Linseed Oil on Wood

One of the reasons woodworkers love linseed oil is due to its many properties including its non-toxic nature and of course, the quality finish derived from its application. This guide on the use of linseed oil on wood discusses the many benefits and serves as an excellent resource for newbies seeking knowledge on wood treatment.

Things you’ll learn while reading this article include the pros and cons of linseed oil application on wood, and other uses of the product. We’ve also discussed other details like why linseed oil is best applied to seasoned wood, different types of linseed oils, and preparing wood for linseed oil application.

Different Types of Linseed Oils

One important aspect of linseed oil treatment on wood is the fact that there are different types of this oil. This may determine what’s suitable for use and what isn’t. There are two broad types; raw and boiled linseed oils. As the name suggests, raw linseed oil is regarded as the purest form.

Wood treatments that seek to achieve traditional aging are best performed with raw linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil on the other hand has been treated with drying agents which seek to speed up the drying time. So, which is best to use? It depends on what outcomes you seek.

Benefits of Linseed Oil on Wood

Linseed oils are used on wood for a reason. First off, it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic, but more importantly, linseed improves the general condition of wood such as its grain and texture. What more? Its easy of application is another reason to consider linseed oil for wood treatment.

The protective barrier formed by linseed oil on wood shields it from dust and moisture (to some degree). This oil helps in reviving old wood through the enhancement of its look and texture. Besides the temporary smell which can be uncomfortable, you have nothing to fear when using this product in a poorly ventilated room.

That is because it’s non-toxic. The finish obtained by applying linseed oil on wood helps hide small defects like scratches. This product is readily available and will serve the basic wood maintenance needs of users.

Disadvantages of Applying Linseed Oil on Wood

Despite the many benefits of linseed oil on wood as mentioned above, the product isn’t without its downsides. In other words, there are cons associated with its use you should be knowledgeable of. Such include the darkening of wood over time. This can be a problem for anyone looking to retain the appearance of their furniture.

Curing time is a factor to consider when using linseed oil on wood as you’ll need to have patience due to the long time it takes to fully cure. This could be anywhere from 2 to 3 days or more depending on environmental conditions.

Flammability is another key consideration when using linseed oil as it is highly flammable. As such, extra caution must be taken to avoid burns or a house fire. In terms of durability, the linseed oil finish on the wood isn’t reliable plus, prevention of mildew growth isn’t guaranteed.

Other Uses of Linseed Oil

Are there other uses of linseed oil besides achieving a desired finish? Let’s find out. Linseed is a perfect additive to glazing putty. It’s also a vital ingredient used in making products like paints, inks, and varnishes. Under artistic uses, linseed oil is perfect for printing, oil painting, wood finishing, wood preservation, wood surface cleaning, wood staining, and medicinal properties.

We can go on and on discussing the uses of linseed oil besides its application on wood. However, that isn’t the focus. If you have any project needing this oil for its completion, consider consulting with professionals on the best line of action.

Wood Types to Treat with Linseed Oil

Is linseed oil suitable for use on all wood types? The answer is simply no. Although it can be used on a wide range of both hard and soft woods, there are some wood types you should avoid treating with linseed oil. However, these aren’t as many as those that are tolerant to linseed oil.

If you’re not so conversant with linseed oil use on wood, we advice you do a lot of personal research like reading guides like this. Find out what wood types can be treated using linseed oil. We also recommend you seek general wood treatment advice, in addition to speaking with wood treatment experts.

Why Linseed Oil is Best Applied to Seasoned Wood

Most wood treatments are best performed on seasoned wood for several reasons including the prevention of warping, and proper protection from rot among other effects. Dealing with unseasoned wood brings up a range of problems you don’t want to deal with.

Being attentive to your wood’s moisture condition before treatment will save you a lot of stress and headaches. Having confirmed the wood to be properly seasoned and ideal for treatment with linseed oil, the next step should involve proper application. Read on for tips on how to perform such a treatment.

Preparing Wood for Linseed Oil Application

Now, to the most crucial aspect of wood treatment with linseed oil; preparation and application. Having decided on using this oil on wood, it’s best to follow the necessary steps which include sanding and cleaning the wood, before applying with a brush or cloth.

Comprehensive treatment will require applying a first and second coat. Of course, the first coat needs to dry properly before the second is applied. Taking your time to do this gives you the best results. You may wish to put on a glove to avoid messing your hands up.

How Frequent to Apply

Does linseed oil require frequent application? It depends on whether the treated area sees a lot of traffic. For wooden floors having significant traffic, more frequent treatment will be needed to keep up with the pressure. Generally, it’s best to carry out annual treatments, but twice yearly for woods exposed to high foot traffic.

For furniture items, a yearly application will be best. However, you shouldn’t consider linseed oil as a one-all solution to all your wood preservation needs. While it may help in preservation, there may be other treatments that provide more comprehensive results.

With this knowledge on the application of linseed oil on wood, you’re able to determine what serves your needs best. As earlier mentioned, speaking with wood preservation experts will help a lot in taking the best action possible in revitalizing your wood.