In the modern rating of building materials, which could be compiled on the basis of popularity and prevalence, one of the first places will certainly take wood. Its ecological cleanliness, affordability and natural texture make it possible to resist glass composites that are more practical and reliable from the point of view of operation. To compensate for the lag in terms of strength and stability relative to external factors of influence allow special coatings. In the treatment of wooden houses, combined compositions are used that combine the functions of protective impregnation and decorative paints and varnishes . Therefore, even a lightweight standard painting of a log house will necessarily include several properties that increase the durability of the building.
Varieties of colors
Three main types of compositions were spread, which make it possible to obtain the necessary protective and decorative coating effect without unnecessary costs and additional efforts. First of all, it is oil paint. Such products are actively absorbed into the structure of wood material, and during operation they demonstrate good qualities of resistance to weathering. Oil compositions also have disadvantages - this is a long period of drying and loss of decorative properties after a long time of use.
The following is acrylate paint. It also provides a worthy barrier in severe climatic conditions, but, unlike oil, does not lose its original color and overall texture years after application. In addition, painting the log house with acrylate does not impregnate the deep structure, allowing the material to breathe and natural air exchange. There is a whole group of antiseptic agents, the tasks of which focus on the conservation of the biological and ecological state of wood.
Types of antiseptic impregnation
You should start the review with leachable antiseptics for wood. They are made on an alkyd-alcohol base, which also includes metal salts. But, as the name implies, such funds are washed out. That is, it is useless to use such an antiseptic in the processing of the outer sides of the walls - after a short time the composition will be removed from the structure. But the internal processing can be done with the help of this impregnation, since it is harmless to human health.
The opposite of the above remedy is a hardly washed away antiseptic. This tool, the basis of which is a combination of synthetic and vegetable oils. Such painting of the log house can be applied both to external walls and inside. Hard-washed impregnations remain resistant to precipitation and fully comply with environmental safety requirements.
Lacquer and non-lacquer products
Each lacquer or non-lacquer coating agent may have its own characteristics depending on the composition and list of “working” qualities. Here, much depends on the technology developed by a particular company. But if you compare the classic drugs of two types, the difference will be in two qualities - the ability to form a reliable protective layer and environmental cleanliness. Varnish compositions usually have an acrylic polymer base. This is a transparent material, which in practice creates a transparent film that reliably protects the target surface from various influences. Reinforced modifications even prevent mechanical damage in the form of scratches and chips. This option is more suitable for external processing.
If it is necessary to paint the log house inside, then select non-lacquer compositions. They not only benefit due to environmental safety, but also allow the walls to breathe inside, which is important for the microclimate. The presence of a varnish film, by the way, seals the pores, and this is not the best way even affects the external surfaces of the log house.
Preparing the house for painting
By the time of processing the surface of the wall should be clean and smooth. Achieve this allows a set of relevant activities. First, you should wash the surfaces using soft abrasives. For example, with a brush with a plastic pile, you can remove the most pronounced dirt, dust deposits, etc.
Then flushing is performed. At this stage, it is advisable to use special sprayers and washers with high pressure or use an ordinary garden hose. In extreme cases, wet cleaning with rags is performed.
Further, the technological process of preparing the log house for painting provides for the cleaning already using a hard abrasive. If at the first stage the brush eliminated foreign bodies, then this time the purpose of mechanical action will be to fine-tune the structure of the tree itself. Using manual grinders or brushes with metal fibers, wood should be polished.
Then, the washing operation is repeated, which will complete the preparation for painting.
Why is a log house caulk needed?
The caulking process is carried out regardless of whether the log house will be painted or not. It can be performed before preparatory operations or after. The goal of the caulk is the structural sealing of wall surfaces by sealing small and large gaps between stacked logs. But the implementation of this procedure not only eliminates the existing gaps, but also due to the seal increases the overall strength and durability of the structure.
How is caulking of a log house performed? To do this, stock up with a mallet, hammer, chisel or chisel. As a consumable, tow, felt or hemp fibers are usually used - the main thing is that the material is natural and environmentally friendly. The prepared fibers are clogged between the logs over the entire area of the walls. It is important that all empty spaces with gaps are closed, otherwise during operation they will contribute to the deformation of the log house.
Painting technique
This process as a whole resembles the usual painting procedure. As a working tool, it is desirable to use a brush, which will allow to process even hard-to-reach areas.
Experts recommend the use of two types of compounds in the processing of log cabins. As a preparatory basis, you can apply one of the antiseptic impregnations in one layer. Then, in 2-3 layers, the main paint is applied - oil or acrylic.
Now another question: how to paint the log house with a minimum drying time? To do this, you can initially use water-borne compositions, the interlayer exposure of which is from 2 to 12 hours. For comparison: typical alkyd drugs require 24 hours for this period.
The painting process itself, regardless of the chosen means, is performed smoothly, but with the coverage of the entire target area. It is important to consider that even an uncovered area, modest in area, can become a center from which the process of biological destruction of the entire structure will subsequently go.
Features of internal surface treatment
Technologically, the methodology for painting is the same, but there is a difference in approaches to the selection of processing materials. The interior decoration is more oriented towards providing a comfortable microclimate, harmlessness and decorative qualities. At the same time, protection from precipitation and moisture resistance are not required at all.
It is desirable that the painting of the log house corresponds to stylistic needs, since it will affect the aesthetic qualities of the interior as a whole. Most often, owners of such houses prefer colorless oil compositions that convey the natural texture of wood.
Well-known manufacturers: what to prefer?
The market offers a huge variety of wood processing products. In particular, the brands “Texturol”, “Pinotex”, “Neomid”, “Tikkurila”, etc. deserve the greatest trust.
The most innovative are the first two manufacturers. Experts note that thanks to these compositions, a durable and aesthetically pleasing exterior painting of the log house is provided. "Teksturol" or "Pinotex" - what to prefer?
The first manufacturer relies on a structurally functional combination of a primer and an outer layer. That is, from the point of view of protection, this is the most advantageous option. As for Pinotex, it is praised for its modified chemical composition, which allows preserving the appearance of the coating for many years.
The firms Neomid and Tikkurila are also noteworthy. There are few differences between them, although Neomid is still only an emerging brand, little known to domestic consumers.
When deciding how to paint the log house outside, it is quite possible to give preference to the products of these two brands. Both the antiseptic actions of the proposed compounds and their resistance to mechanical and atmospheric influences are approximately the same.
Conclusion
The use of paint in construction is only in rare cases limited to decorative tasks. Moreover, moisture resistance and the prevention of minor mechanical damage have long been the basic properties, the presence of which is considered mandatory.
But along with this, other requirements appear. For example, the best wood impregnation for outdoor use is not only a means of improving the appearance of the walls and a protective barrier against microorganisms. The wood inside must also be protected from fire, i.e. refractory qualities will be required. As for the additional qualities for external coatings, among them we can distinguish the prevention of warping and cracking of the material.