Woodguard Application & Technical Resources:
• Woodguard Stain Application Guide
• Woodguard Stain Product Guide
• Woodguard Stain Safety Data Sheet
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Coverage Rate and Maintenance Coat Schedule
• Coverage areas per coat for WoodGuard is as follows:
• On smooth surfaces or hardwoods, 200 sq. ft/gallon.
• Old Weathered Wood: 1 coat to the point of refusal. Approximately 75 – 100 sq. ft./gal.
• Actual coverage may vary depending on the type, age and texture of the wood and application method.
• A second application of WoodGuard will be required 2-4 years after the first application.
• South and West exposures may require treatment before North and East exposures.
• Apply as needed in subsequent years.
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Application Methods
• Sprayer – Low-pressure spray or “pump-up spray” equipment is suitable. Set nozzle to deliver a low-pressure, coarse spray. Do not use airless spray equipment.
• Brush – A regular paintbrush is fine for most surfaces. For uneven or rough surfaces, use a stiff-bristle brush. Click here for our Stain Brushes page.
• Roller – Use a long nap for rough surfaces.
• Apply to refusal (until WoodGuard starts to run) and have someone follow to back brush the applied WoodGuard to a smooth uniform coating.
WoodGuard Special Instructions for Decks
• Add one quart of turpentine to each 5 gallon pail of Woodguard to be used and mix well prior to application on decks to improve penetration and curing.
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Surface Preparation
• If the wood has been treated with another product, it must be removed with a chemical wash.
1. Working in small, manageable sections from the bottom up, spray the surface with clean water, thoroughly wetting the wood.
2. Generously apply a solution of Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) and an outdoor strength bleach (One cup of TSP dissolved in 3 quarts warm water then add one quart of outdoor bleach) using a garden pump sprayer.
3. While the surface is still wet, spray on the TSP and bleach solution and scrub with a stiff-bristled nylon brush. Keep the surface moist for 15 – 20 minutes. (Do not let the solution dry on the wood). This will clean and open the wood pores to really accept the WoodGuard treatment. For the best result, this is the preferred method to prepare the wood surface for WoodGuard.
4. Wash the surface with clean water from the top down using a low-pressure (<500 PSI) high water volume sprayer, keeping the nozzle one foot from the wood surface.
5. After the excess water has dripped off the wood, measure the pH of the water droplets on the bottom log or board. If the pH is the same as the rinse water, you may go to the next area.
Note: If the pH is greater then that of the rinse water, additional rinsing is necessary. Proper rinsing is a very important step.
6. Let surface dry completely (moisture content below 18%). Usually after 3 days, sand with a fine grit paper to remove “fuzz” formed from scrubbing action of the scrub brush.
• Before applying WoodGuard, ensure that the surface is clean and the wood is free of mill glaze and dry to <18% moisture content.
• Mill glaze is a resinous surface barrier that is created in the log sawing and milling process. It must be removed prior to application of WoodGuard to allow maximum penetration of WoodGuard. This can be accomplished by washing the wood with a dilution of Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of water and a pressure spray water rinse.
Caulking Cracks, Checks, and Gaps:
• Fill all joints, cracks and nail holes with a quality oil-based caulk/filler over newly cured WoodGuard.
• Any cracks or checks that are upward facing which can hold water need to be sealed immediately to prevent any future rot or decay.
• Some larger cracks may need Closed Cell Backer Rod to help insulate and fill the space in ensure a proper seal.
• An annual inspection of all corners, butt joints, windows and doors is helpful in insulating and maintaining the life of your log home.
Checking Moisture Content Before Staining
• WoodGuard Stain cannot be applied when the moisture content of the wood is over 18%.
• If applied on wood with over 18% moisture content, mold and mildew may grow beneath the finish which may cause failure over time.
• It is recommended to use a Moisture Meter to test the moisture content of your wood before starting your staining project. A good moisture meter can be purchased am most hardware or home improvement stores.
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Application Instructions
• Apply to refusal (until WoodGuard starts to run) and have someone follow to back brush the applied WoodGuard to a smooth uniform coating.
• Do not apply WoodGuard if the overnight low temperature is below 50°F/10°C or the daytime high temperature is above 95°F/35°.
• At temperatures of 50-55°F, thin the WoodGuard with turpentine or mineral spirits (0.25 quarts or 1 cup) to 1 gallon WoodGuard. If WoodGuard is not diluted, a heavier coat of WoodGuard will be applied than desired and a darker color will result.
• Avoid contact with plants, shrubs and trees. Apply liberally to log homes and siding.
• Apply evenly; back brushing or back rolling to remove drips and sags as necessary. The more WoodGuard that is absorbed, the longer the treatment will last.
• Be aware that warm logs (wood) will absorb more WoodGuard than will cold logs/wood. Old weathered wood will absorb more than new unseasoned wood. If possible, plan treatment accordingly for maximum results and longevity.
• Retreat when the surface discolors and darkens when sprinkled with water OR when colors needs refreshing from years of sun exposure. The south and west sides may need treatment 1 to 2 years before the north and east sides.
• Cure time: approximately two weeks at 70°F (less if warmer).
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Do’s and Don’ts
Application Do’s…
• Perform color and batch checks before application.
• Apply product liberally in the direction of the grain, and completely saturate cut ends.
• A wet edge is not required throughout the process.
• Apply one heavy coat.
Application Don’t’s…
• Apply WoodGuard when the overnight low temperature is below 50°F/10°C or the daytime high temperature is above 95°F/35°.
• Apply when dew, frost, or other surface moisture is present.
• Apply in wet weather or excessively humid conditions.
• Apply if the moisture content of the wood is over 18%.
• Apply more than one heavy coat.
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Clean Up and Storage
• WoodGuard cleans up with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Do not store in direct sunlight or hot conditions.
• Tightly reseal opened containers and store at room temperature.
WoodGuard Exterior Stain Maintenance Information
• All surfaces to be re-treated need to be cleaned as described above before treatment.
• Allow (3) three good drying days before application.
• Do not use an iron bearing brush because iron stain could later develop.
• One and a half years after construction, inspect your log home carefully for cracks (checks) in the logs that have formed due to drying since construction.
• Apply WoodGuard liberally in these cracks. A plastic ketchup bottle that will squirt a moderate stream of WoodGuard when squeezed works well.
• Brush the WoodGuard into the cracks to assure a uniform coverage. If the cracks are very deep (>1 inch) a caulk should be used.
• Surfaces subjected to standing water, chlorine, sprinkler systems, concrete flashback, water runoff from roof valleys or other harsh conditions may require earlier retreating or spot treatments.
CA Residents Prop 65: www.p65warnings.ca.gov
