pine wood storage thoughts

[chopped]

Hello, I have just purchased allot of this
Shop EverTrue 8' x 0.31' Stain Grade Pine Edge and Center Bead Plank Paneling at Lowes.com
It comes tightly wrapped in plastic casing 6 strips to a bundle.(nice). Most arrived undamaged but a couple had the tell tale forks rips and marks.
Anyway my plan is to poly the wood for finish One coat on the saw horses and then a final one when it is hung on the Way. This might not get hung for a year or less or more.
So her lies my question.Is it better to allow it to remain packaged and undercover in basement till I use it Or would I be better off to open them all and get the first coat of poly on it?
I want to preserve the light color to it and concerned that it will ''darken'' over time in the package.
Of course ploying them now would save some time and work when I do get to use them.
Thanks for your opinions

 

[PILOON]

Pine will darken no matter what you do.
Water based poly darkens less than oil based products.
Package and dark would be best, if you poly only one side they could warp or cup as humidity will be absorbed from the un coated side thus making installation a real chore.
A trick I learned to coat pine panneling is to apply danish oil with a rag or sponge rather than using a brush- faster, no drips or streaks and essentially acts like a sealer coat.
Naturally wearing rubber gloves is best.
With the sponge/rag system you do not even need to clean first (saw dust etc) as you wipe as you apply, simply wring the rag/sponge from time to time.
Makes for a great finish!

 

[Pops15]

Leave it in the factory wrap otherwise it will warp. Place several pieces of 1X2 or similar on the floor and store the paneling on the 1X's.

I've used that paneling a lot. One thing I used it on is my family room ceiling. We stained it and applied one coat of poly before installing it. Once it was up I applied a second coat of poly. The 2nd coat of poly made the individual pieces of paneling adhere to the adjacent piece. When the humidity level dropped in the winter the paneling shrank and built up tension where the poly had adhered the pieces together. When there was enough tension the poly would break free with a disturbing CRRAAAACK! LOL
Couldn't see any difference in the ceiling.