discover how sashco helped revive a beautiful log home in japan.
A weathered log home gets a full structural and aesthetic revival using Sashco’s CPR Cleaner, Capture in Mahogany, Cascade Semi-Gloss, and Conceal in Redwood.
Occasionally, a restoration project comes along that reminds you why wood homes captivate us in the first place: their character, their grain, and the sense that they’re part of a story much bigger than just lumber and nails. That was certainly the case here.
This wasn’t a small facelift or touch-up. This was a total restoration of a weathered log home in Japan. And like so many projects that begin with visible wear and hidden damage, it became a powerful reminder that restoration is possible when you’re willing to do the work the right way.
The project was undertaken by Mr. Murasawa, a contractor who works with Nikken-Sogyo, Ltd., a distributor of Sashco’s products in Japan. What started as a mission to improve aesthetics quickly became a full-blown revival of both structure and testing the soul.
Days of Weather, Wear, and Water
By the time the restoration team arrived, years of exposure had taken their toll. Old coatings had failed. Log connections and notched joints were letting in rainwater. Sealants had deteriorated. Some log sections were so compromised that they needed replacement outright.
This is the moment many owners wonder if a home is simply too far gone. But time and again, we see the same truth play out: with effort and the right techniques, rarely are they beyond hope.
The original caulking had failed, which lead to interior water staining. The exterior stain was faded and there was significant mold growth on the surface. This home needed some SERIOUS TLC.
Deep Surface Prep
The first major task was preparing the wood itself (and this was serious work).
To start, existing coatings were stripped off using a #120 nylon brush with wheel sanders and grinders. But this wasn’t just about removal. By sanding perpendicular to the grain, the team enhanced the natural log texture, removing softer earlywood and revealing the denser latewood beneath. The result? A beautiful uzukuri (means wire-brushed, also, a super cool word) texture that made the grain stand out in a way that typical sanding by hand never could.
Aside from aesthetics, this uzukuri surface also improved the mechanical adhesion of the Capture and Cascade, which is a crucial foundation for any lasting restoration. When the surface is right, everything that follows works better.
Once the surface was sanded, the team applied CPR Cleaner and a borate-based preservative to clean and stabilize every inch of wood.
Addressing Water Damage Head-On
Over One of the biggest challenges uncovered during the restoration was rainwater intrusion at critical joints, openings, and connections. Instead of patching the symptoms, the team went after the cause (because we’re not into Band-Aids).
All old sealants were carefully removed, and deteriorated logs were replaced where needed. At the log end grain sections, new wooden backing was installed and wrapped in copper sheeting designed to echo the look of tree bark (off-the-charts cool factor). Not only was that an aesthetic dream, but it was also a solution that improved waterproofing while staying visually true to the surrounding logs.
For the inevitable checks and cracks in the logs, Sashco Conceal in Redwood was used to fill and seal to leave a natural, seamless finish that blended into the wood.
This kind of work isn’t flashy, but it’s exactly what makes long-term success possible. Fix what’s wrong, respect the structure, and move forward knowing restoration really is possible.
The Look and Protection Combo
Now for the part people really notice. The color!
The team chose Sashco’s Capture in Mahogany. The color is a rich, deep tone that highlights the wood’s natural grain while offering excellent UV and weather protection. The color brought warmth and depth back to logs that had seen years of hard exposure.
Once the stain was applied and dried, Cascade Clear Coat in Semi-Gloss was added as the clear topcoat. This final layer enhances color clarity and sheen while providing long-term resistance to moisture and weather, helping ensure this restoration lasts for years to come.
What Happens Next?
True restoration doesn’t end when the last coat dries.
A future-focused maintenance plan was put in place with annual inspections, prioritizing areas previously affected by decay and those most exposed to wind and rain. By watching these areas closely over time, small issues can be addressed early, keeping the home protected and the envy of all the neighbors, year after year.
This project was never just about products. It was about commitment. Commitment to doing the work thoroughly, respecting the original structure, and choosing systems designed to work together over time.
With careful surface preparation, thoughtful structural repairs, and the combined use of Conceal (Redwood), Capture Log Stain in Mahogany, Cascade in Semi-Gloss, and CPR Cleaner, this home didn’t just get a second chance. It became one more real-world example that with the right approach, the right products, and the right people, restoration truly is possible.
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About Sashco Log Home Products
When it comes to protecting and beautifying your log home, Sashco isn’t just another stain on the market — it’s the high-performance choice for serious log lovers. With industry-leading products like Capture, Cascade, and Transformation, Sashco combines cutting-edge technology and rugged durability to keep your logs looking stunning and standing strong year after year. Whether you’re chasing that perfect finish or just want to avoid the heartbreak of costly repairs, Sashco’s got your back. Because your log home deserves more than “good enough,” it deserves Sashco. Made for logs. Made to last. Made to make your neighbors jealous.
