Removing old worn finish on log home - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Mr. D · 07-22-2006, 09:07 PM

I'm looking into doing a re-stain on a log home. The original finish was put on five years ago. some cheap oil I believe. The h.o. said it was $50 for 5 gal. Anyhow, It looks like most of it is gone except up on the gables and a bit under the covered porch. Do you think I'll be able to use a wood brightener and a power wash to remove what's left. Or should I use a stripper.

Lots of the home is about to start greying so, I'm gonna use a brightener before I apply the finish anyhow.

Also, it's about 1800 sq. ft. of surface. How does $5040.00 sound for three coats stain. I bid a lot of staining but, rarely get them. Does my price sound whacked?

Thanks guys & gals.

painterofeveryt · 07-22-2006, 11:41 PM

stripper,and a brightener imho

AAPaint · 07-23-2006, 07:40 AM

Uhh.....double post.

**slickshift** · 07-23-2006, 09:12 AM

I'd strip/clean (whichever it needs)
Then brighten
Not sure why you'd need 3 coats stain
And that's a lot of work for $5K
Granted, I don't see a lot of log cabins here lol, but that price sounds crazy low for 1800sq for:
1) Applying stripper/cleaner
2) PWing off
3) Applying brightner
4) PWing off
5) Applying stain
6) Applying stain
7) Applying stain

Jonesey · 07-23-2006, 10:24 AM

Hard to guess without pics, but yeah, that's pretty low to strip it completely. 3 days to strip and clean, 1 day to brighten, 3 days to stain.

Sounds pretty tight to me. But hey, you know your cost.

AAPaint · 07-23-2006, 01:36 PM

Thanks for taking care of my extra posts...I dunno what happened to make me have 3 posts, but whoever did it deleted the one with the actual info I posted. So, here goes again......

The price, I would agree is a little low. You'll need between 20-30 gallons of stain alone for two coats....three would certainly be more, but the wood probably won't take 3, and doesn't need 3 coats either.

Also, be careful power washing log homes. You can have serious issues with water intrusion through the chinking in between the logs. I haven't done any log homes myself, but the only other alternative is media blasting to remove the old stain. Corn cob blasting is what is frequently used on log homes to strip old stain because of the water penatration issues.

For media blasting you need expensive equipment that I am not sure if you can rent or not, and your price would need to change accordingly.

Good luck, have fun, and give that wood the care it deserves!

Mr. D · 07-23-2006, 05:25 PM

thanks for the input fellas,

that price was for staining labor only, had about 1680 figured for stripping and cleaning labor.
the 3rd coat is a satin top coat. recomended by stain manufacturer.

I think that should put me in the ball park. I'll let ya'll know how it turns out.

Jon F · 07-23-2006, 07:55 PM

what's up Mr.D,

...All I do is restore log homes, so I'll try and offer a bit of advice. First, if you can get that price for staining only 1800sf, look out, because you've got a competitor headed up to the U.P.

If that is with you buying the stain, it is a little more reasonable, as I am quite sure I know what product you are referring to, as you referenced a "satin topcoat". That product is very expensive. Other things: If you strip/wash these walls, they are going to felt. Are you going to de-felt? Better clear that up ahead of time with the customer. Ahead of time, make sure they are aware water is going to come into their home like crazy. Not stripping soffits,etc, areas that aren't worn?? Be aware the new stain won't blend in these areas. Good luck on the project,

SSP1 · 07-25-2006, 02:35 PM

I agree with Jon I would not introduce moisture in to the wood siding.
I would also reccommend a moisture meter before I apply any stain
Haven't did many log homes but usually the "grey" color is usually wood rot and very soft. Not sure ....havent seen it ...but at 2.78 per sq ft sounds do-able.

Jon F · 07-25-2006, 05:27 PM

How'd ya end up Mr. D??

Mr. D · 07-25-2006, 08:23 PM

submitted the bid, sat down with him and gave him the speil. i think he's impressed with my thouroness. (probably spelled that wrong) he's waiting for a couple more to come in. I was the last to show up and the first to get a bid to him. so i've got promtness going for me

Michigan Exhaust · 07-26-2006, 02:08 AM

All right Jon Fife said we could head up to northern michigan now. Wait how far north I need my 7-11 coffee

Jon F · 07-26-2006, 12:33 PM

Awesome Mr.D!! You oughta have TONS of this work around you with all of the cabins and short work season.