Has anyone pre-cleaned a log home prior to sealing. I have a customer who would like this done. It is very small, and I'm sure it can just be SoftWashed like a deck or fence, then neutralized. My question is, if there are areas where the previous sealer has worn off, and areas where there is sealer still on the wood, will I create a blotchy effect.
It occurs to me it probably matters wheather this is a "sit on top" sealer like polyurathane or acrylic, or a "soak in" product like oil or silane. But if you have some knowledge, please chime in.
John Aloisio said
Mar 19, 2015
Chad,
I have cleaned them, and I also have lived in a log home for the last 12 years. I clean mine every two years. We pre-wet, use a 1/2% solution and start from the bottom up, to avoid streaking. Then rinse and rinse again. I use an oil based stain on my house called WoodGuard, specifically designed for Log Homes. It really doesn't get blotchy, but I am sure it could if the stain is a dark color. All of the ones I have cleaned have been a light color, like Golden Oak/Cedar. When it comes to a water based stain that does not sink in, I would think it might get a little blotchy depending in the amount of stain still on the surface, that has not weathered off.
Has anyone pre-cleaned a log home prior to sealing. I have a customer who would like this done. It is very small, and I'm sure it can just be SoftWashed like a deck or fence, then neutralized. My question is, if there are areas where the previous sealer has worn off, and areas where there is sealer still on the wood, will I create a blotchy effect.
It occurs to me it probably matters wheather this is a "sit on top" sealer like polyurathane or acrylic, or a "soak in" product like oil or silane. But if you have some knowledge, please chime in.
Chad,
I have cleaned them, and I also have lived in a log home for the last 12 years. I clean mine every two years. We pre-wet, use a 1/2% solution and start from the bottom up, to avoid streaking. Then rinse and rinse again. I use an oil based stain on my house called WoodGuard, specifically designed for Log Homes. It really doesn't get blotchy, but I am sure it could if the stain is a dark color. All of the ones I have cleaned have been a light color, like Golden Oak/Cedar. When it comes to a water based stain that does not sink in, I would think it might get a little blotchy depending in the amount of stain still on the surface, that has not weathered off.
Hope this helps...
AC