Frequently Asked Questions
Caulking, Chinking, and Sealing

Can I stain before caulking or chinking?
When applying Conceal or Log Builder caulking, 1010 or Log Jam chinking and using a water based stain, it may be applied before of after staining. If using NatureColor, Woodguard, or WR-5:

1. Apply caulk or chinking over one coat, and then apply a second coat of finish the following year.
2. Wait at least 21 days after staining before caulking or chinking to allow for cure time. (Paraffinic like in X-100 oils can cause adhesion failures.)
 
Do I need backer rod?
Yes, if chink joints are greater than 1/4". See Backer Rod and Chinking
 
How much caulk or chinking do I need?
Click here for caulk and click here for chinking.
 
What does the temperature need to be to apply caulk or chinking?
See "Surface Preparation".
 
What can I use to smooth out my caulking or chinking?
People use various kinds of "tooling" devices. The most popular would probably be a spatula of some sort at the desired width. Some people use a cake spatula if an industrial one is not available. Butter knives, fingers, and foam brushes have also been used. The foam brush, kept damp, works well for Log Jam chinking.
 
I have flat on flat logs, what do I put between them?
There are a few alternatives to put in between logs that are a flat on flat system.

1. The first is to lay a bead of adhesive caulking on each side of the log; see Conceal or Puttylastic.
2. Another alternative is Ethafoam, a flat foam that can be laid down the center of the log leaving a bit of space on the edge of the log. After applying, a caulking designed for log homes would need to be applied to the exterior and interior seams.
3. The last alternative is a product called Log Seal. Some of the features of Log Seal are sealing against water, cold, heat, light and noise. Log Seal has adhesive on one side with an easy-release protective liner, providing fast and easy placement during construction. Log Seal provides easy application for flat on flat and saddle notch systems. When using for flat on flat construction, lay one line of Log Seal on outer edge and one line on inner edge.
 
Do I need to caulk after using Log Seal or Sill Foam?
Yes. It is always important to seal the exterior side with caulk or chinking to keep moisture (in the form of rain or splash-back) out from the log joints. The caulking also helps to keep insects from working their way in.
 
Should I buy a 5-gallon pail or tubes?
Economically, it is better to buy a 5-gallon pail; however you don't start saving money until you purchase two 5-gal. pails because of the cost for tools for pail application. A 5-gallon pail is equivalent to twenty-two 29 oz. tubes. It will also depend on what the applicator feels comfortable with: caulking tubes or a bulk loading gun.
 
If I buy a 5-gallon pail, how do I get it into my caulk gun?
By using a Follow Plate.

How do I clean and take care of my Albion bulk loading gun?
See "Care of Albion Bulk Loading Guns".