Discount Log Home Supplies
A. General
B. Stains
1) How long do your stains last?
2) How do your stains compare with other stains on the market?
3) How do I clean my logs?
4) Can I use a borate treatment with your stains?
5) Do your products contain a mildewcide?
6) Do you offer an effective pesticide?
7) How do I get rid of carpenter bees and other boring insects?
8) An oil based stain was previously applied to my home. Can I re-do it with your products?
9) How do I apply your products?
10) How do I do two coats wet on wet?
11) When should UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish be applied?
12) When will I need to reapply a maintenance coat?
13) Are there temperature or weather restrictions for the application of your products?
14) We want to retain the natural color of our logs and/or decking. Can we just use the clear stain?
15) How long does it take for your stain to dry?
16) How long should I wait between coats?
17) How many coats of stain do I need to apply?
18) How far does the stain go?
19) How do I clean up when I am through staining?
20) Does your stain work on cedar and redwood?
21) Does your stain work on exotic hard woods?
22) Do I need to use the insecticide and mildewcide boosters in each coat?
23) How can I get rid of black marks left from uncoated nails?
24) How can I tell if the product has been frozen?
25) Can I use clear UV GUARD or UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish on interior walls to make them easier to dust or clean?
26) Can I put a lacquer or urethane over UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish or LOG GUARD Interior Protective Wood Finish?
27) Why is my deck stain peeling?
28) Can your stain be tinted at a paint store?
29) What is the warranty on your product?
C. Caulk and Chinking
1) What makes your products better than your competitors?
2) Why are there so many kinds of caulking and chinking?
3) How thick should the chinking be applied?
4) How do I figure how much chinking or caulking I need?
5) How do I apply the chinking?
6) Do I have to use a backer-rod?
7) Why should I use Better-Backer Backer-Rod?
8) Do you have Better-Backer Backer-Rod in sizes smaller than 1/4 inch?
9) Do you sell round rod?
10) Are there special cleaning requirements?
11) Are there temperature restrictions for applying the product?
12) Will rain, snow, or other inclement weather affect the product application?
13) How long will the chinking or caulking last?
14) Can chinking or caulking be applied over wood that has been previously treated with an oil or solvent based stain?
15) Do you offer custom colors and what are the conditions?
16) Can I apply your chinking over existing cementitious chinking?
17) How do I protect the joints between the logs or wood siding and the masonry accents or fireplaces?
18) Does your UV GUARD Premium Caulking match all of your stain colors?
A. General
1) Should I chink or stain first and when?
Stain should be applied first, prior to the application of any caulking or chinking, and allowed to thoroughly dry (24-72 hours after the last coat of stain depending on the weather). On new construction, this will be after the walls are erected, the roof is on, the windows have been installed, and any cleaning/borate treatments have been applied. On existing homes, this will be after any previous finishes have been removed (see Section B, Item #3 below) and the logs have been cleaned and allowed to dry (18% total moisture content maximum). The UV Guard will provide a clean/primed surface for the caulking or chinking to adhere to and you won’t have to be concerned about coloring the chinking. If desired, the third coat in the initial application and/or any subsequent maintenance coats can be applied after the caulking or chinking.
B. Stains
1) How long do your stains last?
UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish – 3-5 years, depending on exposure
UV GUARD Deck & Fence – 2-3 years, depending on exposure
2) How do your stains compare with other stains on the market?
Our in house tests conducted in a QUV accelerated aging machine have shown that we out perform virtually all of the other products on the market. An independent lab test conducted by Earlham College in Indiana on what they considered the top twenty-five stains in the country virtually substantiated these results.
3) How do I clean my logs?
For new construction, sand, media blast, pressure wash or chemically clean all areas that have been soiled by the construction process. (Note: It is extremely important to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemical cleaners.) These include lifting chain or cable marks, construction traffic marks, etc. Sand all log ends. When using a pressure washer care must be taken not to hold the end of the washer so close to the logs that it raises the grain. Bear in mind that the thoroughness of this work will greatly determine the quality of the resultant finish. Wash the log surfaces with water, making sure to remove any cleaning chemicals and allow to thoroughly dry to 18% or less surface moisture content. Verify that all cleaning chemicals have been removed by checking the wood surface for a neutral pH reading of 6-8.
For untreated aged wood or wood that has been previously coated or stained with products other than LOG GUARD® Interior Clear Coat, UV GUARD® or UV GUARD® II Exterior Wood Finish, the wood surfaces must be completely cleaned by removing untreated damaged wood fibers and/or the existing stain coating. This can be accomplished by pressure washing, using chemical strippers/cleaners, corn blasting, or sanding. Verify the wood moisture content and pH per the above paragraph.
