Process for the production of impregnated wood pieces for use in pencil production, wherein the process comprises two process stages, namely a first process stage, comprising;
- a first impregnation step, in which an untreated wood piece is at least partially, impregnated with a first aqueous impregnating solution of an impregnating agent selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethylene urea or a derivative or modification thereof, and a catalyst, and
- a subsequent curing step, in which the impregnated wood piece is cured in a hot steam atmosphere at an elevated temperature above 100° C., and
- a second process stage comprising a second impregnation step, whereby the impregnated, cured wood piece is at least partially impregnated with a second aqueous impregnating solution of a wax emulsion paraffin based as an impregnating agent.