Log Home Staining in East Tennessee: Expert Advice from J Ross Painting & Twin Creek Log Supply
Staining a log home isn’t like painting drywall, or siding—it’s a completely different process that requires specialized products, proper prep work, and the right technique. At J Ross Painting & Drywall, we’ve worked on log homes throughout East Tennessee, and we’ve partnered with our trusted supplier Twin Creek Log Supply to ensure we’re always using the best products for our clients’ homes.
Whether you’re maintaining a cherished log cabin or finishing a new build here in the Tri-Cities, here’s what our team at J Ross recommends—with insights from the product experts at Twin Creek Log Supply.
Why Log Homes Require Specialized Stains
Log homes are beautiful, but they’re also high-maintenance. The logs expand and contract with our East Tennessee climate—meaning they need coatings that are flexible and built to move with the wood. Conventional paints and stains made for standard homes just don’t hold up.
That’s why we always recommend using high-quality, translucent log home stains specifically designed for log construction. Twin Creek Log Supply stocks some of the best oil-based and water-based options on the market, and we consult with them on every project to match the right product to the home.
Oil vs. Water-Based Stains: What’s the Difference?
The Great Debate: Oil or Water?
In our experience at J Ross, many homeowners prefer oil-based stains for their richness and long-term durability. On the other hand, water-based stains are easier to apply and clean up—offering a great option for certain projects.
One key piece of advice we share with every homeowner (which Twin Creek Log Supply also stresses):
“Once you pick a stain [oil or water based], you’re married to it.” -Kathy Webb, Founder and Owner of Twin Creek Log Home Supply
Switching between oil and water-based products in future maintenance coats can cause adhesion issues. That’s why we help our customers select the right stain at the beginning of their project—and stick with it for ongoing care.
Surface Prep: Where Many DIY Projects Go Wrong
The number one cause of early failure in log home staining? Poor surface prep. Based on our years of experience working with log homes—and with guidance from Twin Creek Log Supply—here’s the prep process we follow:
- Low-pressure washing (500–600 PSI) to clean the logs without damaging the wood
- Allowing the home to fully dry for at least one week before applying stain
- Avoiding rushed schedules—next-day staining often results in premature failure
Log homes require a gentler prep process than typical siding or masonry. It’s one of the reasons so many local homeowners choose our experienced crew to handle the job properly.
Always Test Before You Commit
Choosing the right stain color for your log home can be tricky. To help, Twin Creek Log Supply provides free liquid samples—and we strongly recommend testing them on your actual logs before full application.
- Every log surface absorbs stain differently
- Color swatches don’t always match how a stain will look on your home
- Once stain is applied, it’s permanent—you want to love the look!
As applicators, we’re happy to assist with this testing process and ensure the end result matches your vision.
Trusted Products, Proven Results
We choose to source stains from Twin Creek Log Supply because their team has hands-on experience with the products they carry—and they know what works in the East Tennessee climate. Our go-to line for many log home projects is Sikkens, which has proven time and again to deliver durability and a beautiful finish.
In fact, our team at J Ross has even stained the personal home of Twin Creek’s owner using Sikkens. When both the supplier and the applicator trust the product, that says a lot!
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See Examples of Our Work
If you’d like to see real examples of local log homes we’ve stained using Twin Creek products, be sure to follow us on Instagram or contact us directly. We’re proud of the work we’ve done throughout Blountville, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Gray, Abingdon, and beyond.
Ready to Start Your Log Home Staining Project?
If you’re ready to refresh or protect your log home, we’d love to help. The team at J Ross Painting & Drywall brings extensive experience in log home staining and restoration, and we’re proud to use trusted products from Twin Creek Log Supply to ensure the best results for our clients.
We serve homeowners across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including:
- Blountville
- Gray
- Bristol
- Johnson City
- Kingsport
- Abingdon
- Sevierville
Let’s protect and enhance your log home for years to come. Reach out to schedule your consultation:
📞 Call J Ross Painting & Drywall
🌐 View Our Residential Services
Twin Creeks Log Home Supply, Inc.
17 Business Way
Johnson City, Tennessee 37615
Toll Free: (800) 299-8981
Local: (423) 477-3107
Email: sales@twincreeksloghomes.com
