Linseed oil, also called flaxseed oil, is without doubt one of the hottest pure finishes for wooden furnishings. Identified for its capacity to reinforce grain, add a wealthy satin sheen, and shield in opposition to scratches and moisture, linseed oil is a favourite amongst woodworkers and eco-conscious shoppers alike.
Whether or not you are restoring a classic piece or ending new wooden furnishings, linseed oil affords a timeless, easy-to-apply answer.
What Is Linseed Oil?
Linseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). As a drying oil, it penetrates deep into the wooden grain and hardens because it cures, providing inside safety somewhat than forming a floor movie like varnish or polyurethane.
This makes it a wonderful alternative for many who choose a pure, hand-rubbed end that also offers long-term sturdiness with the choice to simply reapply when wanted.
Boiled Linseed Oil vs Uncooked Linseed Oil
One of the necessary distinctions when selecting a linseed oil end is whether or not it’s uncooked or boiled—and the title might be deceptive.
What Is Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO)?
Boiled linseed oil (usually abbreviated as BLO) does not really undergo a boiling course of. As a substitute, it incorporates added siccatives—chemical drying brokers that dramatically velocity up the curing time. With out these, uncooked linseed oil can take weeks (and even months) to completely treatment on wooden surfaces.
Why Use Boiled Linseed Oil?
The addition of drying brokers like mineral spirits, naptha, and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, in addition to metallic compounds like cobalt and manganese, makes BLO far more sensible for furnishings makers and DIYers. It sometimes dries in 24–72 hours, relying on humidity and temperature.
Nonetheless, because of these components, BLO shouldn’t be thought-about food-safe and infrequently comes with well being warnings, similar to the next:
“This product incorporates a chemical recognized to trigger most cancers and delivery defects or different reproductive hurt.”
Be taught extra concerning the various kinds of Linseed Oil.
Is Boiled Linseed Oil Secure for Furnishings?
Sure—however with caveats. In the event you’re buying wooden furnishings completed with BLO, it’s a good suggestion to:
- Ask the maker or retailer concerning the model of linseed oil used
- Assessment the MSDS (Materials Security Knowledge Sheet) for substances and well being info
- Verify whether or not the end is protected to be used round meals, kids, or pets
For anybody making use of it themselves, all the time use in a well-ventilated space and observe the producer’s security directions.
Making use of Linseed Oil to Wooden
Whether or not utilizing uncooked or boiled linseed oil, the applying course of is easy however requires persistence:
- Sand the wooden floor easily and take away all mud.
- Apply a skinny coat of oil with a lint-free fabric or brush.
- Enable it to penetrate for 15–half-hour, then wipe off extra.
- Let it dry completely between coats (particularly necessary with uncooked oil).
- Apply further coats as desired for richer shade and deeper safety.
For finest outcomes, keep away from over-application and make sure the floor is totally dry earlier than utilizing.
Ought to I take advantage of Linseed Oil?
Linseed oil is a basic end that brings out the pure beatify of wooden whereas offering long-term safety. Simply remember to perceive the variations between uncooked and boiled choices earlier than diving right into a undertaking. For extra about wooden furnishings care, remember to seek advice from our Positive Wooden Furnishings Care Directions web page to take a look at the number of merchandise we advocate whereas sustaining your strong wooden furnishings items.
Continuously Requested Questions
What’s the distinction between boiled linseed oil and common linseed oil?
The first distinction is drying time. Uncooked linseed oil takes weeks to treatment, whereas boiled linseed oil consists of chemical drying brokers (siccatives) that scale back treatment time to just some days. These components make BLO extra sensible however could introduce well being issues.
Are flaxseed oil and linseed oil the identical?
Sure—each come from the flax plant. Flaxseed oil is often food-grade and offered for cooking or dietary supplements, whereas linseed oil is processed to be used as a wooden end or industrial product. By no means use industrial linseed oil for meals purposes.
What’s the distinction between boiled linseed oil and tung oil?
Tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree and produces a more durable, extra water resistant end than boiled linseed oil. It’s additionally much less prone to yellow over time. BLO dries quicker however can darken the wooden and should require extra frequent upkeep.
Be taught extra about linseed oil vs. tung oil.
