Weather protection can go a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of log cabins. The key to a long-standing solid log cabin is shielding the exterior of the log cabin from brutal UV rays and moisture. In addition, the right log cabin stain will enhance the natural beauty of the logs to give your cabin that sought after rustic appeal.
The best TWP Stain for log cabins is the newly formulated TWP 1500 Series. This particular stain product is intended to perform better than the original formula known as Series 500. The outperforming version 1500 Series Stain uses a low VOC blend that is compliant in all 50 states and is registered as an EPA wood preservative.
What makes TWP 1500 the best TWP stain for log cabins is its exceptional water repelling abilities that help prevent log cracking, splitting, and warping. In addition, its 60-70 percent solid pigment blend penetrates deep into the wood’s pores creating an adequate shield against graying and fading.
TWP 1500 is perfect for log cabins as it revitalizes the logs by replacing their dwindling natural oils and enhances the log cabin’s overall appearance. 1500 Total Wood Preservative has distinct mildewcides that discourage the growth of mold and mildew spores, which can cause log rot and decay.
The 1500 Series Stain will give your log cabin the brilliant finish it deserves. It is offered in a variety of colors to meet your needs. This easy to apply formula offers user friendly maintenance that will have your log cabin looking good year round while keeping annoying maintenance costs down. The TWP 1500 Series Stain is sincerely the best TWP stain for log cabins and is available from your official online TWP dealer.
If you have a question, Please Ask Below!
Can I borate treat me logs before applying the 1500 series?
If the surafce is fully porous after the treatment then yes. If it creates any kind of repellency, then no.
can I use the 1500 series on my log house that has been lightly sanded and power washed? we took most of the original stain off.
All of the previous coating would need to be removed if a brand different than TWP.
My house has been treated with ISK Biocides Wood Guard, I will be pressure washing the house in preparation for re coating. Will the TWP go on over the Wood Guard or will all trace of the wood guard have to be removed? The wood guard is a oil based product that will penetrate to wood and has been used for the last three coatings.
You will need to strip it all off and then brighten the wood after.
We are having our log cabin media blasted. How long does the 1500 last and can you restrain with the same stain in the future? Also, what prep would be needed and how many additional future coats can be done without stripping the previous coats?
TwP on log siding will last about 4-7 years depending on UV exposure. Clean and recoated as needed. Very easy to reapply as it is a penetrating stain, not a filming stain.
What is the “yellowest” pigment color that you have? How long do I have before the greying? I am trying to keep the natural wood look as long as possible. Thanks.
Honeytone. Redoing every 2-3 years for a deck is normal.
My cabin still has bark on rounded logs (40yr old); I’d like to keep the bark on. It hasn’t been treated for 15yrs. Best way to prep and stain?
Not sure how you would protect the bark during prep. Pressure washing will be needed and that may remove the bark.
Had house logs walnut media blasted to remove failing unknown former coating, ground, rough sanded, then one coat TWP 1501-5 applied June 2021. Logs still look like stained yesterday – great product!
What prep do you recommend before applying two wet on wet coats late spring 2023?
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
So can I go with another filming coating on the short term and does TWP have that kind of product. Thanks.
No. You have to remove current coating no matter what.
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You have a filming coating. Probably Sikkens DEK. It cannot be fully stripped and TWP cannot be applied over it. You can strip off when you can but you will probably need to sand or corn cob blast to get it all off.
I purchased a cabin and have no idea what stain was on the cabin, but just know it needs to be restrained – due to weather and UV exposure there is some (not much) bare log. Can I use series 100 and if we are going with a darker color will that color eventually “win out” over the current old stain. I have done some test staining with 100 series dark oak and it doesn’t affect the current color of the cabin much, but where there is bare would it actually looks darker then the samples on line. TWP is second from the top of the samples.
Whenever you switch brands of stain that old stain has to be removed first. You cannot apply TWP over the old stain.
For help on removing the current stain, post some pics in the comments.