4) Can I use a borate treatment with your stains?
Yes. Waterborne borate treatments must be allowed to dry 48-72 hours and be at a maximum 18% surface moisture content before applying UV GUARD or UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish. If glycol is used as the carrier for the borate, the logs will need to dry 3-4 weeks for the glycol to evaporate from the logs. If rain occurs after the borate treatment has been applied and before the UV GUARD or UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish is applied, small white crystals may appear on the surface of the logs. These are borate crystals leaching out of the wood with the evaporation of the carrier. They must be removed prior to staining by lightly sanding the log surfaces with sandpaper or with a stiff bristle scrub brush. Do not use water as this would just cause more leaching.
5) Do your products contain a mildewcide?
Yes. Our UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish, UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish and UV GUARD Deck and Fence Coating all contain an effective mildewcide. However, for certain geographical areas where there is a lot of mold or mildew potential, we offer a mildewcide booster to add to the stain before application as part of the first coat.
6) Do you offer an effective pesticide?
Yes. We offer Bug Juice, a very effective, EPA approved pesticide. It can be added directly to the UV GUARD and UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish prior to application. It should be added to the stain when applying the last coat of finish. (Note: The finish to which Bug Juice is added needs to be used within 3 hours. Otherwise, the insecticide in the coating will become ineffective.)
7) How do I get rid of carpenter bees and other boring insects?
Treat the holes with Sevin Dust, Malathion spray, or other EPA approved chemicals that will kill the larva then seal off the holes with wooden dowels, caulking, or putty. If you can locate the nest, sprinkle Sevin Dust on the nest to eliminate the insects.
8) An oil based stain was previously applied to my home. Can I re-do it with your products?
Although, in some cases, Weatherall’s chinking and caulk have been successfully applied over oil or solvent based stains, due to our inability to accurately determine the actual condition of the oil finish on a particular project, it is not recommended. The oil or solvent based system should be completely removed by power washing, chemical stripping, corn blasting, and/or sanding and a minimum of two coats of UV GUARD® or UV GUARD® ll Exterior Wood Finish applied. This is also a good time to check for deterioration or rotting of the logs. If any water or chemicals are used in the process, the wood surfaces should be checked for a neutral pH (6-8) and a surface moisture content of 18% or less.
9) How do I apply your products?
We recommend the use of a pump style garden sprayer, airless sprayer or brush application to apply LOG GUARD® Interior Clear Coat, UV GUARD® or UV GUARD® II Exterior Wood Finish on the wood surface followed immediately, while the surface is wet, with back brushing to work the stain into the pores of the wood and remove runs and overlap marks. It is a good idea to have a pail of water handy for the back brush. This keeps the stain from building up on the brush and gumming it up. A gummed up brush will actually lift the stain off the logs. Shake the excess water out of the brush prior to each use. When applying our UV GUARD® Deck & Fence Coating the material should actually be ponded on the wood decking and back brushed into the boards. Two coats should be applied wet on wet or wet on tacky.
10) How do I do two coats wet on wet?
Work small areas horizontally across the logs until a natural break point is reached. Do not stop in the middle of logs or boards to minimize overlap marks. Apply the second coat in the small area while the first coat is still wet or tacky. Work in the shade not on a hot wall. Work early in the morning around the sun. This allows both coats to penetrate the wood effectively.
11) When should UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish be applied?
On new homes the two coats of colored stain should be applied immediately after the roof is on, the windows have been installed and the logs cleaned prior to any chinking, if it is a chink style home, to prevent coloring the chinking. The clear top coat and subsequent clear maintenance coats can be applied later.
12) When will I need to reapply a maintenance coat?
This will depend on exposure to the elements. South facing and, depending on location, east and/or west facing walls will require a clear maintenance coat every 3-5 years. Decks will require maintenance every 2-3 years. These maintenance intervals can be significantly increased by incorporating large to full “over the deck” roof overhangs to minimize UV exposure, rain gutters to keep rain splash off of the walls, and shrubs and trees to shade the walls.
13) Are there temperature or weather restrictions for the application of your products?
Yes. LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat, UV GUARD, UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish and UV GUARD Deck & Fence Coating should be applied in ambient temperatures between 40° F. and 90° F. Where possible, work on the cooler walls out of the direct sunlight. Do not attempt application during freezing temperatures or when rain or freezing temperatures are expected before the material is completely dry (24-48 hours depending on ambient conditions) unless the walls are tented and heated.
