Q. My son has bought a lovely 10-year-old cabin (turned log-white poplar). We are not sure what kind of stain and finish coat was originally put on the logs. The finish has deteriorated in most areas that are in direct sun and there are some black stains in areas, which never get direct sunlight.

What is the best means of removing the stain, as well as what is best type, oil or water based? If some areas haven’t deteriorated yet, can we just apply the new stain over them or do these areas have to be stripped as well?

Brenda Moore
Lantzville, BC

A. In order to achieve a uniform colour throughout, you must remove the existing finish. Authorized dealers carry the Flood product line, which has a great stain remover as well as paint and finishing products. Once you remove the stain, wash with an all-purpose cleaner, like my Shell Busey Home Cleaning Formula, rinse well and allow  it to dry for a minimum of two to three warm

dry days.

Apply two coats of Sunfast, a solvent-based wood finish paint. I should also mention that the moisture content of the log siding should be less than 20 per cent and not be applied if rain or temperatures below 10 degrees C are expected within a few days.

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