Field tests of wood coatings in Maple Ridge, BC and Saucier, Miss. were evaluated. Coatings on spruce heartwood generally performed better than those on pine sapwood. Treatment with carbon-based preservatives was associated with better coatings performance. The protective pre-coats were associated with better coatings performance. Plasma treatment had a small positive association with coating performance, but not as much as the use of a protective pre-coat. An 18-month evaluation is recommended.