The Process- A Step By Step Guide To Restoring Your Log Home

Log Home Restoration Process

Proper log home restoration is essential to preserving the beauty, structural integrity, and longevity of your log home or log cabin. Following a proven restoration system ensures your investment is protected from weather, insects, UV damage, and moisture-related decay. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of a professional log cabin restoration process.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is the foundation of any successful log home restoration project. Before staining or sealing, all log and wood surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, mildew, UV-damaged wood fibers, and any existing stain or coating. Proper preparation allows new materials to bond correctly and perform as designed.

Common surface preparation methods include:

  • Pressure washing

  • Hand sanding

  • Osborn brushing

  • Media or sandblasting

Each method has its place depending on the condition of the logs and previous finishes. When done correctly, this step exposes clean, sound wood and sets the stage for long-term protection while enhancing the natural beauty of your log home.

sandblasting log home

Step 2: Apply Borate Treatment (“Board Defense”)

Borate treatment is a critical step in log home repair and preservation. Mixed with water and applied to bare wood, borate penetrates deep into the pores of the logs, where it helps eliminate and prevent:

  • Wood-boring insects

  • Mold and mildew growth

  • Fungal decay

Borate provides long-lasting internal protection that works from the inside out, helping safeguard your log home for years to come. Proper application is essential, and the product must be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours under ideal conditions before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply Base Coat (“Colorfast”)

Colorfast serves multiple important roles in the log home staining process. This water-based product:

  • Reinforces and strengthens wood fibers

  • Helps stabilize the log surface

  • Promotes uniform stain absorption and color consistency

When applied correctly, Colorfast improves the overall durability and appearance of the final finish. In ideal conditions, it is ready for stain application in approximately 2 hours, though it must be fully dry before proceeding. Colorfast is designed for use with Capture and Cascade in a water-based system.

Step 4: Apply Stain (“Capture” or “Transformation”)

Choosing the correct stain is one of the most important decisions in log home restoration. There are two primary stain systems:

Oil-Based Stain – Transformation

Transformation is a high-performance oil-based stain designed as a stand-alone product. It does not require a base coat or clear coat and provides rich color, deep wood penetration, and long-lasting protection when applied properly.

Water-Based Stain – Capture

Capture is a premium water-based stain used in combination with Colorfast and Cascade. It delivers excellent UV protection, beautiful color clarity, and a more environmentally friendly option for log home staining.

Important: If your log home has remnants of a previous stain, it is best to stay within the same system (oil over oil, water over water) to ensure compatibility and adhesion.

Both stains are available in a wide range of colors and must be back-brushed with the wood grain to ensure even coverage, prevent drips, and achieve a professional finish. Allow a minimum of 24 hours of dry time before additional applications in ideal conditions.

spraying stain on a log homeback brushing log home

Step 5: Apply Protective Clear Coat (“Cascade”)

Cascade is a water-based clear coat available in Matte or Semi-Gloss finishes. This protective layer:

  • Seals the wood against moisture intrusion

  • Enhances UV resistance

  • Adds depth and character to the log surface

When a log home is restored correctly, Cascade becomes the primary maintenance product moving forward, helping extend the life of your restoration while preserving the natural appearance of the logs.

Step 6: Chinking and Checking Repair (“Log Jam” or “Conceal”)

Chinking and crack repair are essential components of log cabin restoration and energy efficiency. These products are used in two key areas:

  1. Between log seams – Filling gaps prevents air leaks, improves insulation, and keeps pests and moisture out.

  2. Upward-facing checks or cracks greater than ¼ inch – Sealing these areas prevents water accumulation, which can lead to internal rot, mildew, and structural damage.

Log Jam and Conceal are flexible, durable chinking products available in various colors to match your desired look. Proper installation requires the use of backer rod to ensure correct depth, flexibility, and long-term adhesion.

chinking and tooling chink on a log home

Step 7: Ongoing Log Home Maintenance

Once your log home restoration is complete, routine maintenance is key to preserving your investment. Sun-exposed elevations are especially prone to UV degradation and should be monitored closely.

Recommended maintenance includes:

  • Reapplying stain or clear coat as needed (depending on oil or water-based system)

  • Annual gentle pressure washing during warm weather to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew buildup

  • Periodic inspections for checks, gaps, or finish wear

With proper care, your restored log home will continue to look stunning and remain protected for decades.

Restoring a log home or wood structure is a significant undertaking, but when done correctly using the right materials and techniques, the results are truly rewarding. Your log home will not only look beautiful but will also be protected, efficient, and built to stand the test of time.

Best of luck with your log home restoration project!