Boiled Linseed Oil 101

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 09:31 pm

What is boiled Linseed oil

Boiled Linseed Oil is a technique used to finish wood. It is preferred because of its mellow, patinated finish. The effect of this combination on new or stripped bare interior wood is aesthetically pleasing and provides a natural feel to the wood. This product has a premium-quality feel and is comparable to what you will find with Raw Linseed. It dries faster than regular Linseed oil because it has hot air running through it. This process makes it dry faster and more evenly.

Is boiled linseed oil a good wood preservative?

Preserving wood with boiled linseed oil is an excellent option to help protect dry, bare wood. The wood operates like a sponge, and the oil is soaked up, thereby protecting the wood from the inside pores. Boiled linseed oil will make the wood resistant to water and able to handle scratches. These excellent wood sealing features make the product a perfect option to consider for preserving wood.

Is boiled linseed oil flammable?

Yes, it is flammable. Boiled Linseed Oil becomes hot when it starts to dry. This process can lead to combustion and, therefore, fire. This action is often spontaneous and can affect rags, waste, and other oily materials. You should ensure proper fire safety protocol is observed at all times.

Uses of linseed oil

Raw linseed oil uses

• Preserving wood products
• Protection against food & water
• Nutritional for the wood

Boiled linseed oil uses

• Enhances colour and workability
• Helpful in cleaning paintbrushes.
• Anti-rust agent for metals.

Boiled linseed oil vs tung oil

Similarities

• Linseed oil and tung oil are well-known products that provide consumers with a non-toxic and eco-friendly wood finishing option. 
• These oils make the wood food-safe and wash-safe. 
• The natural feel of the products is a result of their plant base. 
• They can penetrate and seal the wood grain to prevent decay.

Differences

• Linseed oil offers a minimal yellow tint when dry. This colour is different from tung oil which dries to a clear finish.
• Tung oil is often able to provide a more robust protection film. This option is a more durable finish when compared with linseed oil.
• Linseed oil is less water-resistant than Tung oil. It has less effective sealing techniques and won’t protect well compared to linseed oil.
• Linseed oil does not dry quickly. It will be curing for a long time compared to pure tung oil.
• The cost of buying Tung oil is higher than purchasing Linseed oil.

Applying boiled linseed oil to wood

Linseed oil on Cedarwood

Linseed oil is one of the top options you can consider using as a finish for Cedarwood. Linseed oil is recommended because it seals away moisture and protects against UV damage. You can expect better results against humid weather and sunlight damage. It is best to use for outdoor furniture.

Boiled linseed oil on oak

Boiled linseed oil is a good product for finishing Oakwood. This oil is made from premium materials and has been purified with hot water. The hot air passing through the Linseed oil helps dry the film faster. For this reason, it is recommended for interior furniture and not exterior oak. Advisable for terracotta tiles, stone floors and other porous surfaces.

How long does boiled linseed oil finish last?

You can expect the finish to dry within 24-72 hours. This fully cured finish will last you about five years.

Does linseed oil make wood waterproof?

Linseed oil has excellent sealing capabilities. It will handle well against humid environments and UV rays. The wood acts like a sponge and absorbs the oil, creating a waterproof seal from the inside. 

Boiled linseed oil on metal

Boiled Linseed oil is used on metal to prevent oxidation. It is a valuable degreaser that will seal the wood and prevent rust from occurring over time. It is an inexpensive way to protect the metal.

Is boiled linseed oil safe

Boiled Linseed oil can be susceptible to combustion and therefore requires careful adherence to fire safety protocol before use. During the drying process, Boiled Linseed oil will begin to heat up, which is why the material is deemed highly flammable.  

Boiled linseed oil finish

Boiled Linseed Oil is an excellent choice to use as a finish for wooden furniture. The oil is perfect for making wood look brand new. You can expect a close-to-the-grain aesthetic that makes the wood feel good to the touch. Consumers prefer this texture because it is also a hard finish, like a lacquer. This choice is eco-friendly, food-safe, and non-toxic.

How many coats of boiled linseed oil

You will likely require a maximum of three coats. 

Boiled linseed oil issues

Boiled Linseed oil will begin to heat up when it is drying. There is a significant fire hazard during application that needs to be handled with caution. It is advisable to ensure there are no flammable materials around the workspace.

What is double boiled linseed oil?

Double-boiled linseed oil works to make building much more accessible. This type of boiled linseed oil is highly refined. It has had twice the amount of hot air passed through it than regular boiled linseed oil. The manufacturers also add heating and drying agents to help the oil become thicker and more durable. This viscous oil then forms a protective film on the surface of the wood.

Which is better raw or boiled linseed oil?

These two oils are similar, but Linseed Oil dries much faster. Boiled Linseed oil needs about three days to become dry. This timeline makes it easier to add multiple coats.

How do you know when boiled linseed oil is dry?

It should take three days for boiled linseed oil to dry.

Which is better Danish oil or linseed oil?

Danish oil typically dries faster than pure Linseed oil.