Sashco vs Permachink: Which Log Home Stain Is Right for Colorado?
Choosing the right log home stain isn't about brand loyalty — it's about matching the coating system to your wood condition, exposure, and how you want your home to age. Here's a practical, contractor-style comparison.
Quick note: Both companies sell more than just "stain." They offer complete log home finishing systems: prep products, cleaners/brighteners, stains/topcoats, sealants, and chinking. The "best" outcome depends as much on prep + application as the product you buy.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Category | Sashco | Permachink |
|---|---|---|
| Best Known For | Coating systems + sealants, strong education & system approach | Stain systems + chinking, popular with restoration pros |
| Finish Look Options | Rich coated looks and transparent options depending on product line | Natural wood look options and solid/transparent choices |
| Strengths in Colorado | Strong system thinking; good compatibility with elastomeric sealants | Durable exterior stain lines; strong ecosystem with chinking/maintenance |
| Product Ecosystem | Capture, Cascade, Symphony stains + Conceal, Log Jam sealants | Lifeline Ultra-2, Ultra-7, Advance + Permachink chinking |
| UV Protection | Excellent UV blockers in premium lines | Strong UV resistance with trans-oxide pigments |
| Maintenance Cycle | 3-5 years depending on exposure | 3-5 years depending on exposure |
The Real Decision: What Kind of Finish System Do You Need?
Before comparing brands, answer these questions about your log home's condition and your goals.
Wood Condition
Healthy & Absorbent?
Use penetrating/low-build system or maintenance coat
Greyed, Flaking, or Peeling?
Need restoration prep first
Desired Look
Natural/Translucent
More wood grain showing, more variation
Uniform/More Coverage
Masks imperfections, can look more "painted"
Colorado Exposure
Sashco Stain/Finish Systems
Visit SashcoSashco is widely known in the log-home world for their system approach and elastomeric sealants. Their stains/finishes are often chosen when a homeowner wants a cohesive "Sashco system" plan.
Pros (Real-World)
- Strong "system mindset" (prep + finish + sealant strategy)
- Good integration with sealants and maintenance products
- Good option set for different looks (more/less build; more/less color)
Considerations
- Results depend heavily on prep and wood condition
- Some finishes behave like coatings — won't fix compromised wood underneath
Best Fit Scenarios:
- • You want a defined system with clear steps
- • You have stable wood and you're planning ongoing maintenance
- • You're pairing stain/finish with sealants and want compatibility confidence
Permachink Stain/Finish Systems
Visit PermachinkPermachink is deeply associated with log home finishing and chinking. Their stain/finish lines are common on full restorations and ongoing maintenance programs.
Pros (Real-World)
- Strong product ecosystem with chinking + maintenance workflows
- Proven stain lines commonly used by pros on restorations
- Flexible options for transparency/coverage depending on goal
Considerations
- Same industry truth: shortcuts in prep lead to early failure
- Coating over dirt/oxidation causes adhesion problems
Best Fit Scenarios:
- • You're doing a restoration + chinking package and want one ecosystem
- • You want stain options that play nicely with log-home sealants/chinking
- • You're building a predictable maintenance schedule
The Biggest Myth: "Brand = Longevity"
The #1 reason log home finishes fail isn't the brand — it's one of these:
Surface Contamination
Dust, pollen, soot, or oils on wood surface prevent proper adhesion
UV-Degraded Wood Fiber
Gray, fuzzy surface that won't hold coatings without proper prep
Moisture Issues
Leaks, splashback, missing drip edges, or poor drainage
Coating Over Failed Layers
Old film finishes or mixed products without proper removal
A correctly prepped job with either brand will outperform a poorly prepped job with "the best" product.
Our Recommendation as Colorado Log Home Contractors
Prep Quality
This controls 70% of longevity
Moisture Control
Prevents hidden failure
Match the Coating
To the wood condition
Maintenance Plan
Especially south/west walls
We can recommend the best system after a quick inspection and moisture assessment.See our past projects to understand our quality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sashco "better" than Permachink?
Not universally. They both make solid log-home finishing systems. The "better" choice depends on your home's condition, exposure, and desired look — plus correct prep. We're certified to work with both systems and can help you choose.
Can you apply one brand over the other?
Sometimes, but it depends on the existing finish type and condition. Mixing systems without compatibility checks is a common failure point. We always do adhesion tests and verify product compatibility before recoating.
What lasts longer in Colorado?
Longevity depends more on prep, sun exposure, and maintenance than the logo. South/west walls often need earlier maintenance regardless of brand due to Colorado's intense high-altitude UV.
Should I pressure wash my log home before staining?
Pressure washing can be useful in the right hands, but it can also damage wood fibers or drive water deep into checks/joints. Many homes do better with controlled cleaning methods and proper drying time before coatings. Our media blasting service is often the better choice for restoration projects.
Related Services
Professional staining with premium products for lasting protection.
Expert chinking to seal gaps and improve energy efficiency.
Remove old finishes and prep wood for new coatings.
Regular maintenance to extend finish life and protect your investment.