The following FAQ's relate to High Sierra

Are water-based products bad?

If by “bad” you mean poor performing, no. Some water-based coatings (like our Capture Log Stain / Cascade and High Sierra) will perform very well if good surface preparation is done and if they are applied in appropriate weather. On the other hand, it is also true that solvent-based coatings (oil-based stains) are more forgiving when less-than-excellent surface preparation is done and when the weather is not as ideal.

Can I put Cascade over High Sierra or Transformation?

Yes. And in fact, Cascade will help add some life to your stain, helping you avoid having to re-coat with the High Sierra or Transformation as often.

Can I put High Sierra over Capture Log Stain / Cascade?

Yes. The surfaces need to be clean and sound, with all other appropriate application procedures followed.

Can I put Sashco's Capture / Cascade over High Sierra?

Yes. The surfaces need to be clean and sound, with all other appropriate application procedures followed.

Can I use High Sierra or Capture Log Stain on my interior floors?

In general, no – at least not as the only finish. In order to have sufficient hardness and toughness to handle such abuse as dragging chairs, tables and feet, the best coatings to use are aliphatic (non-yellowing) polyurethane finishes. So, High Sierra or Capture Log Stain could be applied to an interior floor to achieve the desired color and then top-coated with 2 or 3 coats of a good floor-grade, clear polyurethane.

Can I use High Sierra or Capture Log Stain on the interior logs?

Yes, both products may be used on the interior. Both need to be top-coated with Symphony to give the best appearance and give the protection you need on the interior of your home.

Can I use High Sierra over other oil- based products?

If the original oil-based product is compatible, then, in general, it can be applied over the existing stain. Remember that in order for the High Sierra to perform well, the pre-existing stain must in good shape, meaning no areas of exposed wood, no flaking stain, etc. If there are areas of bare wood or flaking stain, then more prep work will be required. Also, keep in mind that, with an existing stain being present, there will be no penetration of the new stain into the wood, which could affect its durability if the underlying original stain is not in good shape.

Can I use the High Sierra on my interior floor?

In general, no – at least not as the sole finish. In order to have sufficient hardness and toughness to handle such abuse as dragging chairs, tables and other household items over such flooring areas, the best coatings to use are aliphatic (or, non-yellowing) polyurethane finishes. So, High Sierra could be applied to an interior floor to achieve the desired color and then top-coated with 2 or 3 coats of a good floor-grade, clear polyurethane (either solvent or water based).

Can I use Transformation on the interior of my home?

No. The solvents used can remain very toxic smelling over time so it should not be applied in enclosed spaces. Sashco’s High Sierra and Capture Log Stain are water based products particularly suited for interior use. We recommend top coating High Sierra and Capture Log Stain with Sashco's Symphony.

Can I use Transformation over top of Capture Log Stain or High Sierra?

If the Capture Log Stain Log Stain or High Sierra are in good shape, meaning there are few, if any, areas of bare wood and little discoloration, it is best to stick with what you started with, followed by a coat of Sashco’s Cascade top coat every year or two. If, down the line, one has to completely strip the home down to bare wood, it would then be OK to use Transformation to re-stain. It is not advisable to use an oil-base over top of a water-based coating because most water-based coatings are much more elastic than oil-based stains. As the logs move and breathe, the oil-base stain will be more rigid than the water-based stain and may cause the water-based product to peel under the pressure of being pulled with normal log movement.

Do I have to stain my logs before applying Symphony?

No, you don’t absolutely have to. Many people enjoy the look of the natural logs. However, one should be aware that the underlying wood itself can shift in color over time. If you don’t want to see this shift in color, it would be best to apply a light coat of a compatible stain (like Sashco’s High Sierra or Capture Log Stain) prior to applying Symphony.

Do I have to use Cascade? Will Cascade rejuvenate my existing stain?

Yes when using it in conjunction with the Capture Log Stain Log Stain. Here’s why:

a) The relatively tacky surface of Capture Log Stain, which is due to its elasticity, can pick up lots of dirt without Cascade (which dries a little harder than Capture Log Stain).

b) When Cascade is applied over Capture Log Stain Log Stain, it brings out the “depth” of the stain, enhancing the grain of the wood and providing a soft luster that is very attractive.

c) Cascade provides the majority of the water repellency of the system.

d) Cascade has UV inhibitors that help protect the color of the Capture Log Stain itself, which means that your stain will not darken as much over time. If a reapplication of clear Cascade is done 1-3 years after the initial application, then the overall system can be bolstered, both aesthetically and in endurance. Eventually, just reapplying more Cascade will no longer be sufficient, and at that point more colored Capture Log Stain Log Stain will be required.

When using in conjuction with High Sierra or Transformation stain, you don’t have to use it.

I have applied new High Sierra over the old and it is not the same color.

New High Sierra is formulated with the new trans-oxide pigments (which provide better transparency), while the old High Sierra was formulated with conventional iron oxide pigments. The overall tone of the new High Sierra was designed to blend with the old High Sierra, but some customers want an exact color match. In those cases, Sashco can make color matches to the old product on special order for an additional fee.

What are the main differences between your three staining products?

Sashco's stains have many similarities, but the differences include:

a) Basically, a different “look,” which provides more aesthetic choices to the user. Transformation, being oil-based, tends to allow more of the grain to show through, while both Capture Log Stain and High Sierra, being water-based can cover up a bit more of the grain.

What is a water and oil emulsion?

This is simply a chemical method of overcoming the natural tendency of oil and water not to mix. In order to make this happen it takes small amounts of special emulsifying agents (that are like soaps) being added to a mixer that has water and oil in it, and then very vigorously mixing the ingredients until you have an emulsion that is quite stable and prevents the oil and water from separating. A common example of this is mayonnaise. In addition, our High Sierra is a water and oil emulsion. This is also done when an oil-based stain is converted into a water-based stain.

What is the best way to apply Sashco stains?

It's best to apply them with an airless sprayer with a Graco 313 or 515 tip (or the equivalent in a different brand). One should spray on and back brush in 2 coats of the stain (High Sierra, Capture Log Stain Log Stain or Transformation), and when using Capture Log Stain Log Stain, it must be followed by 1 coat of the Cascade sprayed on, with any runs being brushed out. Make sure to thoroughly read through the individual product data tec for more detailed information or contact Sashco for the appropriate documents.

NOTE: Cascade can be used over top of High Sierra and Transformation and is especially recommended for maintenance purposes; however, it is only necessary at initial application with Capture Log Stain.

Why is Transformation the stain of choice for rainy, humid climates?

It is generally true that for rainy, humid climates (like the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon), an oil-based stain performs better than water-based stains. The reason is because when log surfaces remain wet for long, sustained periods of time, this unrelenting wetness can have a more negative affect on many water-based resins than oil resins, which are generally much less sensitive to sustained moisture exposure. When the wetness is more intermittent, then water-based stains can often perform as well or even better than oil-based coatings.

Despite this, we have many customers in humid rainy climates that have been very successful using our water-based Capture Log Stain / Cascade stain and our High Sierra stain. As always, excellent surface prep and proper wood moisture content prior to staining is critical.

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