Lifetime Wood Treatment (non-toxic powder-based wood stain)
Lifetime Wood Treatment (also sold in UK) is a nontoxic alternative to creosote. Ideal for decks, fences, furniture, windows and doors. Made from natural plants and minerals, this is not a varnish but causes wood to develop different shades over time, depending on the wood to which it is applied. Made to a 60 year old recipe, it’s sold in powder form, just mix with water and apply.
Use with eco-friendly decorating tools.
Creosote is harmful to children, pets, wildlife and plants. It’s a by-product of incomplete combustion, so is also flammable, and linked to chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Creosote is also harmful to aquatic life, once it rinses down drains and goes into our rivers and seas.
It’s now classed as hazardous waste. So ask your local council how to dispose of its safely, as you can’t just put wood treated with it in recycling bins, or drop it off at household recycling centres.
Linseed oil paint is another option to feed and stain wood. Popular in Sweden, it’s used to paint wooden doors and window frames and even windmill sails! It feed the wood to last for years, and sold in many colours.
Linseed oil is so flammable that it could spontaneously combust. So always steep brushes in water when done, and keep away from heat.
Where to Recycle Unwanted Paint
You can donate it to Community Repaint where it’s used up to do up local eyesores or passed on (trade decorators can also get involved). Or enter your postcode at Paintcare to find out where to recycle.
