| During and after construction logs can become | | | | and brighten uncoated wood that is dirty, faded or |
| stained from rain hitting the logs and leaving water | | | | gray from UV exposure. Mix CPR to the brightening |
| spots as well as having black stains develop from | | | | solution strength for use on new construction just |
| water hitting the nails, spikes or lag screws used in | | | | prior to staining to remove dirt and grime from logs |
| construction and leaving unsightly black stains on the | | | | during the building process and to break down mill |
| logs and other wood. This can be easily removed by | | | | glaze. Mixed at the log cleaning solution strength--use |
| using several methods: | | | | for periodic cleaning of stained logs to extend the life |
| - Oxalic Acid For black nail stains you can use oxalic | | | | of your stain. It can be applied eaisly by using a |
| acid and water. A cup of oxalic acid in a gallon of | | | | garden sprayer. |
| warm water is the best mixture for normal stains. If | | | | - Phosphoric Acid Phosphoric Acid is a liquid |
| you have a few stains, just rub the solution on with | | | | concentrate for cleaning log and wood surfaces. It |
| a soft rag and presto..they are gone. If you have a | | | | commonly goes by the name Log Wash. It can be |
| lot of stains or want to brighten up the logs prior to | | | | used as maintenance cleaner or to prepare the |
| staining the house, you can use a hand, pump | | | | surface of wood for a new coat of stain or topcoat. |
| sprayer for the job. This solution is poison so keep | | | | The exterior surfaces of a log home are a settling |
| away from any living thing. Also use eye protection | | | | ground for dust, pollen and other airborne |
| and a face mask to filter out any of the chemicals. | | | | contaminants that dull the surface and encourage |
| This chemical can be obtained at most home centers | | | | mold growth. A light cleaning once or twice a year will |
| and goes by the name of "wood bleach". | | | | keep a home looking beautiful and helps prolong the |
| - Bleach and Water Another way to brighten up and | | | | life of the exterior wood finish. For preparing the |
| clean up logs or deck prior to finishing is to use a | | | | surface of bare or finished wood or for a new coat |
| mixture of half house hold bleach and half water. This | | | | of stain or topcoat, Log Wash removes dirt, grime, |
| can be sprayed on with a hand held pump sprayer | | | | pollen and surface mold and mildew without harming |
| and worked in with a brush on tough spots. Never | | | | the wood or the finish. As opposed to bleach |
| ever try to make your own super stain remover and | | | | solutions, Log Wash does not upset the natural pH |
| mix oxalic acid (wood bleach) and house hold bleach | | | | balance of the wood, thus preventing wood fiber |
| together. This will give off a tremendous volume of | | | | damage and iron tannate stains. It can be applied |
| noxious fumes that can be damaging to your lungs. | | | | easily by using a garden sprayer. |
| - Sodium Percarbonate (CPR) CPR is used to clean | | | | |