Seasoning a Log

[Bill Orr]

When seasoning a green log, is it best to paint the ends. I am useing acrylic paint and storing it inside. Is that ok.

Bill

[Phisherman]

Depends. I painted the ends of several cherry logs, and many split anyway when brought the logs into an air-conditioned shop. It would have been better storing the logs outdoors in garage/shed or under cover to slow the drying process.

[George]

Best not to try to season a log. Radial checks and full splits are virtually inevitable on a piece of any diameter. Turners and carvers - users of big chunks - cut up the middle to remove the area of tight annual rings, then coat the end grain to minimize end checks. Wax emulsion is the norm, though some claim effectiveness with latex and acrylic latex paint.

[Icepick]

Yes seal the ends as soon as possible , a coat or two of paint works well, I like yellow or white glue myself .

Seasoning can be as varied as storing underwater for a few years to storing vertically in a temperature and humidity controlled room. Most of us have to make do with something more practical . I cut mostly conifers from the pacific north west which are best dried with the bark on until it comes time to mill them up. Hardwoods I think should be milled up as soon as possible most should have the bark taken off but some should have it left on like black locust and osage orange.

Regardless of wood species I would saw it up sooner rather than later , sticker it so it gets airflow. Store out of the sun and if possible in a cool place with airflow , use a fan . If in the basement open the window the moisture has got to escape

Milling up your own wood makes you appreciate lumber from the store.

Bill Orr wrote: