Beauty & Strength From Within

Protect your wood and concrete surfaces with the best waterproofer on the market.

The Science of Superior Wood Protection

Stops water before it becomes damage. C2 Guard penetrates deep into the wood, locking out water and preventing rot, warping, and decay - season after season. Trusted by professionals, loved by homeowners, and proven to last.

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Client Testimonials

It's such a great stained and has transformed my furniture! I love how i will never need to sand it again. Just apply another coat. It gets me excited.

Timothy R

This was my first time using your product and I am very pleased with the final result!

Matt B.

It started raining before the C2 guard had had a chance to fully cure so I was worried but the rain beaded up and rolled around on top of my bricks anyway! The other photo is a different part of the brick that hadn’t gotten C2’d yet. You can see how the water just gets absorbed into the brick without C2 guard. I decided to apply it to my entire brick wall next! Really hoping to not have to clean it again for a long time!!

Dania L.

Watch C2 Guard in Action

Most sealers sit on top of the wood. C2 Guard penetrates the wood—bonding within the wood fibers to dramatically reduce water intrusion while letting the surface breathe. That means less swelling, cupping, and weathering, and no sticky film to crack, flake, or peel.

Shop C2 Guard

See Why Contractors and Their Customers Love C2 Guard
5 / 5

"See how that water just sits on top with nowhere to go!"

Paint & Deck Contractor
5 / 5

"C2 Guard still protecting remarkably after 7 years!"

C2 Retailer, Harry Adler
5 / 5

"We use C2 Guard across the board because it's a no-brainer. It's in the best interest of our clients."

Tom Lopco, Lopco Construction
5 / 5

"We work with high grade architectural products and rely on C2 Guard because of it's incredible performance. Our customers are worth it."

Mike Hendershot, Greenwich Wood Products
5 / 5

"See how the water sits on top of the wood because it can't penetrate it!"

Jeff Thorman, Home Renovision DIY

1. What makes C2 Guard different from other stains?

Unlike traditional stains that sit on the surface, C2 Guard penetrates deep into the wood using nanoparticle technology, forming a breathable barrier within the wood structure. This barrier sheds water, resists mold and mildew, and helps prevent cracking, cupping, and rotting—without peeling or flaking.

Why it matters: Most stains are film-forming (meaning they sit on the surface of the wood) that eventually breaks down, but C2 Guard bonds with the wood internally, providing long-lasting protection (up to 10 years on vertical surfaces!).


2. Is C2 Guard better than oil-based stains?

In a word, Yes—and here’s why:

  • ✅ Low-VOC formula is environmentally stable
  • ✅ Easy soap-and-water cleanup
  • ✅ Safe for use near plants, pets, and even waterways
  • ✅ No sticky residue or flammable fumes
  • ✅ Won’t peel, flake, cup or require sanding for reapplication

Oil-based stains can smell strong, are harder to clean, and tend to break down faster—especially in harsh climates.


3. How long does C2 Guard last?

  • The protection lasts to 6 years on horizontal surfaces (like decks)
  • Up to 10 years on vertical surfaces (like fences and siding)

NOTE! The color, like any stain, will fade over time due to sun exposure—but the waterproofing protection stays strong. When it’s time to refresh the color, just clean and reapply—no sanding or scraping needed.


4. How do I prep my wood for C2 Guard?

Follow these steps for best results:

  1. Clean thoroughly with C2 Wood Cleaner to remove mold, mildew, or old stains.
  2. Rinse and let the wood dry (a bit of dampness is OK).
  3. Test absorption by dropping water on the wood—it should soak in, not bead up.
  4. Apply two coats of C2 Guard, “wet-on-damp” for best penetration.

Pro Tip: Avoid applying in direct sunlight—if needed, lightly mist the surface and let the wood rest before staining.


5. What’s the best weather to apply C2 Guard?

  • Apply when temps are above 35°F and rain isn’t in the forecast.
  • Shade is ideal, but if that’s not possible, mist the wood and wait 10–30 minutes before applying.
  • You can wash in the morning and stain by noon—as long as the surface is dry.


6. Does C2 Guard offer stain colors?

Yes! C2 Guard is available in tinted options to enhance the look of your wood while protecting it. Remember, color will fade over time due to sun exposure—but the protection remains. Reapply color as needed without sanding. It’s important to know that stain colors appear differently on different varieties of wood so we highly recommend ordering a sample first! They are free online at c2paint.com - you only pay for shipping. 


7. What types of wood can I use it on?

C2 Guard works best on:

  • Cedar
  • Pine
  • Pressure-treated lumber

For hardwoods like teak and Ipe:

These dense woods are harder to penetrate. Let the wood weather for a few months, then sand with coarse paper before applying. Over application can cause stickiness—less is more!


8. Can I use C2 Guard on my boat or dock?

Yes! C2 Guard is safe for use near fresh and saltwater and won’t leach harmful chemicals into the environment. It’s perfect for docks, piers, and even boat decks.


9. Can I paint over C2 Guard?

Absolutely. Because C2 Guard is non-film forming, it won’t interfere with adhesion. You can prime and paint over it just like untreated wood. Remember, this product protects from within the wood so any top coat will likely fade and if it’s not a C2 Guard stain it could possibly peel and flake over time. 


10. Where can I buy C2 Guard?

Helpful Tips for Using C2 Guard

  1. Open With Care: Given that C2 Guard is less dense than water, it's prone to splattering. Please open the can with caution to avoid any mess.
  2. Test Before You Rest: We recommend trying C2 Guard on a small, inconspicuous area first. This will allow you to get a feel for the product’s consistency and perfect your application technique.
  3. Timing is Key: Apply C2 Guard wet on damp. After the first coat is still damp – not dry – apply the second coat to ensure optimal absorption and protection.
  4. Dress for Success: Use clothes that you wouldn't mind getting a stain on and protect the surrounding areas to keep your workspace tidy.
  5. Towel at the Ready: To prevent splatter, cover the can with a paper towel or cloth before resealing.
  6. Coverage Counts: C2 Guard typically covers about 300 square feet per gallon, but this can vary depending on the porosity of the wood.
  7. Stir, Don't Settle: Keep stirring the product regularly as the colorant tends to settle at the bottom. A good shake ensures consistent color and protection.
  8. See the True Hue: Remember that colors may appear differently on various wood species, so the final look might vary.

C2 Guard: How to Apply