14) We want to retain the natural color of our logs and/or decking. Can we just use the clear stain?
Actually you can but we do not recommend it. Our clear UV GUARD, UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish and UV GUARD Deck & Fence Coating, which are the basis of all of the colored versions of these products, have specific chemical UV blockers and stabilizers, but all logs will age/darken under any non-film forming stain and this will be more noticeable under a clear/transparent stain. Additionally the pigments act as additional sun blockers/reflectors giving a longer life to the finish.
15) How long does it take for your stain to dry?
30 minutes to 1 hour to surface dry and 24-48 hours to completely dry depending on ambient conditions.
16) How long should I wait between coats?
UV GUARD, UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish and/or LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat can be applied wet on wet or wet on dry. UV GUARD Deck & Fence Coating must be applied wet on wet, but not longer than 15 minutes between coats.
17) How many coats of stain do I need to apply?
On UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish we recommend three coats (two coats of color and one coat of clear). On UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish we recommend two coats (either one coat of color and one coat of clear or two coats of color). On LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat we recommend at least two coats of clear to provide a durable, easy to clean finish.
18) How far does the stain go?
Coverage will depend on the type and porosity of the wood. As a general rule, use 200-300 sq. ft./gal. for the first coat and 400-500 sq. ft./gal. for subsequent coats.
19) How do I clean up when I am through staining.
Use soap and water for clean up. Clean spray equipment immediately after use following any manufacturer’s instructions and being sure to flush all hoses and nozzles to remove any residue. Some painters prime their equipment with diesel fuel and then store it.
20) Does your stain work on cedar and redwood?
Yes.
21) Does your stain work on exotic hard woods?
Generally, no. The higher oil content and wood density prevent our stains from adequately penetrating the wood surface to provide good protection.
22) Do I need to use the insecticide and mildewcide boosters in each coat?
No. The mildewcide booster should be used, where required, in the first coat to prevent fungal growth in the surface of the wood and the insecticide booster should be used, where required, in the second and/or third coats to prevent insects from landing on the wood surfaces.
23) How can I get rid of black marks left from uncoated nails?
Treat with a mild citric acid and thoroughly rinse. (We do not recommend the use of oxalic acid because of its high toxicity, especially related to skin absorption.)
24) How can I tell if the product has been frozen?
If our stains have been subjected to a mild freeze/thaw there really is no practical way to determine it. Since they contain certain freeze/thaw stabilizers, they are probably acceptable for use. If the stain has been subjected to a hard freeze or repeated freeze/thaw cycles, it will be thicker in viscosity than normal and may appear curdled like cottage cheese and have an offensive odor. It would also be difficult or impossible to spray or brush on properly.
25) Can I use clear UV GUARD or UV GUARD II Exterior Wood Finish on interior walls to make them easier to dust or clean?
Yes. UV GUARD or UV GUARD ll Exterior Wood Finishes can be used to seal interior walls. However, Weatherall Company, Inc. makes an interior clear finish called LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat which is specifically designed for interior use. This product is available in a clear finish only. If a color is desired, you may apply one coat of UV GUARD or UV GUARD II before applying the LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat. If used by itself, the first coat of LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat will raise the grain slightly. A light sanding between coats will provide an easily cleanable surface. Each additional coat will bring out a higher shine and more durable, urethane-like finish.
26) Can I put a lacquer or urethane over UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish or LOG GUARD Interior Protective Wood Finish?
Yes, a lacquer or urethane may be used over UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish or LOG GUARD Interior Clear Coat on the interior only.
27) Why is my deck stain peeling?
Peeling is generally a sign of a lot of excess film on the surface and not enough penetration. This could be due to surface contamination, high moisture content in the wood, a previous stain not allowing the new stain to penetrate, or a wet on dry application instead of wet on wet.
28) Can your stain be tinted at a paint store?
Yes. You must use Universal waterborne tints.
29) What is the warranty on your product?
Due to the fact that Weatherall Company, Inc. has no control over the surface preparation, application methods, weather, or wood characteristics there is no guarantee on the results of our stains.
C. Caulk and Chinking
1) What makes your products better than your competitors?
The 1010 CHINKING and related products, including LOG GUARD®, UV GUARD® Interior/Exterior Wood Finish, UV GUARD® ll Exterior Wood Finish, UV GUARD® Deck & Fence Coating, UV GUARD® Premium Caulk and UV GUARD® Textured Caulk, have been engineered and formulated on a “total systems” approach using the finest raw materials available. Our chinking products have a higher viscosity making them easier to tool for a clean, crisp edge, faster drying, and more penetration resistant while still providing the necessary adhesion and elasticity for a specific application.
