Boiled linseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is a versatile natural product made from the seeds of the flax plant. This oil has been used for centuries to protect wood, metal, tiles and concrete from moisture and other weather influences. Below you will find a step-by-step guide to treating wood with boiled linseed oil.
How do you use linseed oil?
If you plan to use linseed oil to treat wood, first make sure the surface to be treated is clean, dry and free of grease. Sand the surface and remove all sanding dust before starting the treatment.
Supplies
- Boiled linseed oil (linseed oil)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Clean, lint-free cloths or rags
- Brush or paintbrush
- Protective gloves
- Well ventilated work area
How much linseed oil do I need?
For every 8 to 15 m2 of wood you need about 1 liter of linseed oil. Porous wood requires a bit more than denser wood types. The same applies to concrete. For metal, you can treat at least 15 m2 with 1 liter.
Applying Linseed Oil
- Apply a generous amount of linseed oil to a clean cloth or brush. Then rub the oil evenly into the wood in the direction of the grain. Make sure you cover the entire surface.
- Let the oil soak into the wood for about 30 minutes. Check for dull and dry spots and apply another coat if necessary.
- After the exposure time, remove excess oil with a clean, lint-free cloth.
NOTE: Never apply too much linseed oil, it should not form a layer. So make sure that there is no linseed oil on the wood, but that everything is absorbed into the wood.
Drying and drying
After the last coat, let the wood dry for at least 24 hours before using it. This ensures that the oil is fully absorbed into the wood and can harden.
Maintenance after treating wood with linseed oil
Wood that you have treated with linseed oil needs periodic maintenance. This means that you need to apply a new layer of oil every few months to continue to protect the wood effectively.
Tips and safety precautions
- No Layer Formation : Make sure that the linseed oil is absorbed into the wood and does not form a layer on the surface.
- Store Cloths Safely : Cloths that have been in contact with linseed oil may spontaneously combust. Allow them to dry unfolded or store them in a bucket of water.
- Storage of Materials : Store the oil and used materials in a safe place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Conclusion
Treating wood with boiled linseed oil offers a sustainable and natural way to protect wooden surfaces against moisture, rot and other weather influences. By properly preparing the wood and carefully applying and allowing the linseed oil to soak in, you can significantly extend the life of your wooden objects. In addition, linseed oil provides a beautiful, warm finish that emphasises the natural beauty of the wood. It is important to observe safety precautions, such as allowing cloths to dry thoroughly to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Linseed oil is a good product for preserving wood, metal and concrete
