by Michael Carey

·  Can I apply a clear finish to protect my logs? No, most of the protection from stains comes from the pigments. Clear wood finishes look nice but do not last more than 6 months. Typically, the darker the log stain the more protection and durability they offer.
·  Should I apply a water based stain or an oil based stain to my log home? It really depends on you the consumer. There are good water based stains and there are good oil based stains. Water based stains are nice because they do not have much of an odor and are easy to clean up but they can be difficult to apply. Oil based stains are easier to apply but typically they have a strong odor and require solvents for clean up. Finally, make sure to pick a stain product that has a good track record and have realistic expectations.
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