Icon Project Gold Award

Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Masters Restorations

Project Name: LaVeta

Log Masters Restorations initially embarked on a recoat project but soon discovered the log home had two different stain colors, a result of a previous maintenance company’s mistake. After assessing the situation, the scope of the project expanded into a complete restoration, starting with stripping the logs down to bare wood.

During the process, they identified approximately 80 feet of damaged logs that required replacement. Other areas of log damage were skillfully repaired using Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood. The team also replaced handrails and deck posts, finishing them to match the log home. Once repairs were complete, the surface preparation began with Log Wash to remove debris, pollen, and dirt, ensuring the Tim-Bor preservatives could fully penetrate the wood. LIFELINE Prelude Primer was applied to create a uniform base for the final color finish.

To address the mismatched stain colors, Log Masters Restorations applied Perma-Chink Systems’ premium two-coat stain, LIFELINE Ultra-2 Oak, across the entire home. Energy Seal Dark Natural was used to seal log replacements, with Perma-Chink White sealant around the house, and Chink-Paint White giving intact log gaps a fresh, clean appearance. The whole-home protection system was completed with a layer of LIFELINE Advance Gloss.

Adding to the challenge, accessing the property proved difficult due to a 5-mile driveway that was inaccessible to the rental company. As a result, rental equipment had to be transported along the driveway by the Log Masters Restorations team.

Despite these unplanned obstacles, the homeowners were thrilled with the team’s professionalism and dedication. Being a vacation home, Log Masters Restorations kept them informed with regular updates and progress photos throughout the project. Special recognition was given to the team’s craftsmanship in seamlessly blending new logs with the existing structure, creating a cohesive masterpiece. The successful completion of the restoration culminated in the homeowners being placed on a maintenance schedule to ensure the log home’s preservation for generations to come.

Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Energy Seal Dark Natura, Perma-Chink White, Chink Paint White
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-2 Oak
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Gloss
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Tim-Bor
Perma-Chink Systems Primer Used: LIFELINE Prelude Primer
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: Media Blast
Perma-Chink Systems Log Repair Products: M-Balm, E-Wood

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Icon Project Silver Award

Log and Timber Care Professional: Mickel Log Homes

Project Name: Alvin Butz, Inc.

Few things are as frightening as a house fire, and in a log home, fire poses unique challenges due to the thickness of the logs and the wood’s preservation treatments. Mickel Log Homes undertook the significant task of replacing multiple charred log walls following a fire that compromised the structural integrity of the home.

To minimize costs, they used Perma-Chink System’s epoxy wood consolidator and filler M-Balm and E-Wood to restore damaged logs in areas where full log replacement was not feasible. Matching replacement logs to existing logs was its own difficulty, and Mickle Log Homes expertly blended red pine and white pine logs together.

After replacing the burned logs, Mickel Log Homes media blasted the repaired walls to prepare them for staining and sealing. A thorough cleaning with Log Wash, followed by the application of Armor-Guard preservative and LIFELINE Prelude Primer, set the stage for a beautiful finish.

The team applied LIFELINE Ultra-7 Cedar, complemented by Perma-Chink Tan and the newest Energy Seal color, Energy Seal Cedar. To complete the restoration, LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat was used to protect the fully sealed walls, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of the home. Thanks to their precision and dedication, Mickel Log Homes successfully rebuilt the log home to be enjoyed for generations.

Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Perma Chink Tan, Energy Seal Cedar
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-7 Cedar
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Gloss
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Armor Guard
Perma-Chink Systems Primer Used: LIFELINE Prelude Primer
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: Media Blast
Perma-Chink Systems Log Repair Products: E-Wood & M-Balm

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Icon Project Bronze Award

Log and Timber Care Professional: Brent’s Repair Service

Project Name: Mike Brown Project

Brent’s Repair Service’s submission for the Icon Project involved an extensive, multi-year restoration and maintenance effort that thoroughly tested the crew’s patience and expertise. The original finish had failed, while the hardened topcoat necessitated a challenging removal process using various techniques. Once the team stripped the log home to its bare wood, they applied Shell-Guard RTU as a preservative and Log Wash for cleaning, preparing the surface for the final coating of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chestnut and LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat.

Examining the bare logs revealed the home's age, along with checks and damaged chinking. To address this, Check Mate 2 was used to seal the numerous checks, preventing water intrusion. While the primary log gap chinking remained in excellent condition, Energy Seal was utilized to repair many joints.

Complicating the project was the home’s intricate construction, featuring dormers, overhangs, and other intricate design elements. The team relied on multiple lifts and ladders to ensure every surface was meticulously addressed. The result surpassed the customer’s expectations, demonstrating Brent’s Repair Service’s exceptional craftsmanship.

In a true testament to their dedication, despite relocating to Florida, the company continues to perform annual maintenance on this West Virginia log home at the customer’s request.

