Chinking and staining

Sometimes — but not automatically. You can go over existing material only if it’s still well-bonded and flexible. If chinking or caulk is cracked, brittle, or pulling away, it needs to come out first or the new material won’t last. Same with stain: if water still soaks into the logs, you may be okay after cleaning; if it beads, proper prep is needed before restaining. When in doubt, don’t layer products over failing material — that’s where most repeat problems come from.