Wafer samples of the sapwood of Scots pine and European beech were impregnated by immersion in benzene solutions of polystyrene and the water repellent properties studied. Both an increase in the polystyrene concentration from 5 to 10% and the addition of 0.5% paraffin wax to a 5% polystyrene solution led to increased water repellency. Water repellency appeared to be proportional to the amount of solid polystyrene deposited in the wood. Impregnation time apparently had no effect on polystyrene retention or water repellent effectiveness with the species tested. The coating effect of the polystyrene appeared to be important, especially in beech. A comparison between polystyrene based treatments and commercial water repellents showed that they are comparable in effectiveness in the initial protection (without exposure to weather) of small wood specimens. -- AATA