Tips For Cold Weather Application of Lifeline Finishes

Lifeline Exterior Finishes

Recommended Range

All Lifeline stains 40° F – 90° F

Lifeline Advance 40° F – 90° F

Log End Seal 40° F – 90° F (not stated on label)

     Lifeline Advanced, Lifeline Exterior, Lifeline Ultra 7 & Lifeline Ultra 2 can still be applied in colder weather to the bare minimum of at least 35 degrees, any colder then that is not recommended. When referring to the temperature we are referring to the surface temperature of the logs not the air. If the logs are not frozen and completely dry and 35 degrees or higher, the finish can be applied with no worry of curing incorrectly. The down side to applying a coat of finish is the drying time is extended significantly in cold weather. To apply the first coal of finish and to properly allow complete drying time could take days longer then applied at recommended temperature. If the 2^nd coat is applied to soon it can cause the film to ball up while back brushing. Most important tip for cold weather is never apply stain while the logs are frozen, the finish will most likely not adhere to the wood.  When temperatures drop below freezing after stain has been applied, the freezing conditions shouldn’t affect its look, purpose, or quality.  During warmer weather if the conditions are to hot the worry is that the fist coat of stain will dry to quickly and not allow for back brushing. When applying Lifeline advanced gloss or satin, the cold temperatures impose the risk of blushing because of the length of time it takes to properly cure. Blushing is were the top coat instead of being a very clear glossy or satin finish will look cloudy or hazy over the stain and could possibly take months to clear up but will eventually clear up. Log end seal is the most sensitive to cold weather conditions. Log end seal requires complete dryness to properly cure, cold weather prolongs drying time and makes it susceptible to contact with moisture. If moisture is present during the curing of log end seal it will most likely cause blushing and take months of warm dry weather for it to completely clear up and go clear as intended. Examples of blushing in figures above and below