What is wood leaching?

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How to restore a used wooden floor or old furniture? We should try the method called leaching. It can bring spectacular effects in the form of antique and tasteful surfaces. What is wood leaching and what should we know about it? Here is a compilation of the most important information. Published: 03-14-2023 What is leachate (or lye) and what are its properties? 'Leaching' or 'to leach' is the English cousin of the German word Lauge, which means an aqueous solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide (the so-called potash lye or caustic soda lye – caustic soda). In simple terms, it means any bleaching agent that contains lye soda. Bleach has been used for centuries as an ingredient in soaps and as a bleaching and washing agent. Alkaline substance, it is widely applied in the manufacture of cement, paints, paper and fabrics. It is also useful for oil processing and wastewater treatment. What are the characteristics of bleach? It is colorless and odorless. It has the form of a liquid that: shows strong caustic properties, it dissolves very well in water, It is hygroscopic (absorbs water from the environment), causes metal corrosion. Using dangerous bleach without proper safety measures or personal protective equipment causes serious poisoning and burns. How to make wood bleach? Potassium lye is an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide.

This substance used to be obtained from wood ash combined with water (which is also indicated by the German name “Pot-asche”, which means ash in a pot). Today, potassium hydroxide (KOH) is available, for example, in traditional physical stores, online chemical stores or wholesale stores. Soda lye can be prepared by mixing sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and water in the appropriate proportions. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can be easily found in construction and DIY stores or online; It is best to buy it as a ready-made aqueous solution. Note: The Internet and source literature offer a lot of guidance on how to prepare homemade wood bleach step by step. However, we must remember that trying to make such a caustic solution at home is not the best idea. If we don't CZ Leads  have proper facilities or a well-ventilated room, we should give up. It is better to choose a ready-made preparation for wood leaching. Preparations ready for wood leaching Today there are many commercially available bleaching agents intended for the renewal and improvement of wood, whether indoors or outdoors. Such solutions are ready to use. They require no additional dilution or enhancement. The available leaching agents can be divided into two groups: softwood leaching products (maintaining the bright color of the resin material) formulations designed for hardwood.



Leaching agents act in many ways: they whiten, give the effect of patina and effectively prevent wooden decks from yellowing. Lye allows you to obtain elegant and antique surfaces that combine with rustic, vintage and industrial interior designs. Lugowanie Drewna What wooden surfaces can be whitened? Wood bleaches have a very wide field of application. They can be used to treat wooden floors, wooden stairs, old doors or balustrades. Whitewashing also proves to be excellent for ceiling boards or furniture front doors. The procedure can also be applied to outdoor elements such as fences, porches, pergolas or garden sheds (before purchasing bleach, make sure it can be used outdoors). Caustic bleach effectively removes paints and varnishes from facades. In addition, whitewashing is usually followed by the appropriate stage of painting the interior or exterior wooden walls. What does wood leaching involve? Without a doubt, leaching is one of the simplest and oldest techniques for bleaching and restoring wood. Using a brush or roller, we simply apply the solution to a clean, dry, raw (unfinished) surface, and then wait until it cures. At the last stage, when the lye is already cured, the wooden surface must be additionally impregnated with oil or varnish. How does bleach affect wood? When the solution is applied to a wooden surface, it gradually begins to dissolve and brighten it. Bleach-coated surfaces regain their aesthetic qualities. Bleaching helps eliminate fungi and other potentially harmful microorganisms that exist in the wood.