Quick Start

Not sure where to start? This quick-start section gives you everything you need to get going — check out the detailed steps below for extra help or special cases.

Fast checklist

  • Clean & prepare surface (remove dirt, mildew, loose material).
  • Water test: a few drops of water should soak in — if it beads, wait or prep more.
  • Temperature: don’t apply below ~35°F (2°C). Avoid rain and strong direct sun if possible.
  • Stir product well. Do not thin.

Step-by-step overview

  1. Prep: Clean, rinse, and allow the wood to dry. Sand glossy or mill-glazed surfaces lightly. Remove gray weathering, stains, sealers, dirt, mildew and algae.
  2. First coat: Apply generously using brush/pad/low-pressure sprayer (see Tools & Method); work in zones you can return to quickly.
  3. Second coat (wet-on-damp): Return while the surface is still damp (typically 10–15 minutes depending on conditions; see Dry Time & Curing) and recoat the same area for saturation.
  4. End grain: Apply an extra coat where cuts/exposed ends will wick more product.
  5. Drying: Allow to dry fully before heavy use. See drying section below for times.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Why it matters: Penetrating products must contact open wood pores — contaminants, surface sheen, or excess moisture block penetration.

Cleaning

  • Use a deck/wood cleaner or mild detergent and scrub brush to remove dirt, mildew, oil, and finishes. C2 Guard Cleaner for Wood is a great option for this.
  • Rinse thoroughly with a hose or light pressure wash (use a wide fan and moderate pressure; avoid aggressive stripping of wood fibers).
  • Allow at least 24–48 hours for wood to dry after cleaning (longer in cool/humid weather).

Test & prepare surface

  • Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. The water should absorb. If it beads, either wait longer or lightly sand to remove surface sheen.
  • For planed/mill-glazed lumber, a light sanding (80–120 grit) will open pores and improve absorption.
  • Remove loose splinters and fill major cracks before treating (C2 Guard penetrates but does not fill gaps).

Step 2: Select Tools & Method

Brush / Pad

Best control and recommended for small jobs, trim, signs, and areas needing precision. Use a premium synthetic brush or synthetic pad and work product into the grain.

Roller

Fast for decks and large flat surfaces. Use a short-nap roller and back-brush with a brush or pad immediately to force penetration and even coverage.

Low-pressure Pump Sprayer

Efficient for fences and siding. Always follow spraying with back-brushing or back-rolling to prevent runs and ensure penetration. Avoid high-pressure atomizing sprayers that create excessive drift.

Step 3: Application Techniques

Proper technique ensures full penetration and even, durable protection. C2 Guard is a penetrating formula—work it into the wood, don’t let it sit on top.

Stir, Don’t Shake

Open and stir thoroughly before and during use to keep pigments and ingredients evenly suspended. Shaking introduces air bubbles that can affect coverage.

Apply Generously and Evenly

  • Work in manageable sections that you can return to for the wet-on-wet second coat (usually within 10–20 minutes).
  • Apply in the direction of the grain using a brush, pad, or sprayer with back-brushing to help the product penetrate deeply.
  • Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, especially on large surfaces like decks or fences.
  • For vertical surfaces: Start from the bottom and work upward to control drips and prevent streaking. This ensures even absorption and avoids darker run marks lower down.
  • For horizontal surfaces: work in small sections and immediately remove any excess material to prevent puddling.

Second Coat (Wet-on-Damp)

  • Return to your starting section while the surface is still damp—not fully dry.
  • Apply the second coat evenly for maximum absorption and protection.
  • Wipe off any visible excess or pooling after 15–20 minutes to prevent surface sheen.

End Grain & Cut Areas

  • End grain and cut edges soak up much more product—apply an extra coat until the surface remains damp and stops absorbing quickly.

Environmental Conditions

  • Ideal temperature: 40°F–90°F (4°C–32°C).
  • Avoid direct sunlight or hot surfaces that can cause premature drying.
  • Do not apply in rain or when rain is expected within 12 hours.

Step 4: Dry Time & Curing

  • Touch dry: commonly 1–2 hours (varies with temp & humidity).
  • Rain-safe: often after ~12 hours once product has penetrated; avoid heavy rain during and immediately after application.
  • Light use: 24–48 hours is a safe guideline for furniture or foot traffic in many climates.
  • Full cure: the product will continue to cure to its full durability for 5–7 days in average conditions.

Note: hotter, drier conditions speed dry time but can reduce penetration if the first coat skins over too quickly — shade work or work in cooler parts of the day when possible.

Maintenance & Recoating

How to check when to recoat: perform the water test. If water soaks into the surface instead of beading on top, it's time to reapply.

  • Horizontal surfaces (decks): typical recoat window ~3–6 years depending on exposure and traffic.
  • Vertical surfaces (fences, siding): ~6–10 years before recoating is required.
  • High UV, coastal exposure, or heavy wear areas: inspect annually.

Tips by Wood Type

Softwoods (cedar, pine, redwood, pressure-treated)

  • Generally accept product readily. Apply two coats wet-on-damp.
  • Pay special attention to end grain and exposed cuts — plan to give these an extra coat.
  • For pressure-treated wood, allow outdoor exposure until it readily absorbs water before application (typically 3-6 months).

Hardwoods (ipe, teak, mahogany, tropicals)

  • Dense woods absorb more slowly. Apply the first coat allowing time to penetrate, then return for the second while still damp.
  • If a slight sheen forms on the surface after penetration, gently wipe excess; do not sand away the treated surface.

Weathered / Aged Lumber

  • Weathered wood can be more porous, so expect to use additional material and possibly a third coat on end grain or highly degraded spots.
  • Cleaning and brightening treatments improve results on gray, sun-damaged boards.

Application FAQs

Will C2 Guard peel or flake?
No. It is not a film-forming coating, so there is no surface skin to peel. Future maintenance is simple—clean the surface and reapply as needed.
How many coats do I need and how should I apply it?
Apply two coats wet-on-damp using a brush, pad, or pump sprayer. Work in the shade when possible, back-brush out excess and avoid puddling. On vertical surfaces, apply from the bottom up.
What coverage should I expect?
Do not exceed 300 sq ft per gallon for the total amount applied. When applied as directed (two coats wet-on-damp), one gallon typically finishes about 150 sq ft.
Can I use C2 Guard under stain, clear coats, or paint?
Yes. After it has dried, you can topcoat with most stains, clear finishes, or paints according to the coating manufacturer’s directions.
When can I apply it to pressure-treated wood?
Allow 3–6 months of outdoor exposure until the wood readily absorbs water. Test by sprinkling water; when it soaks in rather than beads, the surface is ready.
What are the temperature and dry-time guidelines?
Apply when air, surface, and product are at or above 35°F (2°C). Touch-dry is typically 10–15 minutes; the second coat goes on after 15–60 minutes while the first is still damp; light use is fine after 24 hours. Dry times vary with temperature, humidity, and wood density.