Linseed oil has been used for centuries to protect and preserve wooden surfaces. It is an essential ingredient for wood finishing. Linseed oil is used primarily in outdoor furniture, and is one of the best options for giving wood flexibility without making it brittle.
Furthermore, can be applied to wood without the need for complex surface preparation and it is an ecological and natural alternative to varnish.
It can be used on interior and exterior surfaces and has protective properties, In terms of quality and price, it is the most popular alternative product on the market. In this article we will explore the properties of linseed oil, its uses and some of the advantages it has over other oils.
What is linseed oil?
flaxseed oil It is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is mainly composed of triglycerides, linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. It is durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as wind and sunlight.
Linseed oil dries slowly and becomes hard, translucent and slightly yellowish. It is non-toxic and does not damage wood if used correctly.
In addition, it is used in food preparation due to its numerous health benefits and also in cosmetics, whether in body creams, face creams and hair products due to its great properties.
For wood it has a very important use as a protective finish for the surface. It also applies as a base for ecological and artisanal paints.
Why is it good for wood?
Linseed oil provides excellent protection to wooden surfaces. It penetrates deeply into the pores of the wood and seals it, preventing moisture from penetrating. This moisture barrier also helps protect against rot and mold.
When applied correctly it gives wood a natural finish. It is flexible and has the ability to move and absorb the movement of the wood, stretching and contracting without breaking.
Benefits of using linseed oil
Using linseed oil for wood finishing has numerous benefits. First of all, it is easy to get and affordable.
It is also a solvent for other oils, so it can be mixed with other finishes to create a unique look. It is non-toxic and does not release harmful chemicals into the air. Finally, It is durable and able to withstand inclement weather.
Properties
- Protects wood against the effects of humidity, dirt, and allows the wood to breathe by sealing the grain.
- Improves natural grain and patina
- Nourishes the wood and hydrates it
- Antifungal
- Protects from UV rays
- Waterproof
- It is insect repellent
When to apply linseed oil?
The best option to protect the wood is to apply it when it is not varnished. Oil is used to coat natural wood and protect it from agents that deteriorate it. It is very easy to use and dries very quickly.
It is important that it is applied to virgin wood because you can repeat the process over time to keep it looking new.
When applied in exterior woods that are outdoors, maintenance must be done every two years. It is very simple and economical, you only need a small amount of oil to treat areas that are dull or damaged. You do not need to completely sand the entire surface of the wood, which saves you a lot of time and money.
You have to apply it to unvarnished wood because otherwise it will not be able to penetrate the surface. Let's remember that linseed oil is a solution that nourishes surfaces while sealing and staining them at the same time.
For application, use a roller or a brush depending on the size of the surface you want to cover.
The product does not leave stains or marks which makes your task much easier, it is simple and fast. Finally, wipe off the excess oil and in approximately 10 minutes the surface will be completely saturated.
How to apply linseed oil
Applying linseed oil is quite simple. First, you must take into account that the surface is free of dirt and remains of any other product.
- Apply a thin layer of linseed oil with a brush, cloth or sponge. It is very important to work following the grain of the wood.
- Let the oil rest for a few minutes and then remove the excess with a clean, dry cloth.
- You must repeat the process several times to have the best results.
- It is important to know that linseed oil darkens with time, so it must be taken into account when choosing it as a finish.
Different types of linseed oil
You can buy or prepare it in different types, the most popular are: raw, cooked, boiled and that which contains incorporated desiccants.
The difference between them is the drying time. The crude oil takes a long time to dry, up to several days depending on the wood and the environment of the area. The one who has Built-in blotters, it dries in approximately two hours.
The great advantage of cooking with raw is that it offers greater resistance when fungi appear. It can be mainly applied to windows, doors, pergolas, roofs, fences, outdoor furniture. It is widely used in rustic environments, mainly to protect the beams.
You should not apply it to wood where there is a lot of traffic, such as pallets, or on wood that is already treated.
If you want to modify the color and make it "rustic", there are other more effective products. In areas where the sun is very intense, it may be necessary to make more frequent applications. since it does not always have UV filters.
To remove linseed oil if for some reason you want to remove it, you have to do it using a cloth soaked in turpentine and you can sand it to remove any remaining impurities.
Finally, linseed oil is a popular choice for wood finishing, and for good reason. It provides excellent protection against the elements, and gives the wood a natural, healthy shine.
It is easily polished and can be used on both indoor and outdoor furniture. With regular maintenance, linseed oil should last for many years. If you're looking for a safe and effective way to finish your wood project, linseed oil is definitely worth considering.