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ThisOldCabinNJ
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2022 09:59am
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Hi Folks,
I bought an old log cabin (about 100 years) back in November. The previous owner passed away so I have no way of finding out certain things he did to the cabin. In particular, I'm trying to figure out what the exterior logs of the home are protected with.
The log sealer looks to be some kind of semi-transparent black-ish stain/paint/sealant covering the logs. Im certain its not a paint product as it looks more like a stain that has soaked into the wood.
The so called black "stain" (for lack of proper knowledge of what is actually on the logs) looks to be of a tar based product however it is not straight up blackjack roofers tar as that has a certain sheen and thickness to it.
At first I was thinking it might just be pitch but then in doing some research, pitch is rather viscous and would probably be similar in comparison to roofers tar. I also found some other information regarding the use of pine tar thinned out with things like turpentine or linseed oil to make a protective stain. Being that this cabin was built circa 1922, I am lead to believe this is how they probably did it back then.
Has anyone heard of these kinds of products being used on the exterior of logs for protection? Is there a more common mix of pitch/turpentine/pine tar, etc. used to make a stain sealer? I just don't want to have to strip it all and start from scratch as I do like the old dark color of the cabin.
Thanks!
Al C.
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Aklogcabin
Member
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2022 01:50pm
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Hello AL. I suspect a combination of topcoats as you have detailed. Doesn't really matter if you want to clean it n preserve it. I believe a pressure washer will blow the older topcoats of n leave you with a beautiful log. Visit with your local paint store, they usually have some great advice on newer products n how to use them. And if there is damage, getting it from damaging more it's best to start clean.
I plan on power washing our log cabin when I get caught up. That should leave the outside an even light colored tone, clean n ready to topcoat n chink.
Good luck hope this helps
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2022 02:52pm
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Last year I went looking for log treatment options figuring they could be used just as well on our sawmill rough cut boards. There was lots of info online....expensive modern versions to traditional diy concoctions.
I know I read a lot but have forgotten it all. Its 'out there' though somewhere in the ether.
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Sledrunner
Member
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2022 05:38pm
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I also have a similar issue. The previous owners built a small log cabin really close to the edge of a pond. With Winter snowmelt /runoff i am concerned the bottom logs might be exposed to water. I will work on a French drain and other more robust solutions, but I have heard of people using tar on logs to limit water penetration.
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Fanman
Member
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2022 09:18pm
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A lot of cabins in our area were treated with creosote.
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