How to Stain Your Log Home

You can enhance the natural appearance of your log home and protect it from the elements by finishing it with an oil-based stain. Before you begin, you must pay special attention to preparation, or you could have problems with absorption. Know the proper ways to prepare the log home and protect surrounding surfaces from potential stains. In addition, take the appropriate safety precautions, depending on whether you are working indoors or outdoors, or you may suffer bodily harm.

• 1

  Clean the exterior of your log home, using a pressure washer, equipped with a low-pressure tip. Wait a full day for the home to dry. Dust the interior of your log home with a broom if you plan to stain it.

• 2

  Protect areas within the log home from stain splatters and drips by covering them with painter's tape and drop cloths. Skip this step if you only plan to stain the exterior of the home.

• 3

  Open the container of stain. Stir the contents for two full minutes, using a wood stir stick. Pour 2 gallons of stain into the plastic 5-gallon bucket.

• 4

  Wear a respirator if you are staining the interior of the log home.

• 5

  Coat the log home with stain, using a roller, equipped with a shed-free cover. Roll vertically, moving from the left to right. Apply stain to awkward areas between the logs using a paintbrush specifically manufactured for use with paints that have an oil base.

• 6

  Wait 2 hours for the stain to dry. Add a second coat if you desire darker results.