Sashco vs Permachink: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Products for Your Colorado Log Home
When it comes to protecting and beautifying your Colorado log home, two names dominate the conversation: Sashco and Permachink. Both companies have earned loyal followings among log home owners and professional contractors across the Rocky Mountain region. But which one is right for your home?
After decades of working on log homes throughout Colorado's high country—from Park County to Summit County, Chaffee to Teller—we've applied both product lines extensively. This guide shares our real-world experience to help you make an informed decision for your chinking and staining needs.
Understanding the Two Industry Leaders
Sashco, headquartered right here in Colorado (Brighton, CO), has been in the sealant business for over 75 years. Their log home division has grown into one of the most respected names in the industry, known for innovative products like their Flex Tint on-site color mixing system and a strong "system approach" to log home care.
Permachink Systems, based in Redmond, Washington, has been serving the log home market since 1981. They've earned the distinction of being the "most widely applied chinking in the world," with a comprehensive ecosystem of products designed to work together seamlessly.
Both companies produce professional-grade products that, when properly applied, will protect your log home for decades. The question isn't really "which is better?"—it's "which is better for your specific situation?"
Chinking Comparison: Log Jam vs Permachink
Chinking is the flexible, mortar-like sealant that fills the gaps between logs. It's one of the most critical components of your log home's weather barrier, preventing air infiltration, moisture intrusion, and pest entry. Let's compare the two main products.
Sashco Log Jam
Log Jam has become the go-to chinking for many Colorado contractors, and for good reason:
- Exceptional Flexibility: Stretches up to 250-500% of its original size, accommodating significant log movement
- Fire Rating: The only chinking with a UL 1-hour fire rating—an important consideration for homes in Colorado's wildfire-prone areas
- Freeze-Thaw Stability: Can be left in your truck overnight in freezing temperatures without damage—a real advantage for Colorado winters
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty covering that the product will substantially meet published specifications when applied per label directions
- Colors: 8 standard colors including Buff, Tan, White, Gray, Dark Brown, and Woodtone Cedar
Permachink
The original synthetic chinking, Permachink has a 40+ year track record:
- Proven Performance: Decades of real-world application across thousands of log homes worldwide
- Superior Adhesion: Their proprietary formula creates a tenacious bond with log surfaces
- Blister-Proof Formula: Resists the bubbling that can occur with some products in hot sun
- Slump-Free Application: Stays where you put it during application
- Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty guaranteeing it will not pull away from log surfaces and will remain elastic under normal joinery movement
- Colors: 8-10 standard colors with custom matching available
Stain Comparison: Capture/Cascade vs Lifeline Ultra-7
Stain protects your logs from UV damage, moisture, and biological growth while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. Both brands offer comprehensive stain systems—and understanding these systems is crucial for long-term success.
Sashco Stain Systems
Sashco offers several stain options, but the two main approaches are:
Capture + Cascade System (Our Top Pick for Many Projects)
- Capture: A high-performance water-based film-forming stain that cures to a highly elastic film. Won't crack, peel, or blister because the flexible film stretches with wood movement.
- Cascade: A clear topcoat that goes over Capture, adding weather repellency and protection against moisture, mildew, and algae
- Application: Apply 2 coats of Capture, then 1 coat of Cascade for exterior use
- Coverage: 150-250 sq ft/gallon (1st coat), 250-350 sq ft/gallon (2nd coat)
- Maintenance Advantage: You can reapply Cascade without removing the Capture base—making maintenance much simpler
- Warranty: 3-5 year warranty available through Sashco's "Start Right" program with access to a personal log home expert
Transformation Log & Timber
- A no-peel, easy-to-maintain system ideal for logs, siding, trim, and decks
- Uses a colored topcoat approach rather than a base stain with separate clear coat
- When using Transformation, maintenance coats may require taping off chinking to avoid discoloration—adds time but many prefer the finish quality
Flex Tint System (Unique Advantage)
One feature that sets Sashco apart is their Flex Tint on-site color mixing system. Both Capture and Transformation are available in Flex Tint versions, which allow contractors to:
- Mix custom colors right at the jobsite in 3-7 minutes
- Match existing stains more precisely
- Stock neutral base pails and color cartridges rather than multiple pre-mixed colors
- Available in over 18 colors including exclusive shades like Dark Walnut, Brown Tone Gray, and Aspen Bark
Permachink Stain Systems (Lifeline)
Lifeline Ultra-7 + Lifeline Advance System (Recommended by Experienced Contractors)
Many experienced log home professionals recommend this specific combination:
- Lifeline Ultra-7: State-of-the-art acrylic resin stain with unsurpassed adhesion to wood. Creates a flexible, continuous seal that's resistant to UV degradation and color fading.
