The present invention relates to a method for activation of a cathode comprising at least a cathode substrate wherein the cathode is cleaned by means of an acid, the cleaned cathode is coated with at least one electrocatalytic coating solution, drying the coated cathode until it is at least substantially dry, and thereafter contacting the cathode with a solvent redissolving precipitated electrocatalytic salts or acids formed on the cathode, originating from the electrocatalytic solution, to form dissolved electrocatalytic metal ions on the cathode surface, so that said electrocatalytic metal ions can precipitate as metals on the cathode. The invention also comprises a cathode obtainable by the method and the use of an activated cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing chlorine and alkali hydroxide.