2) Why are there so many kinds of caulking and chinking?
Because there are so many different log styles, log profiles, joint designs, and texture preferences there is no “one size fits all” sealant system for all applications. Weatherall Co. Inc. has developed a high quality family of caulk and chinking products focusing on the above mentioned “total system” approach to meet each of these requirements.
The following is a breakdown on the best product or system to use for a specific application:
1010 CHINKING – 1010 CHINKING should be used on chink style log homes in conjunction with Better-Backer Backer-Rod where a rough mortar texture is desired, the joints are ¾ inch or larger and the log total moisture content (TMC) is 18% or less. It can also be used on joints larger than 2 inches such as Appalachian style homes and historic restoration work. It has been officially accepted in many states as an authentic restoration product for historic homes. Although it is offered in 10.3 oz and 30 oz tubes and can be pumped through bulk loading guns, it is generally applied with commercial grade chinking pumps because of its high viscosity. If 10.3 oz. or 30 oz. tubes are used, a professional grade caulking gun, such as the ones made by Albion or Cox, are recommended. These can be obtained from your regional Weatherall distributor.
TRIPLE STRETCH® – TRIPLE STRETCH should be used where exceptional elasticity is required such as with green logs with TMCs up to 22-25% and log or slab siding. It should still be used in conjunction with Better-Backer Backer-Rod, or closed cell round rod on joints smaller than ¾ inch.
UV GUARD Textured Caulk – UV GUARD Textured Caulk should be used for non-backer rodded applications such as “D” log exteriors. scribe fit or Swedish cope logs and saddle notches where a rough mortar texture is desired.
UV GUARD Premium Caulking – UV GUARD Premium Caulking should be used for non-backer rodded applications such as “D” log exteriors, scribe fit or Swedish cope logs and saddle notches where a smooth texture with a color blending with the logs is desired. It should also be used, with or without a round closed cell backer rod, to caulk log checks.
REDI-SET™ Between Log Sealant – Redi-Set is a higher solids version of UV GUARD Premium Caulking that is designed for sealing the joints on tongue and groove and Swedish cope logs as they are stacked.
3) How thick should the chinking be applied?
3/16”- ¼” thick – Not to exceed ¼”
4) How do I figure how much chinking or caulking I need?
Usage depends on the width of the joint and the thickness of application. The following chart is based on ¼ inch thickness of chinking and a no backer-rod standard “V” groove for caulking:
| Finished Joint Width | Per 5 Gal. Pail | Per 30 Oz. Cartridge | Per 10.3 Oz. Cartridge | Backing Rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 385' | 24' | 8' | 3/4" Better Backer |
| 1 1/4" | 308' | 19' | 6' | 1" Better Backer |
| 1 1/2" | 257' | 16' | 5' | 1" Better Backer |
| 1 3/4" | 220' | 14' | 5' | 1 1/4" Better Backer |
| 2" | 192' | 12' | 4' | 1 1/2" Better Backer |
| 2 1/2" | 154' | 10' | 3' | 2" Better Backer |
Note: Thickness of joint should be 3/16" - 1/4". DO NOT EXCEED THICKNESS OF 1/4"!
| Finished Joint | Per 5 Gal. Pail | Per 30 Oz. Cartridge | Per 10.3 Oz. Cartridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 3000+ Linear Ft. | 180 Linear Ft. | 60 Linear Ft. |
| 1/2" | 750+ Linear Ft. | 45 Linear Ft. | 15 Linear Ft. |
5) How do I apply the chinking?
Chinking is normally applied to the log joint using a commercial chink pump. It can also be applied using a bulk loading gun, manual, electric, or air operated or with factory loaded caulk tubes, either manually or electrically operated. Once it has been applied to the joint, it should be tooled into the joint using a margin trowel or regular spatula with a 50/50 water/isopropyl alcohol mix sprayed on the trowels/spatulas as a release agent.
6) Do I have to use a backer-rod?
See FAQ #2 and the chinking application guide section for specific answers but generally a backer rod should be used in joints larger than ½ inch.
7) Why should I use Better-Backer Backer-Rod?
Better-Backer® has been designed to provide a closed cell flat surface on which to apply the chinking giving the optimum joint design. Additionally, both products have a tested R-4 per inch insulation value which significantly increases the overall wall thermal efficiency.
