May 23, 2013
Peeling Issues on Logs and Siding
While we call our pigmented finishes "stains" in reality they behave more like water-based paints than they do like traditional oil-based stains. The word stain itself implies that the wood fibers become "stained" with the pigments contained in the products whereas water-based finishes form a film that covers the wood fibers without actually coloring or "staining" them. If water gets behind the film there is a chance for the finish to blister, lose its adhesion and peel off. Most people seem to understand and accept that a "stain" can a behave in the same manner. This not only applies to water-based products like Lifeline but can also happen with oil-based finishes if the surface is not properly prepared or the finish is not correctly applied.
Most peeling issues are associated with finishes on new logs or new log siding. When the finish is first applied the surface of the logs or siding is intact [Figure 1]. Later on fissures and checks may develop especially on the sunny walls, which allow rain water to get into the wood behind the finish[Figure 2]. Gravity plays a role in this since most peeling occurs below the checks and fissures. When the sun comes out and beats on the wall the water turns to water vapor and pushes the finish right off the surface [Figure 3].
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
New logs or siding. Checks and fissures have Sunlight heats up the water
Finish has been opened exposing bare turning it to water vapor
applied to the wood to water which pushes the finish
surface but checks and penetration. off the surface on its way
fissures have not out of the wood.
yet developed.
Two additional factors play a role in the susceptibility of a finish to peeling. The first is vapor permeability. The more vapor permeable a finish is the less likely it is that it will peel. However even vapor permeable finishes like Lifeline can peel when applied too thickly or if too many coats of finish are applied. That's why we recommend thin coats of finish and maintenance coats of Advance topcoat only as needed! It is much more important to keep the surface clean than it is to apply an additional coat of topcoat every two or three years. Every coat that is applied will further reduce the vapor permeability to the point where water vapor can no longer escape from the wood without the risk of pushing some of the finish off.
Surface preparation will also contribute to peeling issues if something like bleach was used to clean the wood or if the surface was sanded too smooth before application. The presence of mill glaze, dirt, sanding dust, or other contaminates may also prevent adequate adhesion of the finish to the wood. Proper adhesion of the first coat of finish will not be attained if the application is made to wet or damp wood.
Once the checks and fissures have opened and a new coat of finish is applied, peeling rarely becomes an issue. That's because during the application process the finish now has an opportunity to get into them forming a water resistant barrier between the surface of the cracks and the bare wood [Figure 4]. One of the reasons for back-brushing is to work the finish into the cracks and fissures thus preventing water penetration into the wood. But if the wall has been recently washed, make sure that there is no water remaining in the checks and fissures and the wood around them is absolutely dry before you apply the first coat of finish.
Figure 4
Finish applied after the checks
and fissures have formed
prevents water from
penetrating into the wood.
Some factors that can contribute to peeling include:
Surface improperly prepared
Contaminates like oil or wax
Mill glaze
Sanding dust
Sanded too smooth
Inappropriate products used
Bleach solutions
Caustic Strippers
High pH cleaners
Inadequate rinsing
Application errors
Spraying without back-brushing
Product applied too thick
Application at too high or too low a temperature
Product applied to wet or damp wood
Freshly opened fissures/checks
Exposed to rain and direct sunlight
For information about repairs, see "Repairing Peeled Spots".