A cellulosic electrode covering consists of naturally occurring organic compounds, minerals and metallic oxides where a cellulose (wood pulp) is the primary constituent, normally 30-40% of coating. In their formation, the mixture of organic materials and metal oxides are bonded on the core wire with the help of binders. These coatings on melting, gives sound weld protection along with the formation of slag. Besides some limitation on their usage, there are some factors that make them exceptional in intricate applications.

The stability of the arc, the material transfer during welding as well as slag and weld pool viscosity changes, depending on the composition and thickness of the coating used during production.

During welding, cellulose gets burned and form carbon dioxide, as inert gasses and protect the weld from oxidation. Cellulosic coatings as others types of coating used, produce less slag (burns completely) and hence are suitable for all welding positions. Cellulose electrodes are used for vertical-down welding, and especially for circumferential welds on pipelines. Cellulose ensures that a significant amount of material is molten during welding and a high penetration is achieved.

Mixed cellulose electrodes, these electrode types positively affect the melting properties and material transfer.