Perma-Chink Systems Sealants Used: Energy Seal, Check Mate 2
Perma-Chink Systems Stains Used: LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chesnut
Perma-Chink Systems Topcoat Used: LIFELINE Advance Satin
Perma-Chink Systems Preservatives: Shell-Guard RTU
Perma-Chink Systems Cleaner Used: Log Wash
Finish Removal Method: StripIt Finish Remover

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Icon Project Awards Honorable Mentions

The following projects have been acknowledged for their significant contributions to the care and preservation of homes, historic buildings, and wooden structures. Demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in wood restoration and the application of protective products, these endeavors highlight the dedication of skilled professionals. Perma-Chink Systems takes great pride in having such capable hands entrusted with safeguarding natural wood homes and structures. View the gallery at the end of the list to see the projects.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Mountain Ash Log Design, Inc.
Project Name: Franklin

Mountain Ash Log Design’s project showcased an innovative approach to log home construction, utilizing the bases of trees instead of the more traditional uniform-shaped logs. The flared ends of the logs created a distinctive aesthetic for the home while also presenting challenges in properly sealing the joints.

To address these complexities, Mountain Ash Log Design expertly applied Perma-Chink Systems’ Perma-Chink Tan synthetic chinking to seal the log gaps and joints. Their skilled application ensured the intricate seams and gaps were beautifully sealed, accentuating the creative construction technique and celebrating the natural essence of wood.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Alexander Homes
Project Name: Dog House

The Dog House project by Alexander Homes exemplifies their commitment to delivering exceptional transformations that surpass customer expectations. The homeowner, unhappy with the home's dark brown appearance, desired a lighter, more natural finish.

Since bare wood is vulnerable to UV damage, Alexander Homes proposed the use of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Dark Honey—a premium choice for shielding against UV exposure and other environmental challenges. The team meticulously stripped the structure down to bare wood using StripIt Finish Remover, applied the one-coat Ultra-7 stain in Dark Honey, and sealed the wood with LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat, ensuring robust protection and a stunning finish.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Mountain Ash Log Design, Inc.
Project Name: Ardend

Mountain Ash Log Design undertook the restoration of a log home where damaged logs at the base would lead to compromised structural integrity. The team began by media blasting the old finish and washing the home with Perma-Chink Systems’ Wood ReNew, successfully restoring the natural color of the logs.

To repair the damaged sections, M-Balm and E-Wood, reliable wood epoxy fillers from Perma-Chink Systems, were expertly and artistically applied to blend in with the natural wood. LIFELINE Prelude Primer was used to ensure an even color finish, seamlessly blending the repaired logs with the rest of the structure.

For the final touch, the homeowner selected LIFELINE Ultra-2 Dark Honey as the stain, which was safeguarded with LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat, maintaining a natural and beautifully preserved log home.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Home Care
Project Name: Degraf Ohio

Log Home Care took on the challenge of revitalizing a neglected timber-frame structure, formerly a youth camp facility, which had been converted into a private residence. The project required removing a deteriorated finish, further complicated by the home’s intricate design, including tall gables, cupolas, and exposed post-and-beam features that demanded meticulous attention.

To restore the home’s beauty, Log Home Care selected Perma-Chink Systems’ renowned products. The old finish was stripped away using S-100 Finish Remover, and the surface was cleaned with Log Wash to prepare it for staining and sealing.

The homeowners chose LIFELINE Ultra-7 Rustic Gray for the primary color, while Log & Timber Defense Saffron was applied to highlight the timber features, creating a striking appearance. Energy Seal Slate Gray was used to seamlessly match the stain while sealing the home. A final coat of LIFELINE Advance Satin protected the wood and stain, preserving the structure against the elements.

The project was a resounding success, showcasing the skill and dedication of Log Home Care. Their craftsmanship even secured another restoration project on the property, underscoring their excellence in timber-frame restoration. 

Log and Timber Care Professional: Knaughty Log Restoration
Project Name: Reviving a Family Legacy: The Woodfords’ Log Home Transformation

When the Woodfords decided to refresh their beloved family cabin—where they had raised their three children—they faced a tight deadline with winter weather quickly approaching. With the guidance of an innovative realtor who recognized that a professional restoration could increase the home’s value by 50%, the Woodfords entrusted Knaughty Log Restoration for a comprehensive exterior media blast restoration.

Knaughty Log Restoration had just three weeks to complete the project, leaving no room for mistakes. The Woodfords requested the full restoration process, ensuring everything was done perfectly from start to finish.

The restoration process began with media blasting to remove the deteriorated finish from all exterior wood surfaces, which revealed logs in need of repair due to rot. Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood were expertly used for these repairs, shaped and textured to blend with the natural wood surface. The team prepped the wood surface by sanding with Osborn brushes and applying a wood preservation treatment of Shell-Guard RTU, followed by sealing and staining the home.

