Linseed Oil Finish for Wood
Linseed Oil is sometimes used as a Wood Finish that provides wood with a protective and waterproof surface.
WHAT IS LINSEED OIL?
A linseed oil finish gives a wood furniture piece a protective layer that is also waterproof. Linseed oil is natural oil that is gotten from the flax seed. It can be utilized as a wood furniture finish and it is additionally generally utilized as a constituent combined with varnish, paint and stain.
When it is utilized as an oil finish for wood furniture, linseed oil is layered onto the wood surface. The oil penetrates the wood surface through the pores on the wood. The outcome is a sparkle look that is clear enough to show the grain of the wood.
Attributes of Linseed Oil When Used as a Wood Finish:
- It is easy to repair in the event that it gets scratched.
- It gives a waterproof finish.
- It dries gradually.
- It does not remain on the wood surface. Rather, it penetrates into the wood pores.
- Gives the furniture a sparkle but not a gleam.
- May change the color of some light woods to a yellowish shade.
- Gets darker as it ages.
- It won’t shield the wood furniture piece from scratching.
RAW VERSUS BOILED LINSEED OIL
Linseed is obtainable in two forms: raw and boiled. The right form of linseed oil must be utilized for a particular furniture finishing (or refinishing) project to guarantee success.
RAW LINSEED OIL
When we discuss “raw” linseed oil, we are discussing the form that is unadulterated and not blended with any other substances. This form of oil takes quite a while to dry completely.
Although the raw linseed oil can be exceptionally viable at protecting some wood pieces, for example, outdoor pieces of furniture and those exposed to harsh elements, it is not ideal for use on indoor furniture pieces since it basically requires a long period of time to dry.
BOILED LINSEED OIL
The expression “boiled” is misleading with regards to describing this variety of linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil is not, actually, cooked as the word implies. Rather it is an ingredient that is blended with different substances that accelerates the drying time of the oil.
It is referred to as “Boiled” on the grounds that it duplicates the attributes of some bubbled oils. The substances added are solvents. These solvents make a form of wood finishing substance that categorizes it as a sought after option for wood furniture finish.
POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF LINSEED OIL AS A WOOD FINISH
There are several reasons why individuals pick linseed oil as their main choice for a wood furniture finish:
- It is quite affordable.
- It is a natural item.
In any case, there are certain disadvantages related with this kind of oil finish that ought to likewise be thought over:
- It doesn’t shield wood furniture from destructive sun beams.
- It aids the growth of certain sorts of mold.
- It is not easily removable when another kind of finish is to be applied on a furniture piece.
- A linseed oil finish is not very strong and does not prevent scratching.
LINSEED OIL IS COMBUSTIBLE!
When choosing a finish made of linseed oil for your wood furniture, it is vital to remember that this item is to a great degree combustible when it is still wet or drying. Since clothes or materials must be utilized to layer on the linseed oil to the wood, it is important to take appropriate health and safety precautions during the cleaning stage.
Don’t leave a heap of clothes or fabrics soaked with linseed oil. They can burst into flames. Rather, they ought to be spread on a garments line or on a ground surface till they become totally dry. Once they are dry, you can discard them properly.