What is the best TWP sealer for freshly peeled cedar posts?
TWP 1500 Series.
Used TWP 100 series 3 years ago. We’re probably 2 – 4 years away from needing to restain. Should I use 100 again, or switch up to the 1500 series. If I switch to the 1500 series, can I use it over the 100 series?
Stick with the 100 Series.
At what exterior ambient temperatures is it OK to apply TWP stain?
50-90 degrees.
We have a pine log cabin and we have stained with two. An old friend gave us a can that wax twp100.. it was a golden color.. I need some more but know where to get it.. can you help with that
TWP Honeytone 115 is a golden color and you can get it here on this link: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hello,
I have a Cabin that has never been stained since built. Cabin 40yrs old now. Is there really any need to use the deck stripper or will a good pressure wash be sufficient. Nothing left of any original color.
Thanks
Use the Gemini Restore kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
For log homes and all my wood projects I’ve always used 100 series. Why should I switch to 1500 series. Or should I stay with 100 till they outlaw it in my state.
Stick with 100 Series.
Our log home was originally coated with Sikkens Cetol log and siding stain. After pressure washing, can we now use TWP Log Oil or if additional prep recommended.
All of the Sikkens needs to be removed first. Strip and or sand.
Will a synthetic chinking material like permachink work with this stain on a log cabin?
Yes but that is more of a question for the manufacturer of the permachink then the stain brand.
I own a cabin in Murphy, NC. and its 5 years old now . It was stained with TWP 301 . The D-log siding is in need of new stain . Should I use The original TWP 301 or can I use a different series?
Stick with the 300. You have to.
Thanks for the response.
That should have said UNheated shed.
I have been using TWP on my log sided home for 30 years and love the way it looks and preserves the finish. I have a few gallons left over from the last time I stained my cabin. Can I store them in an I heated shed where I live in central Illinois?
No, it has to be a temperature-controlled room.
We recently acquired the my grandfathers cabin in CO, the logs have not been treated for years maybe decades. My plan is to thoroughly power wash to clean, how long after washing should i wait to apply 1500, and what can i expect for a dry time after applying?
Wait 48 hours after prep. 24 hours of drying after applying.
Does the 1500 series have more oil content than the 200 series?
No. About the same.
Should you apply two coats of TWP 1500 after prepping logs?
Two coats if older wood.
We live in the White Mtns in AZ and have had Superdeck “Golden Honey” applied to our cabin 3 times in the last 11 years. From what I’ve been reading, in order to use TWP 1500 it seems like we need to strip the wood first. Is this so and if it is, what do we use to strip the log siding? Restore A Deck Stripper? Also, is TWP a glossy finish? Semi glossy? I would prefer a glossy finish.
Yes, you will need to strip:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
TWP is not glossy. Gloss finishes will peel on exterior wood. TWP is penetrating with no shine.
Is the deck stripper you recommend safe for landscapes and plants, grass, and flowers.
Yes, but always rinse well when done to remove soap residue, dirt, and grime when done from the plants.
I bought a log cabin about a year ago and I have really noticed that it has a lot of black mold and the cabin desperately needs to be stripped and redone as it looks very dry. Do I pressure wash or use a cleaner and stripper first? How do I deal with the chinking that is there now? The previous owner has used the 1500 series Cedartone. Thank you for your help.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and brightener kit for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain around the chinking when you reapply.
its been 5 years sense I stained logs with clear flood stain. Logs look good but need to be restained. fading and dry somewhat. what kind of twp stain would be the best to use.
Hello,
You will need to remove the Flood if you want to switch brands of stain. Best to strip and brighten for the prep with Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightening Kits:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Restain with the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I used Weatherseal about 3-4 years ago. I would like to use TWP 1500. Would I have to completely strip the old stain before using TWP? I do not understand why this is always the standard answer. I would think if you are using an oil stain on top of another oil based product it would be kosher.
