Colorfast Pre-Stain Base Coat

Colorfast Pre-Stain Base Coat delivers the ideal canvas for stain application and leaves behind the strong foundation necessary for long-lasting color. It’s color confidence for your log home.
FREE SHIPPING ON 5 GALLON PAILS TO CONTINENTAL USA.
SKU:
From $2.95
By Sashco

Size
Typically ships in 1-2 business days

Free Ground Shipping on 5 Gallon Pails
We offer free shipping for 5 gallon pails of this product shipping to the Lower 48 United States. Offer does not apply to Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories. Free Shipping applies to this item only and not the entire order.

Colorfast delivers the ideal canvas for stain application and leaves behind the strong foundation necessary for long-lasting color. It’s color confidence for your log home.

Where to Use
Use underneath a Sashco stain or clear coat on most interior and exterior vertical wood surfaces, including:
• Logs,Timbers, Wood Trim, Tongue & Groove walls and ceilings
• Log and wood hand rails

Where Not to Use
• Fiber cement
• Walking surfaces
• With a deep-penetrating non-drying oil-based stain

Why use Colorfast?
• Keeps the color the color.
• Reduces blotchiness.
• Prevents picture-frame effect on interior wood.
• Use under any Sashco stain.
• Easier stain application.
• Great as a log keeper coat.
• Seal those ends.

Coverage Rate
• 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon, depending on wood porosity and texture.

Application Range
• 40°F (4°C) and rising to 90°F (32°C) and falling.
• Do not apply when rain or snow is imminent.

Compatibility
• Sashco’s Colorfast is recommended for use under all other Sashco products. It also works well with most other caulking and chinking products.

Dry Time
• Dries in 2 hours or less, depending on weather. DO NOT FREEZE. Store above 40°F. If frozen, product is not usable.

Maintenance
• While Colorfast requires no maintenance, the stain you apply over top does!

Clean Up and Storage
• Colorfast becomes stickier as it dries. While still wet, clean tools and equipment with either mineral spirits or a citrus-based cleaner. If it has dried, mineral spirits will be required. Tightly reseal opened containers and store at room temperature. DO NOT FREEZE.

Product Guides
Colorfast Summary Sheet
Colorfast Product Guide
Colorfast Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Sashco Technical Support
If you have questions or issues regarding the Sashco line of products, Sashco Technical Support is available at 800-767-5656.

Exterior Application Instructions
Proper substrate preparation and product application mean greater longevity, a better color, and better long-term performance.

