Removing Blue Stain from Pine logs

[richard seel]

In 2005 I built a garge using lodge pole pine average diameter 14". I plealed them with a Makita 3 1/2" round based planner and got down to good clean white wood, sap layer. I borated the cleaned logs twice and then sprayed them with a log oil a neighbor had used very successfully to keep the natural appearance. This has worked extremely well for the outside of the garage, however, on the inside "blue stain" or "sapstain" has formed on the logs.

Does anyone have any experience removing this discoloration. If so please advise me at richard@seelandwright.com.

My wife wants the logs to have a honey color and she does not want the logs to have the blue stain, so if there is anyone you has successfully treated their logs to produce a honey color which is sustainable and which doesn't discolor over time I would like to know how to finish the logs for this effect.

Within a week or so we are starting to build the cabin, so any help in this are of how to treat the logs would be appreciated.

Richard Seel, 925-229-0834 or richard@seelandwright.com

[adubar]

Welcome Richard,

Generally, when treating the logs as you did, most builders use a sap stain control agent to help minimize the condition you are seeing in your own logs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to remove the stains once they have formed. You can try a variety of "bleaching" agents (household bleach, tri-sodium phosphate, or oxalic acid & etc.), but you may be forced to live with them. Some builders use power washing and sanding --be aware that these types of "treatments" compromise the longevity of your structure and have extremely varied success in removing the stains.

If you find the stain simply won't go away--you may want to try a color stain to finish the logs. Choose a color that lessen the impact of the sap stain streaks to the eye. Or, simply paint them.

If you plan to build a home with logs, you might consider changing how you are initially processing your logs.
Honestly, the method you used is agressive on the wood and not necessary---and prone to problems with sap staining if not treated.

I will place my plug for the LHBA's class here: Log processing is discussed at length in the class--methods, tools, and techniques to ensure the longevity of your logs.

Best of luck!

-A