Log homes should only be stained, never painted. Unlike other home building materials, logs need to breathe. And stain allows it to do that while still offering protection from weather and other outdoor elements. In contrast, paint can seal in moisture that then causes the logs to rot and deteriorate. Once they reach that point, they will have to be replaced or treated—both very pricey and time consuming. Plus, paint will quickly crack, peel, and flake off of logs, giving your home an unattractive appearance.