Blasting VS Power-washing

Prior to applying stain to a log home, the exterior needs to be cleaned. This may simply involve washing, or a more vigorous method may be called for in which a power washer can be used.  

Not all houses can be power washed.  Power washing is a process we can use if A) the stain is in decent shape and the house just needs to be cleaned up prior to a maintenance coat of stain, or B) there is no stain left anywhere but the wood has not suffered UV damage.  When we are able to power wash the house prior to staining, we will need to be able to remove any old finish and any severely decayed wood fibers.  This must be done in order to get an even finish on the house and to prevent black mold from forming under the stain.  We know how to use just the right amount of pressure to achieve the desired results.   We feel that the prep prior to staining is as or more important as how the stain is applied.

In some cases it may be necessary to use a corn cob blasting.  This is similar to sand blasting but instead of using sand, we use biodegradable ground up corn cobs or walnut shell.  We also have in our arsenal a very expensive blasting pot that enables us to use any blasting media made.  We have had success with recycled ground glass cutlets AKA “new age blast media” We also use soda and glass bead.