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Wood Finishes
Lifeline Exterior
Transparent Wood Finish

Our original exterior wall formula has been updated and improved for over 20 years. Lifeline Exterior forms a thin film at the surface of logs where the protection is needed.

Its breathability and flexibility allows logs to go through seasonal expansion and contraction while drying out to their core. Apply a clear topcoat of Lifeline Advance to maximize durability and minimize maintenance cost and labor.

Lifeline Exterior Colors
Butternut
#154
Dark Honey
#122
Dark Natural
#130
Hazelnut
#170
Bronze
#175
Cinnamon
#174
Walnut
#165
Driftwood
#161
Stone Gray
#163
Gentry Gray
#142
Lifeline Exterior Available Sizes

Lifeline Exterior comes in 5-gallon pails and 1-gallon pails. Free samples of all our finishes are available.

Product Information

Our original film-forming finish, updated and improved for over 20 years.

Features

  • Excellent UV protection
  • Long lasting color retention
  • Breathable film allows unseasoned logs to dry out

Application Temperature

40° to 90°F

Application Methods

  • Airless sprayer
  • Brush

Surface Preparation

  • Clean and dry
  • Free of mold and mildew
  • Never use steel wool

Special Instructions

  • Back-brushing required
  • Stir container every 15 minutes
  • Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
  • Requires one coat of Lifeline Advance topcoat
  • Avoid applying in direct sun

Shelf Life

3 Years

Frequency

As needed, depending on exposure

Drying Time

  • Dry to the touch in 2-4 hours
  • Cures in 72 hours

Coverage Rate

  • 350-450 square feet / gallon on bare wood (1st coat)
  • 600-800 square feet / gallon on finished wood (2nd coat)
Application Videos & Tips
How To Apply A Lifeline Log Home Finish
About Lifeline Advance Topcoat
Frequently Asked Questions

Lifeline FAQ

Do Lifeline finishes need a clear topcoat?

Yes. For all Lifeline exterior finishes we recommend Advance topcoat in either satin or gloss finish. Lifeline interior finishes we recommend Acrylic or PCS Clear Shield.

Do your finishes offer UV protection?

Yes. Ultra-7 and Ultra-2 finishes have UV Boost premixed. UV Boost is available to add to other Lifeline finishes.

Do I need to stain first before chinking?

It depends on the project. We recommend applying finish first, then chink. Read our article here for more info.

We’ve used the Perma-Chink Lifeline Exterior on a large rough cut cedar siding home. It has looked so beautiful and lasted so long that other contractors have asked what we used because they haven’t found anything that performs as well. We have also used the interior products with the same wonderful results.

–Jane

I have a cabin in Washington State where I used your Lifeline Exterior finish on. The Stain is very easy to use and still looks like I just put it on yesterday, and it’s been on my home for over 7 years. Thanks for making such a durable & long lasting finish.

–Kurt

Was looking for a spot to share my results of your product and wanted to express my satisfaction!! 100% Satisfied Customer!! Thank you Perma-Chink for bringing my Cabin back to life.

–Anjannette

Absolutely love Perma-chink products. We are doing our entire interior with Perma-chink Lifeline, Acrylic, and Sure Shine products and results are outstanding.

–Dave

A coat of Prelude Sealer made my uneven pine logs look balanced and consistent. It also made the Ultra 7 much easier to apply. I’m very happy with these products.

–Susan

Thanks to Perma-Chink for showing me that moisture comes into the logs on the end. So I used their Log End Seal to prevent moisture from seeping into my logs. It works great.

–Karl
Lifeline News
Why do my choices regarding surface prep, stain, and color matter? When it comes to choosing a finish system for your log home exterior there are many factors to consider and depending on what choices you make it will have a significant impact on the longevity of the finish system.
Let us assume that you have a brand new log home, or a home that has had an old finish recently removed. The bare wood is nice and bright, and the color is exactly what you always envisioned for your log home.
We often get asked if it is acceptable to apply our Lifeline™ finish systems over an existing oil-based or petroleum stain. It would be nice if there was a simple yes or no answer to this question, but there is not.