| Causes of Interior Water Stains | | | | stained area without removing too much of the log |
| Water stains are the result of water contacting | | | | fibers. You can easily damage your log wall creating |
| unprotected log surfaces. Before you begin to | | | | an uneven and undesirable look. You may be able to |
| remove the stains on your interior log wall, you need | | | | achieve good results by sanding the water stained |
| to determine where the water originated. This may | | | | area only and applying a pigmented stain. However |
| have occurred during the building process, gaps | | | | for best results, once the water mark has been |
| between the log courses due to settling or broken | | | | removed, lightly sand the entire log wall to allow for |
| gaskets/caulking that have failed. Water stains can | | | | even absorption of stain and avoid color variations. |
| also be the result of a previous plumbing problem or | | | | Staining Interior Log Walls |
| just windows left open repeatedly allowing water to | | | | Interior log walls are exposed to areas of indirect or |
| enter. Once you are certain the situation has been | | | | direct UV rays through skylights, windows and doors. |
| corrected, you can begin to repair the water marks. | | | | Even if your interior log wall was not previous |
| Repairing Water Stains on Interior Log Walls | | | | stained, chances are that over time the characteristic |
| There are several methods used to remove water | | | | of the log wall will appear different. |
| stains from an interior log wall. The best method may | | | | Most log home coatings companies have developed |
| depend on the depth and severity of the staining. If | | | | products designed specifically for interior log walls. |
| they were caused during the building process and the | | | | These products are typically water based and |
| staining is severe, you may want to consider hiring a | | | | available in different finishes. Depending on your |
| log home professional to have the walls media | | | | personal preference, you can choose a clear |
| blasted with corn cob, glass or walnut shells. Although | | | | (non-yellowing) finish in a gloss or satin. If you prefer |
| this can be messy and will involve removing all | | | | a pigmented stain, most offer different shades. |
| objects from inside the room, it is very effective. | | | | Whether you are trying to match an existing log wall |
| Most log professionals will do their best to seal the | | | | or deciding what color would best blend with your |
| area and help minimize dust from traveling into other | | | | existing finish, most manufacturers are happy to mail |
| areas of the home. | | | | color samples of their products. Applying a finish to |
| Usually water stains are in a more confined area and | | | | interior walls will not only offer protection but also |
| not too severe. If you decide to tackle the project | | | | make cleaning the log surface easier. |
| yourself, start by using regular sand paper (fine to | | | | Conclusion |
| medium grit, depending on the log species) and a | | | | In most situations water stains can be effectively |
| traditional palm sander. Begin sanding at the edge of | | | | removed without leaving obvious signs of water |
| the water mark. If they can not be easily removed it | | | | damage however, there are no quick and easy |
| may be necessary to use an orbital sander or belt | | | | solutions. Your patience will pay off once you expose |
| sander. Concentrate on blending the darker edges. It | | | | the new bright wood fibers just beneath the surface. |
| takes patience and care to remove the water | | | | |