ArchieMN

I tried out Rock Solid on a whim last year. I sealed a few 10+ yr old green treat boards (cleaned, dried to less than 5%, sealed as directed) and left them out in direct sun. The pot life wasn't as long as advertised, even in my garage. The peeling started after about 3 months. ...I figure they're just another $100 Million class-action suit waiting to happen....

That's why I started looking at the radar, not the forecast. I still get burned once in a while, but no often.

Remember, an educated customer is a happy customer, so I'd bring them in on the conversation. Explain the 2 schools of thought on sealing new wood. Lay out the pros and cons, and what their expectations and expenses should be either way, then let them make an educated decision. (You took the time to learn about it, you deserve to show off!) If they/you decide to seal now, Thompson's isn't my flavor, but it's a fine product for this situation. Remove the mill glaze just like any other waxy sealer. I like to use clear sealers for fresh wood, partly because if (or when) it fails in a few months it won't be so noticeable, and partly so the customer can enjoy that look of new wood for a while. Nothing you put on is likely to last more than a year. Come back next summer after it's aged and dried and seal it up right. If that's done well they'll get at least 2 years out of it.