Ho Yoku Jin Seal — Deadwood Whitening Solution (Cosmetic Use Only)
For Bonsai Jin & Shari (Non-Living Wood Only) • Not a pesticide
Ho Yoku Jin Seal is a lime-sulfur solution used to cosmetically whiten non-living wood features on bonsai—Jin (dead branches) and Shari (deadwood on the trunk). Brush it on to create a pale, sun-weathered look that highlights carving and grain. Not a pesticide. Not a wood preservative.
Why artists use Jin & Shari
In nature, deadwood forms when branches break or weather scars a tree; sun then bleaches the wood over time. In bonsai, Jin (bare, stripped branch tips) and Shari (barkless trunk sections) add the impression of age and struggle—enhancing character and visual drama.
Key points
- Appearance only: Creates a light, weathered finish on non-living wood.
- Classic bonsai look: Accentuates texture and detail on Jin & Shari.
- Easy to use: Brush on a thin coat; initial yellow tone cures to pale white/grey.
- Reapply as desired: Refresh the look over time.
What’s included
- 1 × 4 fl oz (118 mL) bottle of Ho Yoku Jin Seal (ready-to-use lime-sulfur solution)
Directions (summary)
- Prepare and carve non-living wood; avoid live veins.
- (Optional) Lightly mist for even absorption.
- Shake/stir; brush on a thin, even coat to deadwood only.
- Apply early or mid-day in dry weather; cure in shade with ventilation for ~24 hours.
- Color shifts from yellow to pale white/grey as it cures. Reapply as desired.
Typical timing: Early spring or late summer in many climates; summertime use is common—choose dry, ventilated conditions.
Safety
Corrosive. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask/respirator. Apply outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with skin/eyes and all live tissue. Keep away from children and pets. See SDS.
NOT A PESTICIDE — COSMETIC USE ONLY. Not for rot, pest, or disease control.
Recommended species (appearance guidance)
Best on conifers where deadwood is common: Junipers, Pines, Cypresses, Cedars, Yews; also used on Spruce, Larch, Fir. On many deciduous species, the effect can appear less natural—use at your artistic discretion.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