8) Do you have Better-Backer Backer-Rod in sizes smaller than 1/4 inch?
No, 1/4 inch is the smallest size Better-Backer Backer-Rod. For smaller joints and log checks, closed cell round rod may be used.
9) Do you sell round rod?
No. We only sell Better-Backer Backer-Rod which is a Weatherall Company, Inc. proprietary product. Round rod can be purchased from most concrete or caulking supply houses.
10) Are there special cleaning requirements?
Not necessarily. Following normally accepted cleaning practices prior to any stain or sealant application should be adequate. These are that the surfaces to be chinked must be clean, dry (18% surface moisture content and 18-25% TMC depending on the product used), and free from previous oil finishes, lose or aged wood fibers, and other contaminants. For application on both new homes and existing homes, it is recommended that the caulking or chinking be applied over a minimum of two coats of UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish which should have been applied per the above cleanliness requirements.
11) Are there temperature restrictions for applying the product?
All Weatherall Company, Inc. products are waterborne acrylics and cannot be applied during freezing temperatures or when freezing temperatures are expected before the material has completely cured. If application during freezing temperatures is unavoidable, the structure must be tented and heated until the material is completely dry. It is also recommended that the material not be applied when temperatures exceed 90° F. Additionally, the material should be kept warm and the pump hopper and hose may have to be heated.
12) Will rain, snow, or other inclement weather affect the product application?
Yes. The wood surfaces must be completely dry (18% surface moisture content). Do not attempt to apply the products if rain or other inclement weather is imminent unless tenting and heating is provided as specified in the question above. If the logs are exposed to moisture, allow several days to dry. Check the moisture content a minimum of one inch into the wood with a lignometer (moisture meter). This is especially important in areas with high humidity. Check the product specification sheets for appropriate cure times.
13) How long will the chinking or caulking last?
When properly applied they should last indefinitely. They all come with a lifetime limited warranty.
14) Can chinking or caulking be applied over wood that has been previously treated with an oil or solvent based stain?
We do not recommend it, but, in some cases, yes. It depends on how long the stain has been on the logs and how the stain has weathered. It depends on the type of oil stain and what ingredients are in the stain. We recommend that you test the chinking or caulking over an area that has been protected from the weather, such as under eaves. Allow 2 to 3 days for the chinking or caulking to cure. Then see if you can pull the chinking or caulking off of the stained surface.
15) Do you offer custom colors and what are the conditions?
Yes. There is a one time custom color fee of $250 and the process normally takes 10-15 working days from the time the color has been approved. The minimum batch sizes we can make are listed below. The customer must agree to purchase the entire batch.
1010 CHINKING, TRIPLE STRETCH, UV GUARD Textured Caulk – 12+/- 5 Gallon Pails; 228+/- 30 Oz. Cartridges; 600+/- 10.3 Oz. Cartridges
UV GUARD Premium Caulking – 15+/- 5 Gallon Pails; 285+/- 30 Oz. Cartridges; 750+/- 10.3 Oz. Cartridges
UV GUARD Exterior Wood Finish, LOG GUARD Interior Protective Wood Finish and UV Guard Deck & Fence Coating – 19+/- 5 Gallon Pails
16) Can I apply your chinking over existing cementitious chinking?
Ideally the cementitious chinking should be removed and replaced with one of our backer rodded systems. This will greatly improve the energy efficiency of the joint and provide the optimum joint design. However, if the cementitious chinking is in sound condition and free from any cracks or loose or crumbly surface conditions, our chinking can be applied over it as a seal coat. Recognize that our chinking will adhere to both the cementitious chinking and the wood at both edges thus eliminating any possibility for the chinking to stretch.
17) How do I protect the joints between the logs or wood siding and the masonry accents or fireplaces?
UV GUARD® Mortar Match is the best choice for a non-structural finish over new or existing mortar joints. It is an excellent restoration/repair product for previously applied mortar. Its elasticity is ideal for sealing over cracked and deteriorated mortar joints, eliminating air and water infiltration.
18) Does your UV GUARD Premium Caulking match all of your stain colors?
Generally yes. Our caulk colors are intended to blend with our stain colors. However, since the actual finished stain color is so dependent on the color of the wood it is applied to, the caulk color may not be an exact match. We recommend that you use the color chart on our brochure or a sample tube to check the actual color match on your finished stained logs or log sample.
(Note: Pine caulk is generally the best match for the Sunlight stain color while Light Brown caulk better matches the darker Honey Brown and Amber stains.)