- Lifeline Advance: A water-based acrylic clear topcoat (available in Gloss or Satin) that acts like an automotive clear coat, protecting the stain beneath
- Application: Apply 2 coats of Ultra-7, then 1 coat of Lifeline Advance. Advance can be reapplied every 24-36 months for ongoing protection.
- Coverage: Ultra-7: 250-350 sq ft/gallon (1st coat), 450-600 sq ft/gallon (2nd coat). Advance: 600-800 sq ft/gallon (1st coat)
- Warranty: Up to 5-Year Limited Warranty against UV exposure when applied with Advance topcoat. Initial 3-year coverage extends to 5 years when you reapply Advance within year 3.
Other Lifeline Products:
- Lifeline Exterior: Long-standing product line with proven durability
- Lifeline Interior: Designed specifically for interior log surfaces
- Lifeline Acrylic: Alternative clear topcoat option
Pro Tips: What Experienced Contractors Actually Use
Here's what we've learned from decades of application experience and feedback from fellow professionals—including insights from Mark Nelson of Nelson Log Restoration in Wyoming. Mark has been restoring log homes since 1992, has completed hundreds of projects, and serves as an instructor in Sashco's "Zero Failures" training program. His expertise helped ensure the accuracy of this article.
For Permachink Systems:
- Apply two coats of Ultra-7 for proper coverage and durability
- Always follow with Lifeline Advance clear coat for maximum protection and warranty coverage
- Use the Satin finish (not Gloss) when going over white or light-pigmented stains
- Reapply Advance at year 3 to extend your warranty to the full 5 years
For Sashco Systems:
- The Capture + Cascade combination offers great longevity and easy maintenance
- Use Flex Tint when you need precise color matching or custom colors—it's like having a mobile paint store
- Consider Capture for new construction and Transformation for restoration projects with existing film-forming finishes
Colorado-Specific Considerations
Living in Colorado means your log home faces unique challenges that lowland homes never experience. Here's what matters most:
Intense UV Radiation
At 8,000-10,000 feet elevation, your log home receives approximately 25% more UV radiation than homes at sea level. This accelerates stain breakdown and can damage chinking faster than in other climates. Both brands offer UV-stabilized products, but south and west-facing walls will always require more frequent attention regardless of which brand you choose.
Extreme Temperature Swings
It's not unusual for Colorado mountain towns to see 40-50 degree temperature swings in a single day. This causes logs to expand and contract significantly, putting tremendous stress on chinking. Both Log Jam and Permachink are formulated for this movement, but proper installation with the right backer rod is essential for either product to perform.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Mountain homes may experience 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. Products must remain flexible at -40°F and not soften at surface temperatures reaching 180°F on dark logs in direct sun. Both brands meet these demands when properly applied.
Wind-Driven Moisture
Horizontal rain and blowing snow can penetrate gaps that would never see moisture in calmer climates. This makes proper chinking depth and backer rod installation critical—arguably more important than which brand you select.
The Compatibility Question
One of the most common questions we hear: "Can I use Sashco stain with Permachink chinking?" or vice versa.
The short answer: Sometimes, but it's not recommended. Here's why:
- Chemical Compatibility: Products from the same manufacturer are designed to work together. Mixing brands can lead to adhesion problems or unexpected reactions.
