WOCA Driftwood Lye is a water-based product that gives oak wood a unique, weather-beaten grey patina with a natural driftwood effect. This wood lye reacts with the tannin in oak to create a lighter, dimensional design while allowing the natural wood grain to remain visible.
Use WOCA Driftwood Lye on newly sanded interior woodwork made from oak, including wood floors, panels, and other unfinished oak surfaces. It is not recommended for pine or other wood species because the product is designed to react primarily with oak tannins.
Best for:
- Oak wood surfaces that are unfinished and finely sanded
- Projects where you want a grey driftwood appearance
- Interior wood floors and woodwork that will be sealed with WOCA oil
- Creating a lighter, weathered look while keeping the grain visible
After applying lye, the wood surface must be sealed with a WOCA finishing oil for durability and long-lasting protection. Good options include WOCA Diamond Oil Active or WOCA Master Color Oil. Results vary based on sanding, tannin content, application method, and the individual wood surface.
SHIPPING NOTICE: WOCA Driftwood Lye can only be shipped within the contiguous United States. It is not available to ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
IMPORTANT:
The presence of Sodium Hydroxide in Antique, Driftwood, and Softwood Lye has classified this product as hazardous and requires special shipping and handling by the Department of Transportation.
A Hazmat Shipping Fee of $100.00 per box is required, regardless of bottle size. The fee applies to both the 2.5-liter bottle and the 3.5-ounce sample tester.
FedEx Ground Hazmat Shipping is the only shipping option available for both the 2.5-liter and tester sizes. Overnight and 2-day shipping are not available for this product
- 1 to 4 bottles of the 2.5-liter size = 1 box
- 1 to 6 bottles of the 3.5-ounce sample tester size = 1 box
- A signature is required for delivery
- A Driftwood Lye tester is subject to the same shipping charge and handling fee as the 2.5-liter size
WOCA Driftwood Lye is packaged in Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic bottles - Same great product, greater sustainability.
COLOR TESTING NOTE: Because every oak surface is different, and because screen settings can change how color appears, the final grey driftwood tone may not match the color swatches exactly. We recommend ordering a tester and applying it to a piece of your own sanded oak wood before starting the full project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wood can Driftwood Lye be used on?
Driftwood Lye is only for use on Oak Wood because it reacts with the wood's tannins. Other wood species require a different WOCA pre-finishing lye product, such as WOCA Wood Lye or WOCA Softwood Lye, based on the surface and desired finish.
Why is there a Hazmat shipping fee?
The presence of Sodium Hydroxide in Antique, Driftwood, and Softwood Lye classifies this product as hazardous by the Department of Transportation. That classification requires special documentation and handling during transportation. A Hazmat Fee of $100.00 per box is required whether the order includes a 2.5-liter bottle or a 3.5-ounce sample tester.
1 box = quantity 1 to 4, 2.5-liter bottles.
These orders ship using FedEx Ground Hazmat, and a signature is required upon delivery.
Do I need to add an oil finish or topcoat to my floors after applying the lye?
Yes. Wood Lye is not a finish. Lye-treated wood remains unfinished and must be sealed with an oil finish such as Diamond Oil Active or Master Color Oil for protection and durability. This final oil step is essential because lye creates the color effect, while the oil helps protect the wood surface.
Can I apply a polyurethane over a lye?
Yes, but the lye must be denibbed with a green pad and neutralized with Intensive Wood Cleaner prior to applying polyurethane. Intensive Wood Cleaner must be used to neutralize the lye; otherwise, it will corrode a water-based finish.