Why is Transformation the stain of choice for rainy, humid climates?
It is generally true that for rainy, humid climates (like the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon), an oil-based stain performs better than water-based stains. The reason is because when log surfaces remain wet for long, sustained periods of time, this unrelenting wetness can have a more negative affect on many water-based resins than oil resins, which are generally much less sensitive to sustained moisture exposure. When the wetness is more intermittent, then water-based stains can often perform as well or even better than oil-based coatings. Despite this, we have many customers in humid rainy climates that have been very successful using our water-based Capture Log Stain / Cascade stain and our High Sierra stain. As always, excellent surface prep and proper wood moisture content prior to staining is critical.
