Linseed oil, also called flaxseed oil, is among the hottest and time-tested wooden finishes on the earth. Like different hand-rubbed oil finishes, linseed oil penetrates deeply into the wooden grain, defending it from moisture, scratches, and adjustments in humidity. It’s recognized for producing a heat, satin end that enhances the pure shade and determine of the wooden.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we frequently get questions on linseed oil and its position in conventional furnishings ending. As makers of handcrafted, strong wooden furnishings, we imagine it’s vital to know how your furnishings is made—and what finishes are used to guard it.
On this publish, we’ll clarify the three commonest sorts of linseed oil utilized in woodworking.
What’s Uncooked Linseed Oil?
Uncooked Linseed Oil is the purest, most pure type of the oil. It’s the sort utilized in dietary dietary supplements and as a conditioner for leather-based (normally combined with one thing to quicken curing time). Uncooked linseed oil makes an important end for wooden merchandise if utilized in skinny coats and given loads of time to treatment, however it could possibly take 2-10 weeks to completely dry relying on the atmosphere and the thickness of the applying.
Many craftsmen migrate towards polymerized or boiled linseed oil or another various like tung oil if they do not have the endurance or area to permit for ample drying time.
What’s Polymerized Linseed Oil?
Polymerized Linseed Oil is created by heating uncooked linseed oil within the absence of oxygen to about 300°C (572°F) over the course of a number of days. Throughout this course of, a polymerization response happens, which will increase the oil’s viscosity and reduces the drying time. Each polymerized linseed oil and uncooked linseed oil comprise zero VOCs (risky natural compounds).
What’s Boiled Linseed Oil?
Boiled linseed oil, typically written as BLO, isn’t because it sounds– there’s no heating or boiling concerned (in contrast to polymerized linseed oil). The distinction between uncooked linseed oil and boiled linseed oil is that there are drying brokers (both petroleum-based or heavy metals) added so as to make it a extra possible possibility for ending wooden furnishings.
A number of the petroleum-based siccative compounds which are added to linseed oil to lower the drying time are naptha, mineral spirits, and dipropylene glycol monomethyl. Cobalt and manganese are the most typical steel siccatives present in boiled linseed oil.
Due to the drying compounds added to boiled linseed oil, it’s the least food-safe of the three talked about and emits some VOCs whereas drying. Boiled linseed oils typically carry the next warning as required by the state of California:
“Warning: This product incorporates a chemical recognized to trigger most cancers and delivery defects or different reproductive hurt.”
Which Linseed Oil is Greatest for Wooden Furnishings?
| Sort | Drying Time | VOCs | Meals-Secure | Greatest For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncooked Linseed Oil | 2–10 weeks | No | Sure | Conventional finishes |
| Polymerized Linseed Oil | 1–2 days | No | Sure | Furnishings, eco-conscious ending |
| Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) | 1–2 days | Sure | No | Fast jobs, non-food surfaces |
Whether or not you are a woodworker, furnishings collector, or simply seeking to furnish your own home with secure, sustainable items, realizing the distinction between sorts of linseed oil is essential to creating knowledgeable decisions. At Vermont Woods Studios, we’re impressed by conventional woodworking strategies and the timeless enchantment of pure supplies. Studying about finishes like linseed oil helps us—and our clients—admire the craft behind every bit just a bit bit extra.
Interested by how wooden is completed or on the lookout for a chunk that celebrates its pure character? Discover our assortment of oiled wooden furnishings, handcrafted by native artisans in Vermont.
