Sashco Transformation Log & Timber sizes: Gallon | 2 Gallon Pack | 5 Gallon Pail
Sashco Transformation Log and Timber Stain
Sashco Transformation Log & Timber is a flexible, oil-based, semi-transparent log stain with a gloss finish that shows the wood grain. It's made for exterior log walls and vertical timbers, and it's especially good for restoring old, gray or weathered logs. It needs no clear top coat. This listing is a 1 gallon can in 11 colors. Need more? See the 2 gallon pack or the 5 gallon pail.
Transformation Stain Quick Facts
| Type | Oil-based, semi-transparent log stain (gloss finish) |
|---|---|
| Use on | Exterior log walls, timbers and other vertical wood. Exterior only. |
| Coverage | 1st coat: 150-250 sq ft per gallon. 2nd and maintenance coats: 300-500 sq ft per gallon. Rough or weathered logs use more. |
| Coats | 2 coats. An optional 3rd coat adds more gloss. |
| Dry time | Let the first coat dry 24 hours before the second (longer in cool or humid weather). |
| Apply at | Surface temperatures of 40-90°F, out of direct hot sun |
| Clear coat | Not needed |
| VOC | Under 250 g/L |
| Clean-up | Mineral spirits |
| Works with | All Sashco chinking and caulk, including Log Jam, Log Builder and Conceal |
Sashco Transformation Stain Colors
We stock all 11 standard Transformation Log & Timber colors:
- Gold Tone: Light, Medium and Dark
- Red Tone: Light, Medium and Dark
- Brown Tone: Light, Medium and Dark
- Natural and Redwood
The same color can look quite different on different logs, depending on the wood species, its age and how it was prepped. Sashco recommends testing on a hidden area of at least 2 sq ft, prepped and stained the same way as the rest of the house, and letting it dry fully before you judge the color. To match an existing finish, use the same color for touch-ups and maintenance coats.
Why Choose Transformation for Log Home Restoration?
- Made for restoration: it's designed to bring old, damaged and graying logs back to a rich color, and it works on new builds too.
- Few compatibility worries: Sashco says it will go over almost any surface that's properly prepped, even if you don't know what stain is on the logs now. Products that contain wax, non-drying oils or silicone, or thick film-forming layers, must be removed first.
- No lap lines: a long working time lets you keep a wet edge across a full log wall.
- No top coat: two coats of stain is the whole system, so maintenance is just a fresh coat.
Sashco Capture vs Transformation
| Transformation Log & Timber | Sashco Capture | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Oil-based | Water-based |
| Clear coat | Not needed | Topped with Cascade clear coat |
| Best for | Restoring weathered logs, or when you don't know what's on the wood now | Clean or new logs when you want a water-based system |
| Clean-up | Mineral spirits | Soap and water |
For siding and trim, Sashco makes a separate water-based product, Transformation Siding & Trim. See which Sashco product you need.
How to Apply Transformation Log and Timber Stain
- Clean the logs. Remove failing stain and loose wood fibers by media blasting, power washing or sanding with 60-80 grit. If there's mildew, wash with Sashco CPR. Remove any wood fuzz once the logs are dry.
- Stain soon after prep. Sun can damage freshly cleaned wood within about a week, so stain within 2 weeks of prepping.
- Make sure the wood is dry: 19% moisture content or less on a moisture meter.
- Mix well. Scrape the pigment off the bottom of the can, box together cans with different lot numbers, and stir every 10-15 minutes while you work.
- Apply one heavy first coat. Spray it on and back brush it into the wood and every check and crack. If you only use a brush, flood the stain on.
- Apply a lighter second coat after the first has dried for 24 hours, again spraying and back brushing. Add a third coat if you want more gloss.
Plan for 1-2 days of dry weather after staining, and keep it off surfaces in direct, intense sun. See our step-by-step log home staining guide for more on prep.
How Much Transformation Stain Do I Need?
Divide your wall area by the coverage rate for each coat. For example, 2,000 sq ft of log wall needs about 8-13 gallons for the first coat (150-250 sq ft per gallon) and 4-7 gallons for the second (300-500 sq ft per gallon). Rough, dry or weathered logs are at the low end of each range. For a whole house, the 5 gallon pail lowers the cost per gallon, and it's best to box all your cans together before starting so the color stays consistent.
Maintaining a Transformation Stain Finish
Sashco recommends a light maintenance routine every 3-5 years: gently power wash the logs to remove dirt, pollen and mildew, let them dry (usually 2-4 days), then spray and back brush one maintenance coat. There's no stripping or sanding. Walls facing the most sun and rain will wear first, so check them yearly. See our log home maintenance schedule.
Transformation Stain FAQ
Is Sashco Transformation oil-based?
Yes. Transformation Log & Timber is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain. Clean tools with mineral spirits.
Do I need a clear coat over Transformation?
No. Transformation Log & Timber is a complete finish in two coats. A third coat adds more gloss if you want it.
Can I use Transformation Log & Timber on a deck?
It's made for log walls, timbers and other vertical wood, not deck floors. For a deck, use a deck stain.
Can I put Transformation over my old stain?
Usually, once the surface is properly prepped and any failing stain is removed. Products with wax, non-drying oils, silicone or a thick film must be removed first. If you're unsure, test a small area or email us.
How long does Transformation stain take to dry?
Allow 24 hours between coats, and longer in cool or humid weather. Protect it from rain for 1-2 days after application.
Where can I buy Sashco Transformation stain near me?
Order it here and we'll ship it to your door. Orders placed before 4pm ET ship the same day, with free shipping. Questions? Email Sales@TheStainDepot.com.
Helpful guides: Best log home stain | Log home maintenance schedule | Which Sashco product do I need? Capture vs Transformation, chinking & caulk
