I'm building a log cabin and need help in selecting stains to test for the outside of the logs. The logs will be treated with borate, but need protection from the sun and rain. I'm extremely chemically sensitive, and any products containing natural rubber latex (AKA latex) would not be an option. Suggestions? Naturally I want a product that will hold up as long as possible, but it's most important that it is relatively inert and doesn't cause any reactions for me. I'll be testing before application for my tolerance, since even I don't know what I will react to half of the time, I understand that you have no control over what might or might not work and how my body might react. What offers the best performance for the chemically sensitive? SAMPLE - Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey, Exterior, Penetrating Stain, Brackish Brown Wood Stains & Sealers

Question

I'm building a log cabin and need help in selecting stains to test for the outside of the logs. The logs will be treated with borate, but need protection from the sun and rain. I'm extremely chemically sensitive, and any products containing natural rubber latex (AKA latex) would not be an option. Suggestions? Naturally I want a product that will hold up as long as possible, but it's most important that it is relatively inert and doesn't cause any reactions for me. I'll be testing before application for my tolerance, since even I don't know what I will react to half of the time, I understand that you have no control over what might or might not work and how my body might react. What offers the best performance for the chemically sensitive? SAMPLE - Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey, Exterior, Penetrating Stain, Brackish Brown Wood Stains & Sealers

Status: Open Sep 29, 2016 - 12:00 PM

1answer

Staff Answer

Sep 29, 2016 - 12:00 PM

Our Vermont Natural Coating Exterior Penetrating Stain might work for you. It's a penetrating water-based stain that produces a surface sheen that repels moisture, dirt and mold. I've tested this for two years on my fence in full sun in Iowa and it held up as good or better than any oil stain we had previous tested. It applies easily in two coats (wet on wet) and has very low odor when wet and no odor by the next day or two. It is a non-toxic product with very low VOC levels.
We have samples if you wish to experiment with them. I think you'll like it. It has become our best-selling exterior stain ever.