Cabin Staining Suggestions...

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duramaxdoo

New member
I was just wondering what people have been using as far as stain manufacturer and had the best longevity with. I have pine siding on house and garage and am open for suggestions. Heard good things about Sickens products but then heard that it will need to be redone every 3-5 yrs.

Has anybody used the Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat? Good or bad?

If we were to use a semi-solid, will that cover up being able to see the wood grain? We don't want the painted look and would prefer to see the wood grain. We've heard the semi-solid will last almost 10 years as compared to the transparent.

Looking for your thoughts or pics of what you've done to your cabin!! Thanks.
 
H

hotwire

Member
In the fall of 2009 we had our house cob blasted and restained, it was 20 years old. The Pro painter that done the job highly recommended Sikkens. Yes we will have to put on a "Maintainence coat" every 3 years because the suns u-v breakdown the stain on the East, South, and West sides.
When the original stain was put on they never took off the mill glaze on the surface of the logs and the original stain didn't soak in as good as it should have.
I talked to the Sikkens rep and the pros at the paint supply store and they recommended Sikkens as well, and the maintenance coats is a must no matter which stain youn use.
I let our house go tooo long without the maintainence coats and paid the price$$$$$.
Oh, welcome to owning a log home, high maintainence, and exspensive to do so.
Happy wife is a Happy life:)

Send me an email and I'll send some pics of the process. I spent 2 years doing my homework then found the right contractor to do the job, money well spent.
 
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uperjim

Member
I used the best oil based solid color stain I could buy and none of them last more than a couple years on T 111 pine or fir.

I did a bunch of research and converted to latex solid color stain and am very happy. This does not soak in like the oil based and it looks great after 3 years and seems to protect the wood better especially in high sunlight areas.
 
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Yooper_Bob

New member
I have used Sikkens on my log home since it was built in 1999. I have found nothing that lasts longer. Its very expensive, but goes on very well, and lasts a very long time.

You will get an easy 3-5 years out of Sikkens. Areas that get a lot of sun will break down quicker. All other stains I have seen used do not last nearly that long. Most only last a year.

Sikkens has a new "Log and Siding" stain that works very well.
 
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trailshredder

Member
yama_yooper said:
I have used Sikkens on my log home since it was built in 1999. I have found nothing that lasts longer. Its very expensive, but goes on very well, and lasts a very long time.

You will get an easy 3-5 years out of Sikkens. Areas that get a lot of sun will break down quicker. All other stains I have seen used do not last nearly that long. Most only last a year.

Sikkens has a new "Log and Siding" stain that works very well.
Click to expand...

X2....Sikkens is the only way to go!!
 
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ezra

Well-known member
Structures is hands down the best.sickins is good in fact the guy who brought sickins to market in 1973 and got it to what it is today is the guy runing Structures it is a improved fourmula www.structureswoodcare.com it is some work it is a 3 coat system but worth it.if you have a heavy exposed wall lots of sun wind rain kind of thing I would use the recoater on the weather walls as needed 3to4 yrs just a quick wash and a quick recoat will save you in the end.this stuff is not cheep or the fastest way to finish a house but is the top of the line.only thing I will do new decks with when they insist on wood decks.
 
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S

steelhead

New member
We ended up going with Cabot's Bleaching Oil on our cedar sided cabin. It gives the wood a natural weathered, driftwood look. It is very popular in the New England area. I actually prefer the "honey" color stains but the Bleaching Oil is nice since it doesn't really fade and if you have a side that is in the sun it doesn't look any different than the North side. The look isn't for everyone but we liked the reduced mntnce aspect of this product.
 
F

fusion

Guest
duramaxdoo said:
I was just wondering what people have been using as far as stain manufacturer and had the best longevity with. I have pine siding on house and garage and am open for suggestions. Heard good things about Sickens products but then heard that it will need to be redone every 3-5 yrs.

Has anybody used the Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat? Good or bad?

If we were to use a semi-solid, will that cover up being able to see the wood grain? We don't want the painted look and would prefer to see the wood grain. We've heard the semi-solid will last almost 10 years as compared to the transparent.

Looking for your thoughts or pics of what you've done to your cabin!! Thanks.
Click to expand...
Sikkens on my cottage in northern WI has held up VERY well over a five year period.

I would highly recommend it. Very expensive stuff, but worth the money.
 
V

venturenorth

Member
sikkens x3

For Logs, Sikkens is the best and lasts 3-5 years, then only the maintenance coat is needed, especially on n, e, and w sides.....

for rough sawn lumber or trim (cedar siding)
I have had great long-lasting results with the Maxum latex products.
 
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winter_time

New member
i have never stained a cabin but have stained numerous docks and decks using the brand Cabot with absolutley no complaint. The problem with wood outdoors is it takes a lot of maintenance which means that every 3 - 5 years you are going to have to do a recoat to keep it looking nice.
 
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