C2 Guard Waterproofer and Deck Sealer

C2 Guard for Wood penetrates into wood's cellular structure and forms a flexible barrier from within. Unlike film-forming sealers that sit on the surface and eventually crack, peel, or trap moisture, Guard becomes part of the wood itself.

Protection that lasts:

• 6 years on horizontal surfaces (decks, stairs, walkways)
• Up to 10 years on vertical surfaces (fences, siding, shingles)
• Stain color fades naturally with sun exposure; protection stays strong

Eco-friendly. And we mean it:

• Less than 50g/L VOC — below the lowest US standard
• No heavy metals
• Safe for children, pets, plants, and aquatic environments

No sanding. No stripping. Ever.

• Non-film-forming means no peeling, cracking, or flaking
• Reapplication: clean the surface and recoat

Works as a system:

• Clear: standalone waterproofer
• Stain colors: semi-transparent color + protection
• Pretreatment: apply under any paint, stain, or clear coat without affecting adhesion

Step-by-step with the unique wet-on-damp method explained clearly. This reduces purchase anxiety and returns.

1. Clean. Use C2 Wood Cleaner to remove dirt, mold, mildew, or old stain residue.
2. Rinse and dry. Let the surface dry. A bit of dampness is OK.
3. Test absorption. Drop water on the wood. It should soak in, not bead up. If it beads, the wood isn't ready.
4. Apply first coat. Brush or spray. Work in manageable sections.
5. Apply second coat wet-on-damp. While the first coat is still damp — not dry — apply the second coat. This is how Guard achieves full penetration.

Pro tip: Avoid applying in direct sunlight. If shade isn't available, lightly mist the surface and wait 10–30 minutes before applying.

Download the full guide

Coverage — ~300 sq ft per gallon (varies by wood porosity)

Coats Required — 2 (wet-on-damp method)

Dry Time — 1 hour to touch; 24 hours before foot traffic

VOC — <50 g/L

Cleanup — Soap and water

Application Tools — Brush, roller, or sprayer

Application Temp — Above 35°F, no rain in forecast

Protection Duration — 6 years horizontal / 10 years vertical

Compatible Surfaces — Cedar, pine, pressure-treated, redwood, ipe, teak, exotic hardwoods

Sizes — Quart / Gallon / 5-Gallon

Colors — Clear + 16 semi-transparent stain colors

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.