Using fungal pigments from wood staining fungi as colorants in wood finishes and paints

Technology Description

Pigments are extracted from spalting fungi. These pigments are aptly suited for colorants in wood finishes of all types as they can be carried in various oils and water-based finished as a suspension and, once in the wood, react as they would if dispersed by the fungus. These fungi naturally produce wood-staining pigments and can be suspended in oils and water-based finished, as well as many commercial wood stabilizers.

Features & Benefits

• Use of natural pigments replaces synthetic dyes and petroleum-based dyes
• Oils function as very effective liquid carrier for fungal pigments, and gives the wood a spalted look while also carrying protective finishes
• Pigments from these fungi are light stable over time, unlike most synthetic dyes used for similar purposes (aniline)

Applications

• Oil and water-borne wood finishes
• Outdoor furniture and flooring
• Oil and acrylic paints
• Wood stabilizers

Background of Invention

Fungi produce a wide variety of pigments. Those that are produced by wood staining fungi, specifically those fungi which create pigment deeply inside wood, have unique chemical properties that allow them to adhere to various substrates in a permanent manner.

Status

A patent has been filed.