Blairstown Distributors

10/17/2023

Staining season is winding down for most of the country now, when the temperatures start to drop below 50. But it's still the perfect time of year to try out samples, so your project can be ready to go come spring!!

Woodguard samples: https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/woodguard-samples/

Armstrong-Clark samples: https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/samples-for-armstrong-clark-stain/

08/10/2023

FAQ: Why use BeeGone?

BeeGone additive isn't necessary for everyone -- here's how you can know if YOU should be using it!

While WoodGuard contains ingredients that make it toxic to termites and powder post beetles, there are many other pests that it doesn't have an effect on, notably carpenter bees! Bee Gone is our solution: an EPA registered insecticide that can help control an infestation near your wooden structures of these pests and others, including carpenter ants, scorpions, spiders, ticks, wasps, cockroaches and more. For more information or to place an order, click here or give us a call during regular business hours:
https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/bee-gone/

08/01/2023

07/27/2023

FAQ: why isn't my stain absorbing evenly?

There can be a variety of reasons why, but here are some of the first few to rule out:

-Your wood is too new. New wood has a high moisture/ natural oil content. This can keep the stain from absorbing enough, or evenly. Most woods should be 3-6 months old before you consider treating/testing it.
-Your moisture content is too high from the humidity/recent rain/not waiting long enough for it to dry after cleaning.
-Uneven cleaning job. If you haven't evenly cleaned and rinsed your wood, it will be unevenly holding on to its previous treatment. This might not be important or noticeable if you are retreating with the same color and product, but will become noticeable if you are drastically changing the color or if your previous treatment is very faded.

Send us a message for more insights if none of these seem like a solution to your issue!

07/25/2023

FAQ: what method should I use to apply my WoodGuard?

The manufacturer DOESN'T recommend an airless sprayer -- that leaves you with brushing, rolling, or a pump up sprayer. Any of these methods are fine for application, use whatever is easiest for you! With each method, you will be applying the stain to the point of refusal: apply until the wood won't absorb any more stain. When it begins to refuse the stain, you will need to back brush the drips away.

Watch our How-To video for more information:

WOODguard® does more than protect your wooden fences and structures. It preserves the original quality for decades with a formula that will never crack, spli...

07/20/2023

FAQ: Why doesn't the WoodGuard manufacturer recommend using WoodGuard on decks or wood furniture?

Simply put: even when fully cured, WoodGuard remains very slightly tacky/oily on its surface. This is excellent news in terms of weatherproofing, as that lightly tacky surface is what repels water so well. But it's not good news for a surface you want to sit or stand on, as you'll find it wears off quickly and potentially sticks to you! We want you to be happy with the finished surface of your projects for its entire lifespan, which is why we recommend you use our Armstrong-Clark oil-based Deck Stain for your decking and furniture needs. It is similar to WoodGuard, but is made up of 2 different kinds of oils: a non-drying conditioning oil that seeps down into your wood to keep it hydrated, and a drying oil that repels rain, snow, and UV rays, while keeping the conditioning oil safely underneath. Don't worry! Just like WoodGuard, this oil stain will never crack , chip or peel!

To Order and more info: https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/armstrong-clark-deck-stain/

07/10/2023

FAQ: Should I fill my checks and cracks with caulk?

No. We actually don't recommend filling splits with caulk, because while it will treat the issue for the time being, it has the potential to make the situation worse in the long run. This is because you won't be able to see behind the caulking, and when the caulking begins to fail it will allow moisture to build up behind it. You won't see it happening, but by the time you notice there is an issue, you will have a rot problem on your hands.

Instead, we recommend treating cracks and checks by simply flooding them with WoodGuard every time you stain. This will keep them completely waterproof, and you'll never have to worry about what is going on behind the scenes.

07/06/2023

FAQ: what is the difference between NBS30 and BeeGone?

NBS30, or No Bug Stuff, is a citronella-based bug deterrent that is a "green", environmentally friendly product. It is made up of plant oils, mineral oil, and soap. It will be effective agianst a wide range of bugs that find the smell of citronella, cedarwood, rosemary, lemongrass, or eugenol distasteful. One 16 oz container can be diluted into 5 gallons of water, latex, or oil stain. Outdoor applications only.

