How to stain and finish a log home - Messmer's Natural Wood Finishes - Wood and deck stain, log home stain and finishes, and cleaning products.

Other how to guides:

Stain a hardwood deck

Finish a log home

Stain siding or fencing

Stain composite decking

How to finish a log home with Messmer's Timberflex
		Protect your log home from the elements with Timberflex wood finish. Timberflex is a three coat system available in several colors and a choice of gloss or satin topcoats. It offers maximum protection and a dramatic look on log and timberframe homes.
Materials List Timberflex color coat, one gallon covers 75-150 square feet of wood surface with the recommended two coats. Optional: Use three color coats to yield a gloss finish and deeper colors than two color coats. Timberflex gloss or satin topcoat, one gallon covers 200-400 square feet with the recommended one coat Wood Cleaner Airless sprayer with .015" to .017" tip size Brushes and/or rollers with 3/8" nap cover
Do not begin the process until you have read and understand all instructions. If you have any questions, call us toll free at 1-800-731-3669, weekdays 8-5 Mountain time. Do not apply if rain is expected within 48 hours. In certain climates you may have to wait for a different time of year to do this. Surface temperature should be at least 50 F and not more than 90 F. We recommend doing a test area on your project to insure your satisfaction with color choice before proceeding with the entire job. Timberflex is for vertical surfaces only. Do not use on decks or any other walking surface. Start with a clean surface Make sure the wood surface is clean, dry and in good condition. If necessary, use a good quality wood cleaner to prepare the surface. Any loose, peeling or flaking previous finish should be removed. Apply the first coat. Cover plants, grass, concrete, trim, and any other areas you don't want finished. Stir product thoroughly, making sure that all pigment is mixed evenly and there is no thick material at the bottom of the container. Apply one coat of Timberflex in your choice of colors following label directions. If spraying, it is recommended to "back brush" or roll the product to make sure that it fully penetrates into the wood. Allow at least 24 hours in good weather for the product to dry. A slightly tacky feel will be normal betweeen coats. Apply a second coat of the same product Apply a second coat of Timberflex in the same color. Product will begin to build a film on the wood with the second coat. Allow at least 24 hours to dry, in good weather conditions. Cooler temperatures may require longer drying times. Apply the third coat using Clear Gloss, Clear Satin, or the same color coat used for coats 1 and 2 Apply a third coat, using either the same product to yield a glossy finish with deeper color, or Timberflex Gloss or Timberflex Satin clear topcoats. Clean up Following label directions, dispose of waste including roller covers and brushes in a water filled container. Seal the container and dispose of it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long will the product last? A: Typically a maintenance coat of clear Timberflex needs to be reapplied every two to three years. The length of time will vary depending on the wood used, the way the home is constructed, which direction it faces, and your local climate and sun intensity. Q: After 24 hours the surface is still "tacky". Is this a normal? A: Yes, a slight "aftertack" is normal and will lessen with time. Q: Can I use the Clear Gloss or Clear Satin on bare wood? A: No. We only recommend this for maintenance applications on pre-existing Timberflex. If you put the clear coats on bare wood, you will not get as much color retention and longevity as compared to clear coats over two color coats. It is especially important not to use the Clear Satin topcoat on bare wood, as the oils and resins will soak deeply into the wood while leaving the flattening agents at the surface, sometimes causing a milky, mottled appearance.
Maintenance In order to maintain the appearance of the finish, it's necessary to inspect the home periodically, and apply a maintenance coat of Timberflex clear topcoat in areas that are beginning to fade. Keeping up on maintenance insures long term success of the finish and prevents unsightly peeling and cracking that can occur with a film forming finish that's not maintained.