Best sealer for a red pine log home?

[raybonz]

Looking for the longest lasting best looking finish for my 20 something yr old red pine logs.. Prefer cedar look....

Ray

 

[fossil]

I've had good luck with Behr products. Availability is good, price is competitive, and it's a pretty good product. They come in three consistencies...transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque. Transparent won't last worth a damn. Opaque is like paint, covers everything so you see no grain...might as well just use paint. Semi-transparent gives a nice tint and good protection while allowing some of the grain to show through. Should last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on exposure to the elements. I'll attach pics of a little weekend place in Virginia I refinished. I'll try to attach three pics of the west end of this place...pressure-washing what I started with, then applying the stain, then done. This particular color was called "Cedar Naturaltone", as I recall. That building was sided in cedar, but I've used the same stuff on SPF and even PT wood with satisfactory results. Rick

 

[raybonz]

I've had good luck with Behr products. Availability is good, price is competitive, and it's a pretty good product. They come in three consistencies...transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque. Transparent won't last worth a damn. Opaque is like paint, covers everything so you see no grain...might as well just use paint. Semi-transparent gives a nice tint and good protection while allowing some of the grain to show through. Should last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on exposure to the elements. I'll attach pics of a little weekend place in Virginia I refinished. I'll try to attach three pics of the west end of this place...pressure-washing what I started with, then applying the stain, then done. This particular color was called "Cedar Naturaltone", as I recall. That building was sided in cedar, but I've used the same stuff on SPF and even PT wood with satisfactory results. Rick

Rick thanx for your reply.. I am pretty sure I used the Behr product you described in your post last time and it has gone to hell.. I am considering an opaque finish this time as it is more durable and believe it or not my logs after 22 yrs. are still bleeding sap!! I started out with CWF way back and that was not very durable and I am not getting any younger so durability is a getting to be more of a factor now... If was to do it over again I would not build a log home especially not a pine log home... Live and learn I guess.. Thanx for the feedback!

Ray

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I used Cabot opaque stain on a deck that gets a good amount of weather. It goes on like paint, but a deck gets abuse from sun, rain, sand and my work boots. I'm happy with it. I've never used it on a wall though.

Matt

 

[SlyFerret]

I like Cabot products. I used to run a Neighborhood hardware store, and I know that they have a very good reputation in the industry.

-SF

 

[steam man]

Make sure you check out Sikkens stains. It lasts a long time. I used it on my redwood sided home. Its pricey but it is worth it. Do a search. You can try www.epaintstore.com for online sales. $50-$70 bucks a gallon........ouch!

Mike

 

[fossil]

Cabot's good stuff. (And they know it...$$$!). I used it on a bunch of decks/railings/gazebo behind my residence in northern Virginia. Oil-based, so you have to take that into account. I both sprayed and brushed it. The Behr stuff I used out on the weekend place is water clean-up, which I found very convenient. I've since used it here in Oregon in both a sprayer and by brush. In any case, I think unless you just go the opaque (paint) route, the surfaces that art exposed to a lot of wear and/or weather are just gonna need to be refinished every so often, no matter what you put on there. Rick

 

[fossil]

Sikkens...oh yes, I looked at Sikkens just long enough to get down to the price. Rick

 

[woodsman23]

Sickens once every ten years worth every penny.

 

[steam man]

Sickens once every ten years worth every penny.

I have actually gone a lot longer on the shaded sides of my house. The sun blasted sides could use UV treatment 5-10 years. I really don't think there is an equal to the Sikkens stains. The last time I bought mine is was just over $40/gal.

Mike

 

[Adios Pantalones]

I used Sikkens- was maybe 4 years ago and it is still perfect- my house doesn't get sun blasted all year, however.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

If I coughed up the cash for the expensive stuff I'd probably get run over by a bus next week. If I buy the cheap stuff I'll live 40 more years so I can re-apply it every other year.

Matt