Energy Seal Dark Natural was used for sealing, while two coats of LIFELINE Ultra-2 Dark Natural provided the rich wood color the homeowners desired. To protect the cabin from the elements, the team applied LIFELINE Advance Gloss topcoat, while Deck Defense ensured ongoing protection for the deck.

This restoration showcased the excellence of Perma-Chink Systems’ product line, delivering everything from wood rot repair to a durable, clear protective coating. The complete system of products ensured the quality and resilience of Knaughty Log Restoration’s work, preparing the cabin to endure both the approaching winter storm and the long-term future.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Performance Log Finishers
Project Name: Fort Christmas Historical Park

Performance Log Finishers made a vital contribution to history through their restoration efforts at Fort Christmas Historical Park. The preservation and protection of log and timber structures demand specialized products tailored to the unique challenges posed by natural wood. For this ambitious project, involving multiple structures and extensive historical fencing, Performance Log Finishers relied on Perma-Chink Systems’ trusted wood care products.

Working thoughtfully around the park’s schedule to minimize disruption to visitors, they began by media blasting the deteriorated finish, followed by the revitalization of the bare wood using Wood ReNew and Armor-Guard wood preservative. A layer of LIFELINE Prelude Primer was then applied to prepare the surface for staining. LIFELINE Ultra-7 Chestnut provided a rich and vibrant finish, while LIFELINE Advance Gloss safeguarded the structures against environmental wear.

The fort-style fencing was treated with Log & Timber Defense, a penetrating stain that maintained the park's frontier aesthetic. Additionally, the aging wood required sealing with Check Mate 2 Clear to protect against water intrusion, wood rot, and pest infestations. Log gaps were meticulously sealed using Perma-Chink Stone, ensuring the durability of these historical structures for future generations to experience.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Log Home Care
Project Name: Ocala Horse Barn

Log Home Care collaborated with Hearthstone Homes to construct a stunning timber-frame barn designed for horses and more. The barn serves as a sanctuary for rescued thoroughbred racehorses and includes specialized areas for equine care, an office wing for client meetings, and a space for entertainment.

As part of this new construction project, Log Home Care conditioned the eastern white pine and Hardie board siding using Perma-Chink Systems’ Wood ReNew and applied LIFELINE Prelude Primer to ensure a durable bond between the wood and stain, achieving a smooth and consistent color finish.

The expansive 7,300-square-foot barn was completed with LIFELINE Ultra-7 Smoke and LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat on the exterior, while Ultra-7 Butternut was chosen for the impressive timberwork and wood surfaces inside. To enhance energy efficiency, Energy Seal Slate Gray was used to seal gaps, perfectly complementing the barn’s aesthetic.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Log and Timber Solutions
Project Name: Event Center

Log and Timber Solutions undertook completing the customer’s vision for a newly constructed timber-frame structure, designed to serve as an elegant event venue for celebrations and memorable occasions. The interior timber elements were intended to be captivating focal points for guests, and Perma-Chink Systems’ LIFELINE Ultra-2 Chestnut and Classic Brown proved to be the perfect choice for the task.

To accentuate the intricate interior woodwork, the ceiling was finished with LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat, creating a striking contrast and elevating the space into a luxurious setting.

A unique aspect of the project’s construction involved staining the interior timberwork prior to the ceiling’s installation. Following the ceiling's placement, the interior was coated with Advance Satin, ensuring a flawless and elegant finish.

Log and Timber Care Professional: Wenger’s Do-It All
Project Name: Kathleen Guinter

Wenger’s Do-It All’s project evolved from a straightforward cleaning and topcoat application into a comprehensive re-stain and repair effort addressing carpenter bee damage and wood rot. After enduring over a decade of UV exposure and environmental wear without maintenance, the home’s condition, revealed by an application of Log Wash, made it evident that a fresh coat of color was needed.

To restore the home, Wenger’s Do-It All used Perma-Chink Systems’ M-Balm and E-Wood to repair wood rot found in the roof eaves. They cleaned the home with Log Wash and filled carpenter bee holes to prepare the surface for staining. A single coat of LIFELINE Ultra-7 Classic Brown was applied to refresh the home's appearance, followed by a layer of LIFELINE Advance Satin topcoat to protect the wood and finish for years to come.

Through their meticulous service, Wenger’s Do-It All identified and resolved key issues with the log home, successfully rejuvenating it with the help of Perma-Chink Systems’ trusted products. Their efforts ensured the home was both restored and safeguarded for the future.

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About Perma-Chink Systems

Founded in 1981, Perma-Chink Systems (PCS) revolutionized the log and timber home industry with the introduction of the world’s first synthetic log chinking, specifically designed to accommodate the significant movement demands of these homes. Building on this groundbreaking innovation, PCS expanded its focus to develop a comprehensive system of premium wood care products, including cleaners, restoration solutions, and both exterior and interior stains. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, PCS stands unrivaled in its commitment to helping log and timber homeowners preserve their homes for generations.