Softwood lye

The simplest method of preserving softwood outdoors in the long term is “silvering”: a leaching process driven by sun and rain, in which the soft, hygroscopic components of the wood are washed out and the hard, weather-resistant ones remain. This deprives fungi, algae and insects of their food source.

KREIDEZEIT Softwood Lye speeds up this process and makes it more even. Indoors, it produces a light, matt shade. It is biocide-free and is applied undiluted.

Properties

• biocide-free
• accelerates and evens out the silvering that develops through weathering (exterior)
• light, matt shade (interior)
• traditional and cost-effective
• to be applied undiluted

Suitable substrates

New or only slightly weathered softwood outdoors (cladding, fences, garden furniture) as well as softwood indoors. Timber that is already heavily greyed or coated is less suitable.

Use & Application

Preparation: Wood must be clean and dry. Shake before use.

Application: Apply undiluted and evenly with a brush in the direction of the grain, or work in with a brush. On new timber, apply at least two coats, allowing each to dry in between; no intermediate sanding required.

Drying: Observe the application and drying temperature (see technical data sheet).

Tools & cleaning: Paintbrush/brush; clean with water.

Technical data

Exterior effect	accelerated, even silvering
Interior effect	light, matt shade
Biocides	contains no
Thinning	undiluted
Coats	new timber: at least 2, with intermediate drying

Full declaration

see safety data sheet. When using the product, the complete product information (technical data sheet and safety data sheet) must be observed.

Note: Alkaline – protect eyes and skin, cover adjacent building components. Observe the safety data sheet.

Frequently asked questions

What does the softwood lye do outdoors?
It accelerates the silvering process and makes it more even, so that new and old wood take on a uniform grey tone more quickly.

Do I have to paint the wood afterwards?
No. Silvered wood remains unpainted and develops a lively patina. If required, KREIDEZEIT Silvering Glaze can be added later.

Is the lye a wood preservative?
It is biocide-free. The protection comes from washing out the soft wood components that are susceptible to fungal attack.