  1. Make sure it sticks: Colorfast will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Any product already on the wood, and especially those that contains waxes, non-drying oils, or silicones, will interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Colorfast and must be removed before the product is applied.
  2. Clean the surface: Media blast, power wash, or sand wood surfaces using an Osborn brush or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to remove all previous stains and loose, unsound gray or yellow wood fibers, along with mill glaze, pollen, and other surface contaminants. This creates the best surface for Colorfast penetration and stain longevity. If mold or algae is present, apply Sashco’s CPR in the brightener strength according to the directions or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. If necessary, use a chemical remover.
  3. Remove fuzz: For best appearance, remove felting (wood fuzz) with Osborn brushes, Sashco’s Buffy Pad system or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper once the wood is dry. Remove all sawdust with a broom, compressed air, or a leaf blower, or rinse with water.
  4. Apply preservatives: Apply Tim-bor according to directions for protection against wood rot and wood-ingesting insects BEFORE Colorfast is applied. Allow wood to dry 1–3 days, until wood is at or below 19% moisture content level.
  5. Timing matters: UV rays from the sun can damage the wood you just worked so hard to prep in as little as 1 week; therefore, Colorfast should be applied as soon as possible after wood prep is complete. If cold or rainy weather threaten or delay your staining project, you may apply Colorfast and wait up to 8 weeks to apply stain. The mildewcide, algaecide, and lignin stabilizers in Colorfast will keep your wood protected during that time. Be sure to clean off surface contaminants before staining. If any further sanding prep is needed, remember to reapply Colorfast to freshly sanded areas before staining for a consistent finish.
  6. Air and surface temperatures matter: Plan to apply Colorfast when air and surface temps are between 40°– 90°F (4°– 32°C). Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temps. Temps that are too hot dry Colorfast too quickly, preventing proper penetration.Temps that are too cold will freeze Colorfast, preventing both proper penetration and proper curing.
  7. Don’t get caught out in the rain: While Colorfast can be stained over as soon as it’s dry to the touch (usually in 2 hours or less). Full cure takes longer. A heavy rain could wash off both Colorfast and any stains applied over top, requiring extensive prep to remove the mess and reapplication of the product. Avoid rain both on the day of application and for a full 24 hours afterwards. You may also plan to cover surfaces if rain is expected.
  8. Wood must be dry: Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at or below 19% moisture content level before applying Colorfast. Damp wood can prevent Colorfast from penetrating properly and also increases the risk of water stains, rot, and peeling stain.
  9. Mix it up: Thoroughly mix Colorfast with a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. Scrape any settled material off the bottom of the pail and thoroughly mix it in. Stir Colorfast every 15–20 minutes throughout application to ensure all ingredients are always mixed in.
  10. Spray it on: Using a large (515+) spray tip on an airless sprayer, apply on one heavy coat of Colorfast, covering all the wood and inside cracks and checks. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply Colorfast to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp. Colorfast goes on milky white, but don’t worry: it dries clear.
  11. Lightly back-brush: Using a block brush on a pole, lightly brush out Colorfast to make sure all the bare wood gets covered, to catch drips, and to coat the insides of every crack and check. Colorfast will soak into the wood completely, so don’t worry about foaming. Any areas that remain wet (white) after 10 minutes should be brushed into drier areas.
  12. Dry time: Allow Colorfast to dry until clear before applying the final stain over it. Often, this is within 2 hours, but check cracks and checks where it may take longer.
  13. Apply stain: Once dry, apply two coats of Sashco’s Capture , Transformation Log & Timber, or Transformation Siding & Trim. No matter which stain you use, the first coat will go further, will not penetrate as much, will not require vigorous back-brushing, and will be lighter in color than normal.
* Do not apply Colorfast to fiber cement, concrete, or other cementitious materials.

Interior Application Instructions:

  • Surfaces must still be clean and free of contaminants and loose wood fibers, but media blasting and power washing are not required except in extraordinary circumstances (like the home was flooded or was in a fire). A general rule of thumb on interior wood is to prep the wood the way you want it to feel when finished. On the interior, smoother wood is best and usually desired.
  • Spray it: Apply Colorfast the same way you would on exterior wood. Be aware that Colorfast will go further on smooth, less porous interior wood.
  • Stain it: Cover Colorfast with 1–2 coats of Sashco’s Symphony Interior clear coat for easier cleaning, to maintain the original bright wood color, and add a beautiful satin or gloss sheen. Colorfast is formulated to prevent interior wood from yellowing. If a color is desired, apply 1 coat of Sashco’s Capture,or Transformation Siding & Trim in the color of your choice, followed by 1–2 coats of Symphony.
  • Clean, sound, warm, dry, and textured wood are the five characteristics of a well-prepped surface.The second most important factor affecting the longevity of stain is the quantity of stain applied to the wood. Light mist coats will fail quickly, even with the best stains out there. Applying as much Colorfast as the wood will accept, while back-brushing and forcing it into the wood, results in dramatically improved performance and longevity of both Colorfast and the Sashco stain applied over top. This includes filling any cracks or checks in the wood with stain! The first coat is the only time Colorfast can penetrate into the wood.

Product Questions

  • Could Colorfast be used as an end sealer? How many coats should be applied?

    Yes it can be. If you're applying it to the rest of the logs treat it like the first coat when it comes to the log ends. Make sure to really soak them and even come back to them to give them another coat or two even if still wet. This will keep log ends from going really dark.

  • Can you use other product stains with Colorfast besides Sashco?

    Colorfast is made best to perform with other Sashco products. There wouldn't be any major compatibility issues with other water-based or drying oil-based stains. It will inhibit penetration of deep penetrating oil stains so it should not be used with those.

  • Will the cure time change for other stains?

    Capture, Cascade, and Symphony will all dry at the same time. Transformation products may have a bit of a delay.

  • How does Colorfast change the coverage amount of the stain that goes on top of it?

