I have always been under the impression that Linseed oil is boiled so that it will oxidise quickly to a non-sticky finish (compared to the raw oil). I wonder if anyone can confirm/deny that for me?
Cheers,
Bill
Printable View
I have always been under the impression that Linseed oil is boiled so that it will oxidise quickly to a non-sticky finish (compared to the raw oil). I wonder if anyone can confirm/deny that for me?
Cheers,
Bill
These days the oil is not actually boiled. They add metallic driers to it to make it oxidise and form a film.
Raw Linseed Oil does not have these driers added and does not form a film, it is also much more prone to fungal attack when used outside (eg benches, decks, etc)
If you do a search you will find a link to the Arbortech website which has quite a few articles relating to woodfinishing in general and one in particular to the Raw vs Boiled question.
If you can't find it, let me know and I'll dig it out.
Thanks Bigshed, I admit it: I'm bone lazy. I knew someone could give it to me in a nutshell. My (unopened) polypropylene bottle slowly crumpled with age and the oil still formed a skin over some 15 years or so. The polymer obviously "breathes" quite significantly.
Cheers,
Bill