yes, you can, so long as the coverage guidelines are still followed, i.e. if the coverage guidelines say you should be using between 20-25 gallons to cover your home, you should brush on that same amount, even if it means brushing on 3-4 coats. You will be using the same amount of product you would if spraying the stain on, but because brushing it on does not deposit as much stain as spraying does, extra brushing may be warranted.

Also, when brushing, you need to use a good quality brush (such as Purdy brand) that has the split ends to soak up as much stain as possible. And, as with all stain application, be sure to thoroughly mix the stain with a drill-driven squirrel cage mixer before and during application, as well as box the same stain of different lot numbers.

For stain maintenance, do I apply one or two coats of stain?

In those areas that have weathered heavily and where the wood is now exposed, two coats should be applied (but only after any unsound wood and dirt, debris, etc. have been properly removed). This will typically happen first on the upper curvature of the logs. Such areas should receive a good drench coat (thoroughly worked in with a brush), allowed to dry and then a second coat applied to the whole log to allow the two regions to blend in with one another. Of course, the first coat applied to the upper curvature should be feathered into the other areas so that there is not a noticeable color change between the two regions.

If the stain is being re-applied to wood that is already in pretty good shape and showing only small amounts of fading, one drench coat over everything will generally be fine.

How does Transformation compare with all those other Log Home stains on the market?

There are many other stains directed towards the Log Home market available! Only a few of these (Sashco’s stains, and a few others out there) are truly “high performing”. Often, lower quality log home stains will look beautiful right after application, but require frequent maintenance.

All of Sashco’s stains are formulated to look great after application, and to maintain this look for as long as possible. We use the highest quality raw materials to ensure this.

Transformation requires only 2 coats of the stain itself – sprayed on and back brushed in. This makes application less time consuming. (For even more protection for your wood, you can apply a topcoat of Cascade over Transformation – this is easily applied by spraying and lightly brushing out any runs. Let Transformation dry 24 hours and then apply Cascade).

Transformation is guaranteed to be compatible with all of Sashco’s other products.

How many coats of Capture Log Stain / Cascade should I use? Why?

On the exterior, one should spray on and back brush in 2 HEAVY coats of Capture Log Stain followed by one heavy coat of Cascade sprayed on with runs brushed out. When the product is applied heavily it is able to build sufficient film thickness to protect the wood and provide several years of good performance. One coat is generally too thin, leading to less durability, which means more frequent re-staining will be necessary.

On the interior, one coat either brushed or sprayed on is sufficient, followed by one to two coats of the Symphony clear coat.

How should I sample stain / do you have samples?

Sashco provides stain samples at a minimal charge. Order several samples of stain. Mix each of them up very well prior to sampling! We cannot emphasize this step enough. Most do not mix the sample enough to thoroughly mix in the pigments that settle naturally at the bottom of the container. You could try pouring the stain into another container, stirring thoroughly, then pouring it back. Just be sure to get that bottom layer of pigment totally dispersed. Next, apply the stain to the actual wood that you will be staining – not just a scrap from the garage! The same stain looks significantly different on different samples of wood. Make sure and apply the same number of coats you’ll be applying to the whole home. Use the same application method when doing the stain sample as you plan to use on your home. For example, if you are going to spray and then back brush the stain on your home, then it is best that you use this same application method on your samples. (NOTE: if you can’t get a hold of a mini-sprayer from a paint store or Home Depot or somewhere similar, you will want to brush on 3 coats to get a truer color match.) Sample a large enough area to make a good choice – it is impossible to imagine what your entire log home will look like by testing only a very small area.

Finally, once the stain is ordered, be on site when it is first being applied. That way, if you do not like the color, you can stop staining the home before too much work is done.

How should I tool Log Builder and Conceal?

The best way for many people is with a damp foam-wedge brush. Others prefer shaped metal trowels or any curved tool to push the caulking into the joint. You do need to tool the bead, even if you’ve laid it down very neatly. Tooling pushes the bead of caulking into contact with the wood, insuring great adhesion!

What are the little white, sparkly crystals on my logs after I applied PeneTreat? How do I get rid of them?

These crystals sometimes appear after the application of Penetreat, especially on newly constructed denser species of wood that don’t allow as much penetration of the Penetreat. There is nothing to worry about – the whitish micro-flakes are just the crystallized Penetreat material. You will simply need to brush them off with a stiff brush or broom before you apply stain. Be sure to wear eye and respiratory protection when brushing the crystals from the wood.

What do you use to tool Log Jam / Log Builder?

A variety of tools and techniques can be used – whatever works best for you. Many Log Jam applicators use foam brushes (kept wet from pails of water) and steel or plastic trowels (of various widths). In both cases, it helps to lightly spray water (or a water/alcohol mix) on the surface of the chinking immediately before brushing or troweling. Similar tools and techniques can also be used with Log Builder, but frequently, for small joints, a wetted finger will also work well.

What is the best way to apply Sashco stains?

It's best to apply them with an airless sprayer with a Graco 313 or 515 tip (or the equivalent in a different brand). One should spray on and back brush in 2 coats of the stain (High Sierra, Capture Log Stain Log Stain or Transformation), and when using Capture Log Stain Log Stain, it must be followed by 1 coat of the Cascade sprayed on, with any runs being brushed out. Make sure to thoroughly read through the individual product data tec for more detailed information.

NOTE: Cascade can be used over top of High Sierra and Transformation and is especially recommended for maintenance purposes; however, it is only necessary at initial application with Capture Log Stain.

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