Best Log Home Stain: Sikkens vs Sashco Capture vs Messmer's Timberflex
Logs move, check and soak up more stain than any deck or fence, so a log home needs a finish built for it. The best log home stains are made to flex with the wood, protect against UV and water on big vertical walls, and be maintained with a simple refresh coat instead of stripping. Here's how the log home finishes we carry compare, using each manufacturer's own information.
Log Home Stains Compared
| Finish | Type | System | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol Log & Siding | Oil-alkyd, high solids | Two coats | Translucent satin |
| Sikkens Cetol 1 RE + Cetol 23 Plus RE | Alkyd oil | 1 base coat + 2 top coats | Translucent satin |
| Sashco Capture + Cascade | Water-based, elastic | 2 coats Capture + 1 coat Cascade clear | Color with a clear protective topcoat |
| Messmer's Timberflex | Multi-coat system | Color coats + clear topcoat | Varnished look, gloss or satin topcoat |
| Outlast Q8 Log Oil | Penetrating oil preservative | See product page | Penetrating oil finish |
Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol Log & Siding
Cetol Log & Siding is a high-solids, oil-alkyd translucent stain with a satin finish, made for log walls, siding, beams and trim. It's a two-coat system that covers about 150-225 sq ft per gallon on rough or weathered logs and 300-400 on smooth wood, dries to the touch in about 6 hours, and can be recoated in 24 hours. It's maintained with Cetol Maintenance RE, a clear coat that revives the sheen.
Sikkens Cetol 1 + 23 Plus System
The classic Sikkens log home system is one coat of Cetol 1 RE as a base coat, followed by two coats of Cetol 23 Plus RE as the top coat. Cetol 1 isn't meant to be left on its own. See our step-by-step guide to staining a log home with the Sikkens Cetol system.
Sashco Capture and Cascade
Capture is a water-based log stain with an elastic formula that moves with the logs and can bridge small gaps and cracks. Sashco calls for two coats of Capture, then a coat of Cascade clear, which Sashco says Capture must be topcoated with for water resistance and added UV protection. Capture covers about 150-250 sq ft per gallon on the first coat and 300-400 on later coats, and dries to the touch in 30 minutes or less in good weather. Apply between 40°F and 90°F, including overnight temperatures. Maintenance is a fresh coat of Cascade when the surface loses its sheen. Cleanup is soap and water.
Messmer's Timberflex
Messmer's Timberflex is a multiple-coat system that gives exterior log and timber frame homes a beautiful varnished appearance. It comes in 9 colors with gloss and satin clear topcoats, and the coating is mildew resistant.
Outlast Q8 Log Oil
Outlast Q8 Log Oil is a penetrating oil that works as a wood preservative, stain, sealant and insect repellent. It's an option for owners who prefer a penetrating oil over a film-forming log finish.
How to Choose a Log Home Stain
- Want the classic Sikkens look: Cetol Log & Siding (two coats) or the Cetol 1 + 23 Plus system.
- Want a water-based finish with soap-and-water cleanup: Sashco Capture with Cascade.
- Want a glossy, varnished look: Messmer's Timberflex with a gloss topcoat.
- Prefer a penetrating oil: Outlast Q8 Log Oil.
- Already have one of these finishes: stay with the same system and maintain it; mixing systems usually means stripping first.
Before You Stain
Seal gaps and checks first with Log Jam chinking or Log Builder caulk; see how to apply Log Jam. Clean the logs thoroughly, let them dry, and follow each product's prep instructions. For upkeep, see our log home maintenance schedule.
Questions? Email Sales@TheStainDepot.com with photos of your logs, or browse all log home products.