    Colorfast will essentially be used as a first coat. Anything applied after that would be considered your second coat. Using less stain doesn't mean getting less protection!

DETAILS

Free Ground Shipping on 5 Gallon Pails
We offer free shipping for 5 gallon pails of this product shipping to the Lower 48 United States. Offer does not apply to Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories. Free Shipping applies to this item only and not the entire order.

Colorfast delivers the ideal canvas for stain application and leaves behind the strong foundation necessary for long-lasting color. It’s color confidence for your log home.

Where to Use
Use underneath a Sashco stain or clear coat on most interior and exterior vertical wood surfaces, including:
• Logs,Timbers, Wood Trim, Tongue & Groove walls and ceilings
• Log and wood hand rails

Where Not to Use
• Fiber cement
• Walking surfaces
• With a deep-penetrating non-drying oil-based stain

Why use Colorfast?
• Keeps the color the color.
• Reduces blotchiness.
• Prevents picture-frame effect on interior wood.
• Use under any Sashco stain.
• Easier stain application.
• Great as a log keeper coat.
• Seal those ends.

Coverage Rate
• 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon, depending on wood porosity and texture.

Application Range
• 40°F (4°C) and rising to 90°F (32°C) and falling.
• Do not apply when rain or snow is imminent.

Compatibility
• Sashco’s Colorfast is recommended for use under all other Sashco products. It also works well with most other caulking and chinking products.

Dry Time
• Dries in 2 hours or less, depending on weather. DO NOT FREEZE. Store above 40°F. If frozen, product is not usable.

Maintenance
• While Colorfast requires no maintenance, the stain you apply over top does!

Clean Up and Storage
• Colorfast becomes stickier as it dries. While still wet, clean tools and equipment with either mineral spirits or a citrus-based cleaner. If it has dried, mineral spirits will be required. Tightly reseal opened containers and store at room temperature. DO NOT FREEZE.

Product Guides
Colorfast Summary Sheet
Colorfast Product Guide
Colorfast Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Sashco Technical Support
If you have questions or issues regarding the Sashco line of products, Sashco Technical Support is available at 800-767-5656.

MORE INFORMATION

Exterior Application Instructions
Proper substrate preparation and product application mean greater longevity, a better color, and better long-term performance.

  1. Make sure it sticks: Colorfast will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Any product already on the wood, and especially those that contains waxes, non-drying oils, or silicones, will interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Colorfast and must be removed before the product is applied.
  2. Clean the surface: Media blast, power wash, or sand wood surfaces using an Osborn brush or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to remove all previous stains and loose, unsound gray or yellow wood fibers, along with mill glaze, pollen, and other surface contaminants. This creates the best surface for Colorfast penetration and stain longevity. If mold or algae is present, apply Sashco’s CPR in the brightener strength according to the directions or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. If necessary, use a chemical remover.
  3. Remove fuzz: For best appearance, remove felting (wood fuzz) with Osborn brushes, Sashco’s Buffy Pad system or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper once the wood is dry. Remove all sawdust with a broom, compressed air, or a leaf blower, or rinse with water.
  4. Apply preservatives: Apply Tim-bor according to directions for protection against wood rot and wood-ingesting insects BEFORE Colorfast is applied. Allow wood to dry 1–3 days, until wood is at or below 19% moisture content level.
  5. Timing matters: UV rays from the sun can damage the wood you just worked so hard to prep in as little as 1 week; therefore, Colorfast should be applied as soon as possible after wood prep is complete. If cold or rainy weather threaten or delay your staining project, you may apply Colorfast and wait up to 8 weeks to apply stain. The mildewcide, algaecide, and lignin stabilizers in Colorfast will keep your wood protected during that time. Be sure to clean off surface contaminants before staining. If any further sanding prep is needed, remember to reapply Colorfast to freshly sanded areas before staining for a consistent finish.
  6. Air and surface temperatures matter: Plan to apply Colorfast when air and surface temps are between 40°– 90°F (4°– 32°C). Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temps. Temps that are too hot dry Colorfast too quickly, preventing proper penetration.Temps that are too cold will freeze Colorfast, preventing both proper penetration and proper curing.
  7. Don’t get caught out in the rain: While Colorfast can be stained over as soon as it’s dry to the touch (usually in 2 hours or less). Full cure takes longer. A heavy rain could wash off both Colorfast and any stains applied over top, requiring extensive prep to remove the mess and reapplication of the product. Avoid rain both on the day of application and for a full 24 hours afterwards. You may also plan to cover surfaces if rain is expected.
  8. Wood must be dry: Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at or below 19% moisture content level before applying Colorfast. Damp wood can prevent Colorfast from penetrating properly and also increases the risk of water stains, rot, and peeling stain.
  9. Mix it up: Thoroughly mix Colorfast with a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. Scrape any settled material off the bottom of the pail and thoroughly mix it in. Stir Colorfast every 15–20 minutes throughout application to ensure all ingredients are always mixed in.
  10. Spray it on: Using a large (515+) spray tip on an airless sprayer, apply on one heavy coat of Colorfast, covering all the wood and inside cracks and checks. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply Colorfast to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp. Colorfast goes on milky white, but don’t worry: it dries clear.
  11. Lightly back-brush: Using a block brush on a pole, lightly brush out Colorfast to make sure all the bare wood gets covered, to catch drips, and to coat the insides of every crack and check. Colorfast will soak into the wood completely, so don’t worry about foaming. Any areas that remain wet (white) after 10 minutes should be brushed into drier areas.
  12. Dry time: Allow Colorfast to dry until clear before applying the final stain over it. Often, this is within 2 hours, but check cracks and checks where it may take longer.
  13. Apply stain: Once dry, apply two coats of Sashco’s Capture , Transformation Log & Timber, or Transformation Siding & Trim. No matter which stain you use, the first coat will go further, will not penetrate as much, will not require vigorous back-brushing, and will be lighter in color than normal.
* Do not apply Colorfast to fiber cement, concrete, or other cementitious materials.

