Not sure if this is the right place but hoping for some perspective.
I had a siding project get delayed and it's now ready for stain. It's Friday night we are expecting rain on Monday night and freezing cold afterwards. The siding is moist, reading 17-18% right now. I'm expecting the humidity to drop tonight/tomorrow with 50 degree temps, the wood temp is currently 45-50 (the stain says 40+ recommended).
I see two options and don't really know the pros or cons of either. Currently planning to stain tomorrow, I plan to re-stain next year either way
Option 1. Stain it tomorrow around noon, let it cure until Monday afternoon and then cover with a tarp to protect it from rain/weather and hope that it cures okay. I can give the siding breathing room with the tarp, it won't be pressed against
Option 2. Do not stain at all - I'm not sure if or how i could protect the wood if i don't stain. Would the siding be ruined if no stain for a 6 month Minnesota winter? Advice on this would be amazing, i just don't know.
I am prepared to stain tomorrow, have a air sprayer and an oil stain - ultra 7. I just don't know what makes the most sense.
Thanks for making it this far. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions and advice.
