When you remove the cap, you will see that the can is still sealed with a metallic cylinder-like “plug”. This plug visuallylooks difficult to remove and appears stuck. I tried removing it with pliers and a screwdriver, to no avail. However, it actually comes off easily if you nudge it a bit and you are persistent; this is not mentioned in instructions. In my case, I did not know this, and ended up making a hole with a screwdriver and hammer to actually get to the liquid. Then the plug just fell out, but now I have a broken plug. Manufacturer: please state such “obvious” things in the instructions. Thank you!Put this on newly installed pressure treated southern yellow pine deck within two weeks of installation. Don't wait too long if the weather is nice and the sun is shining the wood dries out fast. Two months on it's waterproof and taken on a nice golden color showing all the grain in the wood. I'll give the horizontal surfaces a second coat after three months and make sure it gets a coat every year, vertical surfaces can go three years.When comparing prices, I spent $20.00 more compared to Lowe's price for the same item.Came really quick, but the product is great and is durable. I've tried other Thompson products, but this seems much superior. Retards water like magic and goes on easy and evenly. I have a ramp on my back porch and it isn't much worse for being slipper than bare wood. I plan on doing it again next year (should use much less product) and then every two to three years.I ordered this because of its claim to be clear, highlighting the grain of the wood. We have old mahogany patio furniture that my husband sanded from gray back to the original gorgeous red. He tested this oil on the bottom - thank goodness - of a small table and it turned so dark brown it was almost black. No grain visible whatsoever. We watched for several days, hoping it would lighten up, but it didn't. He couldn't even sand it out, it being an oil. The gallon is expensive and nonreturnable. Very frustrating. Thompson's is usually a good product, but I would never recommend this to anyone who wanted a clear finish that highlights the grain.What little I used looks promising. Will buy more later to finish the jobCovers nicely and would definitely buy this product againDid not last 7 months. The porch post mildew