Interior Application Instructions:

  • Surfaces must still be clean and free of contaminants and loose wood fibers, but media blasting and power washing are not required except in extraordinary circumstances (like the home was flooded or was in a fire). A general rule of thumb on interior wood is to prep the wood the way you want it to feel when finished. On the interior, smoother wood is best and usually desired.
  • Spray it: Apply Colorfast the same way you would on exterior wood. Be aware that Colorfast will go further on smooth, less porous interior wood.
  • Stain it: Cover Colorfast with 1–2 coats of Sashco’s Symphony Interior clear coat for easier cleaning, to maintain the original bright wood color, and add a beautiful satin or gloss sheen. Colorfast is formulated to prevent interior wood from yellowing. If a color is desired, apply 1 coat of Sashco’s Capture,or Transformation Siding & Trim in the color of your choice, followed by 1–2 coats of Symphony.
  • Clean, sound, warm, dry, and textured wood are the five characteristics of a well-prepped surface.The second most important factor affecting the longevity of stain is the quantity of stain applied to the wood. Light mist coats will fail quickly, even with the best stains out there. Applying as much Colorfast as the wood will accept, while back-brushing and forcing it into the wood, results in dramatically improved performance and longevity of both Colorfast and the Sashco stain applied over top. This includes filling any cracks or checks in the wood with stain! The first coat is the only time Colorfast can penetrate into the wood.
REVIEWS
PRODUCT QUESTIONS

Product Questions

  • Could Colorfast be used as an end sealer? How many coats should be applied?

    Yes it can be. If you're applying it to the rest of the logs treat it like the first coat when it comes to the log ends. Make sure to really soak them and even come back to them to give them another coat or two even if still wet. This will keep log ends from going really dark.

  • Can you use other product stains with Colorfast besides Sashco?

    Colorfast is made best to perform with other Sashco products. There wouldn't be any major compatibility issues with other water-based or drying oil-based stains. It will inhibit penetration of deep penetrating oil stains so it should not be used with those.

  • Will the cure time change for other stains?

    Capture, Cascade, and Symphony will all dry at the same time. Transformation products may have a bit of a delay.

  • How does Colorfast change the coverage amount of the stain that goes on top of it?

    Colorfast will essentially be used as a first coat. Anything applied after that would be considered your second coat. Using less stain doesn't mean getting less protection!