{"id":17643,"date":"2018-05-15T19:59:45","date_gmt":"2018-05-15T16:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/revistadinlemn.ro\/?p=17643"},"modified":"2024-03-03T11:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-03T09:41:33","slug":"oil-from-time-to-time-where-and-how-to-use-it-how-to-make-your-own-oil-paints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/revistadinlemn.ro\/en\/2018\/05\/15\/ulei-de-in-cand-unde-si-cum-se-foloseste-cum-sa-ti-faci-singur-vopsele-de-ulei\/","title":{"rendered":"Linseed oil - when, where and how to use it. How to make your own oil paints"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have advised several readers lately to use linseed oil or oil-based paint to protect wood, both inside and out. The reluctance with which some were taking the advice, the questions that followed afterwards, gave me the idea for this article. Although linseed oil used to be one of the most commonly used materials for finishing wood, the advent of synthetic varnishes and paints has meant that it is slowly but surely being almost forgotten. It's a pity, because it's a natural material that gives wood a great look. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that synthetic varnishes and paints should no longer be used. It would also be difficult to say that after almost 20 years spent among these types of materials. There are certain characteristics of finished surfaces<\/a> or certain effects that can only be achieved using synthetic varnishes and paints. But for certain finishes, the best choice is oil. In what follows I will try to argue this point.<\/p>\n

\"linseed
photo source: qualita.co.uk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Flax - food, clothing and protection since ancient times<\/h5>\n

Long before linseed oil was used to protect wood, the seeds were used for food and the plant was used to make fibers for clothing. Our ancestors saw that the seeds were good to eat and used them. We now know that flaxseed oil has the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids of all vegetable oils, which is why it continues to be used in food and beyond.<\/p>\n

The linseed oil used for wood protection is obtained by pressing the seeds of mature and dried flax. For hundreds of years, natural linseed oil has been the most widely used material for protecting wood used indoors, outdoors or on the water. Later, paints based on oil and natural pigments were used to paint everything - wood, metal, walls in bathrooms or rooms. With the advent of alkyd paints, with properties very similar to oil-based paints, the latter were almost forgotten.<\/p>\n

Lately, however, due to the fact that linseed oil is a natural product, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, it is making a comeback in wood finishing, both as a single product and in mixtures with other oils, resulting in products with much improved properties. Danish oil<\/a> is such a product.<\/p>\n

\"linseed
photo source: ardec.ca<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Uses of linseed oil<\/h5>\n
Fwood inlay for interior<\/strong>.<\/h5>\n

Like tung oil<\/a>Linseed oil brings out the beauty and natural design of the wood, giving it a satin sheen. It does not form a film and is therefore very suitable for finishing rustic, natural-looking furniture. Essences such as nuc<\/a>, oak<\/a>, cherry<\/a>, paltin<\/a> are enhanced with oil.<\/p>\n

It is very suitable for finishing bowls, jewelry boxes, decorative objects, knife or tool handles. Because it is a natural product it is used to finish wooden toys for children. But when you buy it, make sure that it is a natural product, as the oil is often used in mixtures with substances that are not exactly healthy for the body and the environment. One source of natural oils that can also be used in toys is Naturalpaint<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"linseed
photo source: madeheart.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Finishing on the outside<\/h5>\n

It is used because it penetrates deep into the wood and protects it from moisture<\/strong>. Water simply runs off on wood protected with oil. Unfortunately it is not resistant to UV radiation so it turns yellow over time. Because it does not form a film, it allows the wood to \"move\" when there are variations in humidity in the air, without the risk of cracks. This is why I always recommend it when it comes to protecting fences<\/a>, a pergolas and gazebos<\/a>, sageacurilora or exterior woodwork. Precipitation washes off the surface layer over time, but refinishing is very simple. Simply apply another coat of oil when the wood loses its sheen and takes on a dry look.<\/p>\n

Binder for pigments<\/h5>\n

Linseed oil is a very good pigment binder for oil-based paints. You can also make your own oil-based paints. How to work is described below.<\/p>\n

Getting natural putties<\/h5>\n

When mixed with chalk it forms a very durable putty that can also be used for wall repairs. After drying it can be colored without problems.<\/p>\n

Making linoleum<\/h5>\n

Linoleum is also made from linseed oil. This is not the kind you now see in the shops under that name. This is synthetic, PVC-based. Linoleum was made from a mixture of linseed oil, wood dust, cork granules and fillers.<\/p>\n

Finishing with gold leaf<\/h5>\n

It is used for fixing gold leaf by those who restore old furniture or those who make luxury furniture.<\/p>\n

It has many other uses - rust inhibitor, skin care, industrial lubricant<\/strong> - but debating them all would take too long.<\/p>\n

\"\"
photo source: naturalpaint.ro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
What are the reasons why you should choose linseed oil<\/h5>\n

Here are a few reasons why you should consider linseed oil as an alternative for protecting and finishing wood:<\/p>\n