One end (randomly selected) of logs of mason pine (Pinus massoniana) were coated with a wax-type end coating called ANCHORSEAL® immediately after tree cutting. The logs were then stored in summer weather in Guangxi, China. During the storage, at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12, five logs of mason pine were sawn into lumber or veneer for the visual observation and measurement of blue stain at the coated and uncoated ends; The results showed that the average length of blue stain in mason pine logs was 226 mm for uncoated ends and 119 mm for coated end after 12 weeks of storage. The safe storage time for mason pine logs is up to one week without blue stain development. For uncoated logs, the safe storage period is less than 6 weeks if the losses caused by blue stain are to be kept at less than 17% for 2-meter long logs. For the coated logs, the safe storage period is under 6 weeks if the losses are to be kept at less than 8.5% for 2-meter long logs. ANOVA analysis showed that there existed significant differences in blue stain for mason pine. That means the effects of end coating are significant for preventing the development of blue stain. The volume losses caused by blue stain are nearly 11% for 2-meter long logs after 12 weeks storage. The sawmill can save 7.7% of the value of the mason pine. As the cost of coating is much less than the value of benefits, end coating of logs during storage is recommended.

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