Yes, you will need to fully remove the old coating for it to work correctly. The TWP is a penetrating oil and any previous coating could prevent it from soaking in and properly curing.
Prepping correctly is the number one key to stain longevity and performance. In addition, stain stripping is not that hard if done correctly with the right product.
[quote name=”george Penick”]log cabin ready for stain- used FLOOD UV5 about 5 yrs ago, plan to lightly wash it with diluted bleach water/rinse. You say your 1500 is best, I know the solids stain last longest, but like the semi look, so what do you suggest for a middle ground? how long can I expect yours to last in mts of western NC?[/quote]
The 1500 is a semi-transparent stain. You will need to remove the Flood fully and that will require more than Bleach. Use the Restore a Dec Stripper Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Should last about 4-6 years for the log cabin, possibly longer depending on UV exposure.
log cabin ready for stain- used FLOOD UV5 about 5 yrs ago, plan to lightly wash it with diluted bleach water/rinse. You say your 1500 is best, I know the solids stain last longest, but like the semi look, so what do you suggest for a middle ground? how long can I expect yours to last in mts of western NC?
[quote name=”JC22″]Hello, we recently re-coated our cypress log home with 101 (the is the first re-coat since stripping and applying 101 a few years back). 2 questions:
1. I wanted a darker caramel color on this re-coat and with that on my mind I think I inadvertently put the coat on too thick — its a bit glossy after drying and feels like there is a film built up on the log. What, if anything, should be done about this?
2. The color did darken slightly, but came out very orange. It looks OK, but in the future we would like to re-coat with 120 to try to knock down the orange and bring out some brown. In light of this thick coat i just put on, how long might i have to wait to put to on the pecan? Several years again or could i get away with it sooner to get it more towards the color we want.
Thanks![/quote]
1. Leave it alone at this point. You will have to strip and remove when you redo in the future.
2. You can redo when you want but as I mentioned, the previous coating will need to come off due to over application. Use this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello, we recently re-coated our cypress log home with 101 (the is the first re-coat since stripping and applying 101 a few years back). 2 questions:
1. I wanted a darker caramel color on this re-coat and with that on my mind I think I inadvertently put the coat on too thick — its a bit glossy after drying and feels like there is a film built up on the log. What, if anything, should be done about this?
2. The color did darken slightly, but came out very orange. It looks OK, but in the future we would like to re-coat with 120 to try to knock down the orange and bring out some brown. In light of this thick coat i just put on, how long might i have to wait to put to on the pecan? Several years again or could i get away with it sooner to get it more towards the color we want.
Thanks!
[quote name=”Charlotte Sweet”]I am getting ready to re-stain my log cabin and while looking to order the same twp stain as use originally 7 years ago I am also looking for if possible a caulk that could be used prior to staining the cabin that would then take on the stain. If not then I will have to look at a matching caulk to use in filling in areas where the logs have shrunk and need to be filled in.
Thanks[/quote]
You will need a matching caulk as the TWP will not “stain” caulk to blend.
I am getting ready to re-stain my log cabin and while looking to order the same twp stain as use originally 7 years ago I am also looking for if possible a caulk that could be used prior to staining the cabin that would then take on the stain. If not then I will have to look at a matching caulk to use in filling in areas where the logs have shrunk and need to be filled in.
Thanks
[quote name=”Walter DeWolf”]Once upon a time (fifteen years ago), I lived in a log home. Every few years I would treat the exterior with an oil-based, non-hardening stain. It came in a 5-gal bucket to which I would add a quart (I think) of pigment. After applying the stain, the oils would soak in leaving the pigment on the surface. For a period of time following application, if you accidentally brushed up against the house, some of the pigment would come off on your clothes/body. I don’t remember the brand name of the stain. Is yours something like that? I recently installed a post and board fence on my property and was thinking that something like what I used on the log home might be good to use. What do you think? Thank you.[/quote]
Our stain soaks in and cures fully so there is no rub off.
