Is there a difference in a wood deck stain and a stain that goes on a log home?

Also do you suggest a shiny finish for the outside as well as the inside?

There isn't a difference between a log home finish and a wood deck finish. There is different types though:

Penetrating Wood Finishes will soak into the wood without leaving a shiny appearance.

Film Forming finishes do not soak in completely and can leave a satin or high gloss finish. Messmers TimberFlex is an excellent example.

We suggest using a penetrating finish on the outside wood. This will allow for easier future maintenance and reduce the chances of peeling and or flaking. On the inside we suggest a finish that will film form leaving a sheen. Inside finishes will not peel and it will make cleanup of dirt and grime much easier. Defy Interior Wood Stain is an excellent product for the inside og log cabins. Defy is a water base and it will reduce the fumes when applying.

Okay, I think we will try the Defy Interior Stain for the inside but what about the outside? What brands do you suggest. We have alot of sun and moisture. The previous coating only lasted about 2 years and I was hoping to get 4-6 years this time around.

Try Wood Deck Stains for a list of brand name stains. All of these stains can be applied to a Log Home. Generally the higher the solid content the better the stains will perform when dealing with the sun. Most of these stains can give anywhere from 3-6 years of quality color retention on a vertical surface.

Since we are using the Defy Interior Stain I was thinking on using it outside too? Which one do you suugest. I believe there is 4 different versions. My log cabin wood is pine, I think. I want whatever will last the longest and will be easy to touch up in the future.

Thanks

Choose either the Defy Epoxy Stain or the Defy Original Wood Stain. Both would work great for a vertical pine surface such as your cabin.

I am going with the Defy Epoxy. I am looking for a light brown color. Which should I use?