WOCA Softwood Lye is used for lye priming of unfinished or freshly sanded interior woodwork such as floors, stairs, furniture, and panels. The priming prevents the wood from yellowing and enhances the natural grain of the wood, producing a whitewash finish.
- Prevents yellowing of wood surface
- Preserves the light colors of the wood
- Requires after-treatment with oil or soap
- Only suitable for softwood
- Contains white pigments
This product is only allowed to ship in the contiguous United States. It is not available to ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
IMPORTANT NOTICE * 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, a 2.5-liter bottle or a 3.5-ounce sample tester.
Fed Ex Ground Hazmat Shipping is the only shipping option available for the 2.5 liter and tester size. Overnight or 2day shipping is not available for this product
1-4 bottles of the 2.5 liter size = 1 box
1-6 bottles of the 3.5 oz sample tester size = 1 box
A signature is required for delivery.
WOCA Softwood Lye will now be packaged in Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic bottles - Same great product, greater sustainability.
IMPORTANT: Due to settings and color adjustments within individual computer monitors and hand-held devices, the color on your wood may or may not be achieved as shown in the color swatches. We encourage you to order a Softwood Lye tester and apply it to a piece of your wood for verification.
WOCA Softwood Lye may be used for all types of soft wood such as pine, spruce, and pitch-pine. When Softwood Lye is used on larch wood, an antique gray/brownish finish is created. Softwood Lye can not be used on hardwood. The final color will first be achieved after 1-2 months. Results vary.
*Note -Use of Softwood Lye may cause a greenish color initially, which will disappear in the course of time and fade to gray.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Do I need to neutralize the lye?
For Oils, reactive lyes, like Antique and Driftwood Lye should be neutralized with Intensive Wood Cleaner prior to oiling.
For Waterbased Finish, all lyes should be be neutralized with Intensive Wood Cleaner prior to finishing.
Should I apply more than 1 coat of lye?
One coat is sufficient when applied according to the recommended coverage rate.
Why does the lye look uneven and splotchy after finishing with oil?
Can I mix or layer lyes?
Can I use Wood Lye on Pine or should I use Softwood Lye?
Wood Lye can be used on Softwoods like Pine; it has a milder effect than WOCA Softwood Lye.