Stain Ain’t Paint
Why Your Log Home Isn’t a Canvas
Ok, log home lovers, time to be real. Owning a log home is a dream. Come on, the character, the warmth, the charm, there’s nothing like it. But let’s be honest, maintenance can feel like a full-time job. And at some point, most of us have thought, “Maybe I should just paint it and be done with all this upkeep.” (Ahem. Every professional log applicator likely experienced an eye twitch after reading that.)
Why can’t I paint my log home?
Before you grab that paint roller, let’s chat about why that’s usually a bad idea. The short answer is, stain ain’t paint. Understanding that difference can save you a ton of money, headaches, and heartache. Let us explain.
Think of stains like lovely natural makeup, and paint, well, paint is like clown face paint. Stain enhances what’s already there. Paint hides everything.
Now listen, we’re not hating on paint. It has its place, that place just does NOT happen to be on a log home—ever.
Paint hides what’s underneath, like log rot, which can lead to costly repairs.
Stain vs. Paint: How It Plays Out on a Log Home
- Stain highlights what’s underneath. Gray spots? They’ll show. A reddish undertone? Yep, pops right out. Mold or mildew hiding in the cracks? Stain will accentuate that too. Now, that might sound scary, but it’s actually a good thing. Stain allows developing problems to be seen early, so you can address them before they become expensive disasters.
- Paint hides developing issues. Moisture can sneak into logs. The problem with paint is that it can’t get out easily. That trapped water creates osmotic pressure (a fancy way of saying “internal stress from moisture”), and eventually, the paint peels, or worse, the logs start to rot underneath without you ever knowing it. And repairing logs? Not cheap. Replacing a few feet of structural logs can cost $200–$300 per linear foot, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. We’ve heard stories of small repairs costing $75,000 because paint hid the problem until it got really bad. Ouch.
- Stain lets your home breathe while protecting it. Most stain products are breathable (definitely all Sashco stains), which means moisture vapor can escape from underneath the finish. Stain acts like a one-way valve, keeping water out but allowing vapor to escape. That’s a big reason logs last longer with proper staining and prep.
- Stain preserves natural beauty. Semi-transparent stain is thin and penetrates the wood, highlighting the grain, texture, and warmth of the wood. Paint is thick and opaque. It hides all that character. Want your logs to look like a beautifully waxed car instead of a neon-green billboard? Stain is your friend.
Here’s a simple way to think about it. Do you want your logs to look like a supermodel, showing off their natural beauty, or a clown, hiding imperfections under layers of paint (and sometimes really scary)?
The Bottom Line: Can You Paint Your Log Home?
Nope! Stain your logs, protect your investment, and let that natural beauty shine. Save the clowns for the circus.
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Ready to stain? Don’t guess! Sample. Testing stain colors on your actual logs before committing ensures that you get the exact look you want and helps prevent “oops” moments later. Snag your free samples here.
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.
