Ellijay Dry Media Blasting: Restoring Log Homes
If you have owned a log home for any length of time, I think it would be safe to say that you could conclude, log homes are fairly high maintenance. If you are thinking of buying a log home or just purchased one, you may be in for a surprise. Not necessarily a bad surprise, maybe more like an awakening.
Restoring a log home generally includes cleaning or stripping, repairing damaged wood, caulking and chinking and applying a new finish. At some point, because of stain failure or wanting to change the color of your Ellijay log home, it will have to be stripped. Of all the maintenance procedures, stripping the old stain or paint off of your home is undoubtedly the most aggressive, labor intensive and expensive step. With that being said, it is absolutely the most important, but oftentimes the most neglected step in the process.
The typical stripping procedure begins with an inspection of the logs and the existing coating. Once an assessment has been made, it will be determined which stripping application will be used. There are two methods generally used; chemical stripping and media blasting using some type of dry media.
If it is determined that a latex paint or stain or certain types of “film forming” oil based stains have to be removed, media blasting is the preferred method. If it is determined that penetrating oil stains or sealers are present, chemical stripping may be used.
Ellijay dry media blasting is similar to sand blasting, but is non-abrasive. Compressed air mixed with a special blasting media is pushed through a hose at high velocity and directed at the log surface. When used properly, paint can be removed from glass without damaging the glass. In Ellijay log home restoration, it is an effective means of removing the finish without damaging the substrate.
Once the operator is in position, a ground man will load the machine with the media and engage the air compressor. The operator will begin stripping using a wide sweeping then lifting motion so as not to gouge the wood on the return pass. Starting at the top, one section at a time will be completely stripped before moving to the next section. When one side of the home if finished, staging will be moved and the process will start again until all coatings have been removed. Depending on the homeowner’s preference and the final overall look, it may be necessary to sand the logs to reduce the profile to obtain the desired finish. Once sanding is completed, the media blasting process is finished and the next step in the log home restoration can begin.
Preparation is one of the keys to sealer performance. Proper stripping technique is the first key to preparation.