How to Remove Water Stains From Log Walls

White stains on logs are caused by water penetrating the finish, but not the actual log. Dark or black stains are indicators that water has penetrated either the finish or unfinished surface and into the actual log. Fortunately, any types of water staining can easily be removed from log walls.

Remove White Water Stains

1. Take a small bowl and fill it up with lemon oil. Place the steel wool pad inside the bowl and allow it to sit for a few minutes to ensure saturation.

2. Pick up the steel wool pad and squeeze out any remaining oils.

3. Gently rub the pad over the water stain. The lemon oil will help prevent the pad from digging into the wood and scratching by acting as a lubricator.

4. Re-soak the steel wood pad and repeat for each water stain that is white in color.

5. Read the instructions to the wood or oil soap. Wash the previously white water stained area on the log wall with soap per the instructions.

Remove Dark or Black Water Stains

1. Gently sand the dark water stain with the fine grit sand paper to remove wood finish or varnish. Sanding is necessary to remove the finish or varnish in order to reach stains that have penetrated into the actual log.

2. Wipe off the sanded area with a lint free cloth to remove debris.

3. Put on rubber gloves and old clothing and then fill a small bowl up with bleach. Dip a small paintbrush into the bleach and brush onto the stained area. Do not overly saturate the wood.

4. Allow the bleach to sit for two to three hours and reapply to the stain. Reapply as often as necessary until the dark stains are completely gone.

5. Apply a matching color stain or varnish to the log wall by following the instructions that are found on the product packaging.

Tip

Severe water stains on logs that are dark in color may need a more powerful bleach in order to remove them. Visit your local home center and purchase a commercial wood bleach. Follow the wood bleach instructions for use on removing water stains from your logs. Ensure that the commercial bleach is safe for the type of wood you are working with. Consider contacting the manufacturer by mail or telephone by using the information found on the packaging.