C2 Guard for Wood - Deep‑Penetrating, Non‑Toxic Sealer & Waterproofer
While others sit on top, Guard soaks deep into the substrate and forms a flexible polymer within the wood’s cellular structure. This from‑within protection dramatically reduces water intrusion to help prevent cracking, splitting, and warping-while also reducing the effects of mold and mildew. Interior or exterior; suitable for both softwoods and hardwoods.
Why pros choose C2 Guard
- Penetrates deeply instead of forming a surface shell, so future maintenance is simple and there’s nothing to scrape or strip.
- Non‑toxic, low odor, low VOC; no heavy metals. Safe for use around homes and landscapes when used as directed.
- Versatile species-effective on softwoods (cedar, redwood, pine), hardwoods (oak, ash, maple) and dense exotics (ipe, teak, mahogany), plus timbers and log homes.
- Use alone or as a pretreatment under solid stains, clear coats, or paints after it has dried. This helps keep moisture out of the substrate making both the stain and wood last longer.
- Won’t change the wood’s feel - no plastic film, no slippery surface.
Great for
- Decking, railings, and outdoor furniture
- Shingles, siding, fences and pergolas
- Log and timber structures, posts and beams, garden beds and play structures
- Saunas & hot tubs
- Anywhere wood gets wet
Colors & UV
Available clear (natural look) or in a curated range of "transparent" colors. Color tints use fine‑grind pigments (including trans‑oxides) that help counteract UV exposure. Clear provides water repellency but minimal UV protection; choose a transparent color for the best fade resistance and longevity. All exterior colors will gradually weather and can be renewed easily with a light clean and another coat-no peeling to remove.
How C2 Guard differs from traditional sealers
| Traditional, film‑forming sealers | C2 Guard for Wood |
|---|---|
| Oil, paraffin, or silicate blends that form a skin on top of the wood; once the film breaks down, water gets in and peeling begins. | Deep‑penetrating co‑polymer bonds inside the wood to repel water from within-no film, so it won’t peel and upkeep is simple. |
Application & Coverage
- Prep: Start with bare, absorbent wood. Remove gray weathering, mill glaze, stains, sealers, dirt, mildew and algae. Light pressure washing is acceptable. Rinse well and allow to dry. The surface is ready when water drops soak in rather than bead.
- Pressure‑treated lumber: Allow outdoor exposure until it readily absorbs water before application. Typically 3-6 months. (KDAT exempt)
- How to apply: Stir product thoroughly prior to application. C2 Guard Wood should be applied as two coats “wet on damp.” On vertical surfaces apply coating from the bottom up. Preferred method of application is brush, pad or pump sprayer. HVLP and Airless sprayers are also acceptable application methods.. When spraying, ensure the surface is generously coated. If using airless application, use low pressure and a tip size greater than 17.
- Coats: Apply two coats “wet‑on‑damp” (apply the second before the first fully dries). On vertical surfaces, work bottom‑up. Wipe or brush out drips and back‑brush puddles. End grain may require additional coats.
- Coverage: Do not exceed 300 sq ft/gal total product applied. When applied as directed (two coats wet‑on‑damp), one gallon typically finishes about from 100-300sqft depending on how porous the wood is.
- Conditions: Apply when air/product/surface are ≥ 35°F (2°C). Avoid direct, hot sun or approaching rain; maintain temperature for at least two hours after application.
- Cleanup: Warm, soapy water while wet.
Dry time
- Single Coat: ~10-15 minutes(double coat recommended while damp, 2-4 minutes).
- Second coat: 15-60 minutes (apply while the first coat is still damp)
- Light use / water contact: after 24 hours (full protection develops as it cures)
Dry times vary with temperature, humidity, and wood density.
Technical details
- Type: Water‑borne deep‑penetrating co‑polymer (milky white in the can; dries clear)
- VOC: < 50 g/L
- Solids by volume: ~12%
- Weight per gallon: ~8.2 lb
- Flash point: None
- Sizes: Quarts, Gallons
Pro tips
- Shade helps: In hot sun, lightly mist the surface(raises wood grain slightly, allowing deeper penetration) and allow it to dry back to “just dry to the touch,” then apply two coats wet‑on‑damp.
- End grain counts: Saturate end cuts, end grains are more porous than faces.
- Don’t over‑apply: If the wood stops absorbing, move on and back‑brush out any excess to avoid shiny areas, tackiness, or puddling.
- Maintenance: When water no longer beads or the color looks faded, simply clean and apply a fresh maintenance coat. No sanding or stripping required.
- Over water / marine: Once fully dry, the cured polymer is hydrolytically stable and will not leach, making it suitable for structures near or over fresh or salt water.
Good to know
- Because it’s a penetrating treatment, it cannot soak through an existing film finish. Remove paints/varnishes/sealers before application.
- When using as a pretreatment under stains or paints, let C2 Guard dry thoroughly before topcoating and follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions.
Product Spec Sheets:
C2 Guard Waterproofer FAQ
- What does C2 Guard for Wood do?
- C2 Guard is a deep-penetrating waterproofer that bonds within the wood to dramatically reduce water absorption and help prevent cracking, splitting, and warping—without leaving a surface film.
- 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.
- Is C2 Guard safe and low VOC?
- Yes. It is water-borne, non-toxic, low odor, and formulated below 50 g/L VOC with no heavy metals.
- 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.
- Does Clear protect from UV?
- Clear provides water repellency with minimal UV protection. For exterior projects that see sun, choose a translucent color for better color retention and longevity.