- Warranty Concerns: Using mixed systems may void manufacturer warranties.
- Maintenance Complexity: Having products from multiple manufacturers complicates future maintenance decisions.
Our recommendation: Choose one manufacturer's complete system when starting fresh. If you're doing maintenance on an existing system, stick with that brand unless there's a specific reason to switch—and then be prepared to do a complete strip and refinish.
When to Choose Sashco
Consider Sashco products when:
- Fire rating matters: If you're in a high wildfire risk area, Log Jam's UL fire rating provides an extra layer of protection
- Custom color matching is needed: The Flex Tint system allows on-site color mixing for precise matches
- You prefer the Capture + Cascade approach: Many find this film-forming stain system easier to maintain
- Supporting local matters: Sashco is Colorado-based, which some homeowners appreciate
- Cold weather work: Log Jam's freeze-thaw stability is a real advantage for contractors working in cold conditions
- High log movement: The 250-500% stretch capability handles even significant log settling
When to Choose Permachink
Consider Permachink products when:
- Maximum warranty coverage matters: Permachink's 10-year chinking warranty and 5-year stain warranty (with proper application and maintenance) are industry-leading
- Traditional appearance matters: Many feel Permachink provides the most authentic chinking look
- Matching existing work: If your home already has Permachink products, staying in the system makes sense
- You want the Ultra-7 + Advance system: This combination is highly regarded by experienced professionals for its durability
- Your contractor prefers it: Many experienced log home professionals have decades of experience with Permachink and know its characteristics inside and out
- Proven track record matters: 40+ years of "most widely applied chinking in the world" provides confidence
Caulking Products: Conceal vs Energy Seal
While chinking handles large gaps, caulking is used for smaller joints, checks (cracks in logs), and detail work. Both brands offer specialized caulking products:
- Sashco Conceal: 7 colors with light texture that simulates wood grain. Stretches up to 500% and blends well with stains.
- Permachink Energy Seal: Textured log caulk for joints under 2 inches with a wood-like finish. Works seamlessly with the Lifeline stain system.
For check repair (filling cracks in logs), both brands offer specialized products—Check Mate from Sashco and Check Mate 2 from Permachink—with smooth finishes designed for this purpose.
Pricing and Availability
Both products are available in:
- 5-gallon pails: Best value for large projects
- 30 oz. tubes: For bulk gun application on medium projects
- 11 oz. tubes: For small repairs and touch-ups
Pricing is comparable between brands—both are professional-grade products positioned at similar price points. The real cost difference often comes from labor (professional application) and proper surface preparation rather than material choice.
Pro tip: Always order physical color cards before purchasing. Digital colors can vary significantly from the actual product, especially when viewed on different screens.
Our Experience and Recommendation
Having applied both systems across hundreds of Colorado log homes, here's our honest assessment:
Both Sashco and Permachink make excellent products that will protect your home when properly applied.
Our personal preference for many projects is the Sashco Capture + Cascade system for its ease of maintenance and the Flex Tint capability for custom color work. However, we also regularly use the Permachink Ultra-7 + Lifeline Advance system and have seen excellent results over many years.
The vast majority of chinking and stain failures we see aren't caused by product deficiencies—they're caused by:
- Inadequate surface preparation
- Improper application techniques
- Missing or incorrect backer rod
- Applying over failed coatings without proper removal
- Moisture problems that should have been addressed first
- Skipping the clear topcoat (Cascade or Advance)
A perfectly applied budget product will outperform a poorly applied premium product every time. Focus on proper preparation and application technique, and either system will serve your home well for decades.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you choose Sashco or Permachink, the most important decision is hiring an experienced contractor who knows how to prepare and apply these products correctly. Colorado's extreme climate demands expertise—not just good products.
At Log Home Finishing LLC, we work with both product lines and can recommend the best choice for your specific situation based on your home's condition, location, and your goals.
Get a free estimate for your log home chinking or staining project by calling us at (970) 368-2308 or contacting us online.
For more detailed comparisons, visit our product comparison pages:
