The following FAQ's relate to Conceal

Can I apply Conceal before I stain to get a better match?

Possibly. It is best to apply the closest color Conceal after all staining is complete, so long as you’re using a compatible stain. Because most stains are relatively rigid, when they’re applied over a flexible material like Conceal, the stain will crack (unlike the sealants) when the logs move like we know they do, and the underlying sealant will show through.

Can I chink with Conceal?

Yes, if the chink line is smaller than 1 1/2” wide. Anything with a wider width should be filled with Chinker’s Edge or Log Jam.

Can I use Conceal on the interior of my home?

Yes! Be sure to follow all proper application instructions as outlined in the Conceal Data Tech.

Can I use Log Builder or Conceal around gutters?

In general, no. Water-based products should not be used in areas that may experience large volumes of water.

Can I use Log Builder or Conceal on a joint over 2 inches?

In general, no. Log Jam or Chinker's Edge would be better choices for gaps this wide. Log Builder and Conceal both work well on joints that range from 1/4“ to 2” wide.

Do I need to chink or caulk my “chinkless” style log home?

The short answer is you probably will – if not now, then later.

Here’s why. Often log home manufacturer design their homes to fit tightly together – no chink line is required. This is a look that appeals to many customers. Generally, when the logs are stacked, an “internal” seal is installed (either a bead of caulking between the logs, a butyl tape, or something similar to insure a water - and air - tight home.) to insure a water tight home.

Two things happen over the next few years. First, as the logs dry out to their final moisture level, they move. This movement sometimes breaks the initial internal seals between the logs allowing cold air, bugs, and water to come into the home. It is difficult to tell exactly where the seal is broken, so spot repairs are sometimes not effective. At this point, some homeowners choose to caulk the home between log courses to fully seal it up. Conceal is an ideal product for caulking these joints because it is textured and matched to the popular stain colors out there. So the Conceal caulking is truly “concealed” to insure the desired “chinkless” look.

Second, as the logs dry out checks will appear and get bigger. These checks (on the home’s exterior) will need to be treated with Penetreat to prevent rot, stained to prime the inside surface, and then caulked with backer rod and either Log Builder or Conceal. Caulking these checks is essential to preventing rot, prolonging the life of the stain, and keeping water out of the home.

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 is the difference between Log builder and Conceal?

Conceal is lightly textured and diffuses light, so the caulk “disappears”. Log Builder has no texture and gives a more shiny finish when dry.

What's so great about Conceal?

We have specially formulated Conceal with texture and natural looking pigments to allow the product to blend in with surrounding wood so that the caulk lines are virtually hidden or ”concealed“. In addition, the seven Conceal colors were formulated to blend in with the most popular stain colors used on log homes. So when you apply Conceal to a stained home, this caulking is more likely than traditional caulking products to “disappear”.

Conceal also has an amazingly high elasticity rate. When used in conjunction with a bond breaker and applied according to the Conceal Data Tech directions, it can withstand the extreme movement that log structures undergo. Conceal also has incredible adhesion to most stains.

Which color of Conceal should I use to match my stain?

Since every stain looks slightly different on every different home, there is no set answer as to which color of Conceal will match a specific stain color. Instead, we would be happy to send you a Conceal color card so that you can see the choices for yourself and decide.

Will Log Builder or Conceal stick to stone and masonry where my fireplace attaches to my logs? Will it work where my aluminum flashing meets logs or metal roof meets logs?

Yes, both will adhere very well to such stone and masonry. Your main concern should be that if the stone or masonry is made hot by the fireplace, then the sealant will likely not survive such high temperatures. Be sure to read the Data Tech for specific temperature ranges to ensure the product will work for you.

Both products will generally adhere well to clean aluminum. Water based products should not be used in areas that may experience large volumes of water such as roofs, gutters, or flashings.

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