FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

17. Can I apply SoyGuard® to bare, new wood?

1. Yes.  However, new lumber may contain mold or mold spores which are hard to see with the naked eye.  To be sure the wood is mold-free; clean the wood with a commercially available wood/deck cleaner or a diluted bleach solution prior to application.  Make sure the cleaner is removed with clean water rinses.

17. How do I clean my wood prior to application?

1. To ensure thorough and even penetration, remove all wax, varnish, or other coatings from the wood. Wood should be cleaned with soap and water, 10:1 bleach solution or a mold killer following instructions on the product used. (We highly recommend cleaning with soap and water and then apply a mold killer.) SoyGuard® must not be applied unless the wood is completely dry - a minimum of 3-5 days drying time should be allowed. SoyGuard® should not be applied if rain or low temperatures are expected within 24-48 hours of application.

17. How much SoyGuard® will I need?

1. One gallon will protect up to 250 square feet, depending on wood properties and method of application.      Remember: use a thin coat. Less is better.

17. What is the best way to apply SoyGuard®?

1. We recommend either a brush or a pad applicator fixed to a broom handle.  Rollers and spraying may require back brushing.

17. Can you apply “too much” SoyGuard®?

1. Yes. SoyGuard® should be applied with a single, thin coat.  It is penetrating oil which the wood accepts as its own natural oil.  Early in the application, SoyGuard® will be working so well that nothing else will be absorbed; not even more SoyGuard®.  This is one of the few times when less is better. If a second coat of SoyGuard® is desired allow 2 weeks for the initial coat of SoyGuard® to dry thoroughly.

17. How long will SoyGuard® last on wood?

1. SoyGuard® penetrates deeply into wood, coating the cells with a powerful polymer resin.  The surface is guaranteed for up to two (2) years which means that due to the natural effects of the sun, UV rays will cause the surface to turn a grayish color.  Though the surface is gray, the wood is still protected because of the deep penetration of SoyGuard®. To remove the discoloration, simply clean the wood with any commercially available exterior wood cleaner.  Once the gray is gone, recoat the wood with SoyGuard® to return the surface to its original luster. 

17. How do I clean it once it’s applied?

1. We recommend cleaning a small area with soap and water to see the results.  Mold or algae may be difficult to remove without using a killing agent – again try a small area following the directions on the killing/cleaning agent.

17. What do I do if it does not dry?

1. Our testing showed that product applied at colder temperatures than recommended on the label required as much as four days to dry to touch.  Drying time is affected by humidity and temperature.  Product that is applied too heavily may also take longer to dry.

17. What process do I follow if it looks uneven or blotchy?

1. Our test showed that the wood did not appear uneven or blotchy when the product was applied to new wood.  Application over previously treated wood may result in uneven penetration and produce a blotchy appearance.

17. What process do I follow if it is sticky?

1. Stickiness may result if too much product is applied or if the wood was previously treated with some other sealant material.  It may be possible to clean off the surface with either mineral spirits or lacquer thinner depending upon what materials were applied previously.  We recommend trying a small area to determine the effect.  Previously treated wood should be thoroughly sanded to remove all trace of the previous product and sample area tested for proper curing.

17. Can I put another finish, such as varnish, on top of it?

1. This is not recommended.

17. Can I sand over SoyGuard® once it is applied?

1. Wood treated with SoyGuard® may be sanded, but will most likely result in clogged sandpaper requiring significant amounts to be used.  Rough wood should be sanded smooth prior to treatment.  Loose ends of wood fibers may become stiffened by the application of the product resulting in a rough finish.  These may be lightly sanded with medium or fine grit sandpaper.

17. When will I know when it is time to recoat my deck?

1. After about 18-24 months, the surface of the deck will turn grey from the UV rays of the sun.  Some people like that look.  If you are not one of them and wish to return the wood to its natural luster, wash off the grey color from the surface and recoat with SoyGuard®.  Keep in mind that the wood continues to be protected as SoyGuard® is a penetrating formula and is deep inside the wood.  The maintenance coat revives the surface and maintains the look for the wood.

17. Can I apply SoyGuard® over the current sealer/surface preparation?

1. No. SoyGuard® penetrates deeply into the wood, protecting the cells with a powerful polymer resin.  It is best to remove any old sealers or surface preparations prior to use as they may inhibit the action of SoyGuard®.

17. Does SoyGuard® prevent discoloration caused by mold and mildew? 

1. SoyGuard® naturally resists mold and mildew growth, but does not prevent mold and mildew growth in moist/humid climates.  As with most wood finishes, stain fungi and mildew may develop in moist/humid climates and shaded areas where conditions are favorable. Stain fungi and mildew can be removed with commercial mildew removers, or with a solution of one part household bleach mixed in three parts warm water. Non-toxic, chlorine-free wood cleaners are also available. Although chlorine bleach will effectively remove many stains, including mold and mildew, it can also damage wood and is toxic to people and plant life.
   
   If exterior wood decks, fences and siding are located in an area subject to heavy mold growth, customers have the option of mixing a mildewcide additive into SoyGuard®. Such additives are available from most local hardware stores. Use only additives designed for use with solvent-based exterior paints and stains and thoroughly mix with SoyGuard® before application.

17. Can I use SoyGuard® on pressure treated wood?

1. Yes. We recommend using SoyGuard® on pressure treated wood while it is still “wet” with solution.  When a deck or fence is built with pressure treated umber, some advise waiting at least six weeks for the wood to dry.  In six weeks the wood does dry and when it dries it begins to crack and split.  Give your new pressure treated lumber a good cleaning to remove mold and mildew spores.  Then apply SoyGuard® to the “wet” pressure treated lumber.  Our product is heavier than the solution used to treat the wood and replaces the solution with soybean oil, preventing cracking and splitting.

17. Can I use SoyGuard® on older pressure treated wood?

1. Yes. Be sure to clean the wood to remove mold and mildew spores, then apply SoyGuard® which prevents further cracking and splitting.

17. Can I paint over SoyGuard®?

1. Yes, but allow two weeks for SoyGuard® to dry and penetrate before painting surfaces.

17. Are there any differences in applying SoyGuard® to different types of wood?

1. All natural woods (cedar, redwood, pine, etc.) will accept SoyGuard® at their own rate.  This is due to the density, porosity, condition, etc. of the wood.  No special attention is required for any of these.  When using SoyGuard® on more dense woods (such as IPE), the drying and penetration time may take longer than softer woods.

17. Can I use SoyGuard on my dock?

1. Yes. SoyGuard® is completely non-toxic and is safe for use around water.  Additionally, it will not harm children, plants or pets. If spilled, SoyGuard® biodegrades in approximately 30 days.

17. Is SoyGuard® flame retardant?  Flame retardants are materials that inhibit or resist the spread of fire.

1. SoyGuard® is non-flammable meaning it has a very high flash point. However, it is not a flame retardant.

17. Are there any other attributes I should know about SoyGuard®?

1. Easy Application. Low Odor. Soap and water clean-up. Suitable for sensitive environments. Kid safe. Pet safe. Please see our Product Information and Application and Instructions & Technical Data Sheet for further information.