| After inspecting hundreds of log homes the most | | | | issue, Permachink has a ready to use glycol based |
| common problems that can result in expensive repairs | | | | version that has a 24 hour drying time but will cost |
| are log decay and insect damage. There is a very | | | | more. The water based glycol comes in powdered |
| cost effective step in the restoration process that is | | | | form that is mixed with water and is less expensive |
| sometimes overlooked, Borate. If you are building a | | | | than glycol based. Drying times range from 1-3 days |
| log home or having your existing log home finish | | | | depending on the humidity in your area. |
| removed, this is the perfect opportunity to take | | | | Applying Borate |
| advantage of borate. Borate is a fairly inexpensive | | | | Both water based and glycol based borate is applied |
| and important step to maintaining and preserving | | | | with a pump sprayer or brush. Borate should only be |
| your logs. | | | | applied to logs that are completely free of finish or |
| What is Borate? | | | | mill glaze. Logs should also be dry (moisture meter |
| Borate is an inorganic salt compound which is a | | | | reading of 19% or less) and free of mold and mildew. |
| combination of borax and boric acid. It is generally | | | | Please follow the manufacturer's specifications closely. |
| safe around humans but alters the enzyme systems | | | | Plants should be covered or wetted before borates |
| of insects and fungus. | | | | are applied then rinsed afterward. |
| Types of Borate | | | | Protection from Insects when Staining Logs |
| There are several types of borate available. There | | | | If you are not removing the existing finish and would |
| are powdered and liquid forms as well as water | | | | like to protect your logs from flying and crawling |
| based and glycol based. The important thing here is | | | | insects, an additive to your stain can be used called |
| that glycol based borate is believed to penetrate | | | | Bug Juice. Bug Juice with the active ingredient |
| deeper into the logs than water based. But this | | | | Deltamethrin is safe both for inside or outside log |
| comes at a price. You have to wait 1-4 weeks | | | | walls, is odorless and will not affect the pigment of |
| before applying a finish. This can be a major concern | | | | the stain. The ratio is 8 ounces of Bug Juice to a 5 |
| for some but if time is not an issue then this may be | | | | gallon pail of stain or paint. |
| the best choice for you. To get around the time | | | | |