BeeGone is an 8oz container of concentrate that will also treat 5 gallons of water or stain for use outdoors. But, it is a pesticide, with the active ingredient permethrin, which is the same active ingredient many exterminators will use for pest control. It works on contact, meaning it is effective towards nearly every home -invading pest, including carpenter bees, carpenter ants, cockroaches, fleas, flies, silverfish, ticks, wasps & spiders that walk on the treated surface.

Both products should be re-treated as necessary-- usually every 1-3 years, or more often if needed.

Can you use both products simultaneously? Yes!
Can you use them for spot treatment, instead of the entire project? Yes!

Care should be taken with both products to ensure you apply according to the manufacture's recommendations, avoiding contact with skin, eyes, vegetation, etc.

Purchase these products here:
https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/bee-gone/
https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/nbs30/

07/03/2023

FAQ: Why use oil-based stain instead of water-based stain?

We think that oil-based stains are the best exterior choice for several reasons:

-holds up to high traffic and extreme weather conditions better than water-based stain.
-exhibits the natural wood grain beauty instead of covering it up
-does not require a protective topcoat, that would peel and chip over time
-very little maintenance needed between coats
-Easy to apply with little to no issues with streaking or lap marks.

Do your own research before you shop, and I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion!!

06/22/2023

FAQ: how often will I need to stain with WoodGuard?

The simple answer is, roughly 1-2 years after your first application, and every 2-4 years following. BUT, there's a lot more to be said in the complex answer.

The Complex answer: Hardwoods tend to need to be treated more often than softwoods, as they are less porous and so don't absorb stains or oils as well. Your climate, as well as the element exposure your structure gets, will also affect how often you need to stain. If you have a well-sheltered structure in a mild climate, you may be able to get 5 or more years between applications once you have built up a strong base of oil in the wood. But if your wood is constantly exposed to strong sun and wild elements, you are likely to have to stick with a more regular maintenance routine as the wood ages.

The best way to know if you are nearing the need to retreat: spray the structure with water-- does the water still bead up and drip off? Congratulations, your treatment is still holding up well! If the water is not beading, or you can see the water beginning to be absorbed by the wood, you are definitely in need of a new application of stain.

06/19/2023

FAQ: why should I get samples?

We're always happy to give an educated guess on what color will be closest to what you're looking for and direct you to those first, BUT, we always recommend getting samples if this is your first-time getting Armstrong-Clark or Woodguard from us, or if you can't remember what you've used in the past, OR if you want to change up your color! This is because we don't like to rely on pictures, due to the variation of color on different monitors or devices and also because we can't predict exactly what a color will look like on your specific wood -- type of wood, age, and previous treatment will all effect the EXCACT color of your wood, and how it will react to a new treatment. If you want to be 100% certain of what a new stain will look like, please take the few extra moments to test out a sample first!!

Order samples here: https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/woodguard-samples/

https://blairstowndistributors.com/product/samples-for-armstrong-clark-stain/

06/06/2023

FAQ: why your cleaning method?

We recommend our cleaning formula ( 1 cup of TSP, 1 Qt of bleach in 1 Gallon of water) to tackle in one cleaning all of your wood's needs. TSP is a cleaning and degreasing agent, which will make sure all your wood surfaces are ready to absorb your new oil stain. Bleach is used primarily for killing any mold or mildew spores that may be lurking in your wood's fibers, and secondarily to lightly brighten the surface. Together they are a power couple that ensure your wood is fully prepped for receiving a new coat of beautiful, evenly absorbed stain.

Make sure you dilute these accurately in water!! Otherwise, the bleach can damage your wood. Also be sure to work in small sections, so you wash this formula off BEFORE it can dry on your wood and cause bleached spots. We recommend using PH strips to test the water run-off to be sure you have completely rinsed all of this cleaning mixture off. Here is a link to our informational video, showing this process step by step:

WOODguard® does more than protect your wooden fences and structures. It preserves the original quality for decades with a formula that will never crack, spli...