If you have owned a log home for any length of time, I think it would be safe to say that you could conclude, log homes are fairly high maintenance. If you are thinking of buying a log home or just purchased one, you may be in for a surprise. Not necessarily a bad surprise, maybe more like an awakening.
Log home restoration services generally includes cleaning or stripping, repairing damaged wood, caulking and thinking, and applying a new finish. At some point, because of stain failure or wanting to change the color of your log home, it will have to be stripped.
Of all the maintenance procedures, stripping the old stain or paint off of your home is undoubtedly the most aggressive, labor-intensive, and expensive step. With that being said, it is absolutely the most important, but oftentimes the most neglected step in the process.
The typical stripping procedure begins with an inspection of the logs and the existing coating. Once an assessment has been made, it will be determined which stripping application will be used. There are two methods generally used; chemical stripping and media blasting using crushed corn cob, glass, or soda.
If it is determined that a latex paint or stain or certain types of "film-forming" oil-based stains have to be removed, media blasting is our preferred method. If it is determined that penetrating oil stains or sealers are present, chemical stripping is used.
Media blasting is similar to sandblasting but is non-abrasive. Compressed air mixed with blasting media (usually corn cob) is pushed through a hose at high velocity and directed at the log surface. When used properly, paint can be removed from the glass without damaging the glass. In log home restoration, it is an effective means of removing the finish without damaging the substrate. Used improperly, you can quickly damage anything it may come in contact with.
