Woodworkers/ carpenters, I need some refinishing advice for a log home!

[J-Roc]

Hey guys! I've asked about this previously, and did some research, and i'm finally ready to tear into this.

A good friend of mine said he's used the following method with sucess. Belt sand logs down to bare wood.
Bleach logs to bring natural colour out.
Refinish. THEN, in 2-5 yrs, redo again, but apply Honey colour.

Does this make sense?

This house is 25 years old, and it's gotten very dark on the inside, and quite weathered on the outside. Now, i'm not gonna lie, i'm a complete rookie with this stuff. Can a guy buy a belt sander with some sort of dust collection device? Also, what should I do about all the little corners? Is there such an animal of a snader that can get between the logs in the corners?

Also, what grit of paper to use, and how do I get the logs DRY before I refinish.

If anyone has done this, can you fill me in on the exact procedure you've used?

Thanks! I don't wanna screw this up!

 

[BB454]

I guess it depends on how light you want it. I would try a pressure washer and some of that deck cleaner stuff. I have seen it really lighten up the color on decks. It would solve your problem for the corners too. Might be worth trying for not much money.
As for the sander, they make them that have an adapter that you attache a shop vac too. You would have to go with a orbital or palm sander for the tight places. If you decide to go that route, get aggressive on the paper. 40 grit if you can find belts that course.

A whole cabin sounds like lot of work.

 

[J-Roc]

Thanks!

I'll be sanding the inside, and I had thought about just blasting the outside with walnut shells. It'll be awkward, because I have to live in the house while I do this....

Any hints on drying the place out well?

Oh, and I want a real light colour. Almost a natural pine look.

Thanks