Answers

Sanding would mess it up. Corn cob or glass blasting would be the best, dry method, but you will loose some of the hand hewn marks. Not as bad as sanding. Call Mike at 866-670-3020 for help.

I do not think they make the Rawhide any more. They had a lot of trouble with it. You need to ask where you buy it what can be applied over it.

Call Mike at 866-670-3020.

Sounds like it could be mold from wet wood. Not sure without seeing.

None that I know of. Sorry.

Not much now. More than likely it will turn black over time form the combination of power washing and the linseed oil. You will want to strip it when that day comes by sanding or media blasting and then use a good latex log home stain.

It probably would work, but you would want to sand it after to match. I have no idea where to rent.

Not sure that you can. Call Perma Chink in Knoxville, TN. They maybe able to help you with a renter. 800-548-3554

It is strictly up to you. If you stain you will have to keep up on the maintenance probably every other year being so exposed. Either way apply a good coat of Shell Guard borate. Call 800-564-2987 for help and materials.

Come-a-long and cable or chain should work. You may have to leave the cable in place to hold it.