Once upon a time (fifteen years ago), I lived in a log home. Every few years I would treat the exterior with an oil-based, non-hardening stain. It came in a 5-gal bucket to which I would add a quart (I think) of pigment. After applying the stain, the oils would soak in leaving the pigment on the surface. For a period of time following application, if you accidentally brushed up against the house, some of the pigment would come off on your clothes/body. I don’t remember the brand name of the stain. Is yours something like that? I recently installed a post and board fence on my property and was thinking that something like what I used on the log home might be good to use. What do you think? Thank you.
[quote name=”Joyce McClain”]We own a 2-year old oak log home, built by Gastineau Log Homes, New Bloomfield, MO. As per instructions by Gastineau, the exterior logs were stained and sealed (first 2 poorly applied coats in late 2013 – possibly sprayed on) TWP 101 Cedar Tone. Because of the poor coverage, in the fall of 2014, we hired a painting contractor that we have used for decades, who brushed on TWP 101 CedarTone on the exterior — cabin looked fabulous! The cabin in on our farm property, all grassland on the acreage surrounding the cabin. The porch floors, and exterior logs need an additional coat. I am considering moving to the 1500 series – I am not convinced that TWP 101 is giving us the best coverage. Your suggestion would be appreciated. Is there a sealant that does not include a stain for the north and south walls where the color is still good – south and west walls need the stain and sealant in my opinion. A reply by phone would be GREAT! 636-441-0121[/quote]
You cannot add a clear sealer over the tinted 101 Cedartone stain. If you want to try the 1500 Series, look at the 1530 natural as it is the closest in color to the 101. Make sure that you clean and prep first.
We own a 2-year old oak log home, built by Gastineau Log Homes, New Bloomfield, MO. As per instructions by Gastineau, the exterior logs were stained and sealed (first 2 poorly applied coats in late 2013 – possibly sprayed on) TWP 101 Cedar Tone. Because of the poor coverage, in the fall of 2014, we hired a painting contractor that we have used for decades, who brushed on TWP 101 CedarTone on the exterior — cabin looked fabulous! The cabin in on our farm property, all grassland on the acreage surrounding the cabin. The porch floors, and exterior logs need an additional coat. I am considering moving to the 1500 series – I am not convinced that TWP 101 is giving us the best coverage. Your suggestion would be appreciated. Is there a sealant that does not include a stain for the north and south walls where the color is still good – south and west walls need the stain and sealant in my opinion. A reply by phone would be GREAT! 636-441-0121
[quote name=”PollyVan”]Which chinking products are recommended for use with oil based stains like TWP? Is Perma Chink ok to use?[/quote]
It would be best to ask the company that makes the chinking to be sure it works with oil based stains.
Which chinking products are recommended for use with oil based stains like TWP? Is Perma Chink ok to use?
[quote name=”AndyL”]I an sanding the varnish off my 90 year old cabin and intend to use TWP 1500 to treat the logs. What chinking product can I use that is compatible with TWP?[/quote]
Any chinking that is compatible with oil based stains like TWP should work.
I an sanding the varnish off my 90 year old cabin and intend to use TWP 1500 to treat the logs. What chinking product can I use that is compatible with TWP?
[quote name=”Ray Raines”]I bought a log cabin a few years ago and now it needs to be restrained. It was stained with twp 301. I read that lightly sanding before pressure washing was the best way to prep. Do you agree?[/quote]
No need to sand. Pressure wash using the Gemini Restore kit.
I bought a log cabin a few years ago and now it needs to be restrained. It was stained with twp 301. I read that lightly sanding before pressure washing was the best way to prep. Do you agree?
[quote name=”Stephen Relien”]I have some mold where water hit some logs since I painted last — do you have a product that will remove the stains, or should I just paint over them?[/quote]
The Gemini Restore Kit will help to prep the wood and remove any mold.
I have some mold where water hit some logs since I painted last — do you have a product that will remove the stains, or should I just paint over them?