Ugh...barn stain indecision

[Laminarman]

Well my 36x40 two story rough cut hemlock pole barn (board/batten) is about done and time to think of stain. I want a more traditional look (wood tones or colors, not paint or solid stain), nothing outlandish. I'm going busted trying samples of stains. The absolute BEST LOOKING, bar none, is Cabot Australian Timber Oil in Natural. Gives a warm, amber look, solid grain structure. Freakin' beautful!! But...just found out reviews are less than glowing and usually needs to be applied every 1-2 years (don't want to do that that often). Was thinking about a clear or slightly tinted toner, oil based. Any suggestions? Looking for natural, warmer wood tones, the semi-transparent stains last longer than toners, but I don't really care for the look. Any products out there except Flood, Cabot and Olympic you'd recommend? If I have to choose between Cabot and Olympic any preferences? Has anyone used toners and had them last more than a year or two without fading or graying of the wood?

I've googled to death, now time to turn to the people here who have never given me bad advice.

 

[/pine]

look for 'Cuprinol'...almost all those stains recommend re-coating after about 2 years...I have found that the amount of exposure is the biggest contributing factor...and only the most exposed require re-staining so soon/often...

personally I would have stained the boards before they were installed...only because it is much easier on my arthritic shoulders...

 

[Tompet]

Hi,
Look up Sikkens oil stains. I have looked extensively at paints/stains over the years and unfortunately unless there is some pigment/uv inhibitors the oil finishes breakdown relatively quick especially in the sun exposed areas. Oil finishes as you describe do look nice. If you spray the prep is quick for a new coat.

One restoration journal recommended an oil stain first on raw wood for optimum penetration into wood fibers followed by a coat of latex transparent or semi-transparent stain after two or three years for longevity.

I agree with your efforts on the look you are trying to achieve...when you get it post some photos!
tp

 

[smstonypoint]

<snip>

I've googled to death, now time to turn to the people here who have never given me bad advice.

Well, this may be a first.

I lurk over at the Journal of Light Construction forums (only pros are allowed to post) and have seen Sikkens, California, and Penofin stains recommended. They are pricey, but often you get what you pay for. I've haven't used either one, so can't offer any personal testimony.

Steve

 

[Laminarman]

Thanks everyone. I'm excited about this. I do like the "woody" look. Trouble is, we only have HD and Lowes here, and man, they know NOTHING!! One guy said "doesn't matter if it's latex or oil since the newer oils are water based anyways". Still trying to figure out what the heck he was talkin' about!!!! I do fear he may be mistaken!

I WILL post photos before and after the stain. I would have stain before assembly, but the place who cuts their own lumber told me to let it sit up for a month for a little extra drying before staining.

 

[smstonypoint]

Thanks everyone. I'm excited about this. I do like the "woody" look. Trouble is, we only have HD and Lowes here, and man, they know NOTHING!! One guy said "doesn't matter if it's latex or oil since the newer oils are water based anyways". Still trying to figure out what the heck he was talkin' about!!!! I do fear he may be mistaken!

I WILL post photos before and after the stain. I would have stain before assembly, but the place who cuts their own lumber told me to let it sit up for a month for a little extra drying before staining.

On a visit to either a Lowes or Home Depot (I can't remember which), I inquired of the clerk in the paint section as to where I might find the tack cloths. "Tack cloths? Never heard of them."


Although I have been happy with Cabot's Clear Solutions, I think you are going to have to visit a good paint or building supply store to find the high-quality products.

Steve

 

[mrpoppy58]

Laminarman,
On My 24x50 Board and Batten Building I stained it with Thompsons Water seal and two quarts of A.T.F. per four gallons of the Sealer. It looks good. After Three years I did it again. I like it. Maybe someone else has a better idea.
Poppy

 

[inveresk]

I found good results using General Paints semi transparent stain, color - cedar. Both my barn/office and house are treated with it. The timber was delivered pre-treated (two coats). The barn has been up since 2006 and the house since 2007. I haven't retreated either yet so service life seems good for this product.

 

[tractorshopper]

I second or third the Sikkens. Before finding Sikkens, I've used primarily Thompson's and Cabot and one other that was affilitated with Porter Paints. Thompson's didn't last as long as the Porter one, but they were about close and Thompson's was easy to apply and much cheaper. Cabot was a little longer lasting, but none of them have come close to Sikkens. It's over $60 a gallon, but if you only want to do it once, it's well worth it. You'd be hard pressed to ever get me to try another product again. Looks beautiful and lasts forever. Almost 9 years on my kid's wooden playset and looks like the day I put it on. I've pressure washed it to remove mildew (no graying or fraying of the wood) and goes right back to brand new looking again. Same with the mailbox. Clear finish is kind of a golden color and the second coat goes on quick and looks like a wood tavern bar with that really thick inpenetrable epoxy stuff.

 

[Red Beast]

Sikkens, and Intergrain are commonly used here, each has the supporters.