Wooden furniture is the new deal. But, if you want your home to appear captivating and appealing, you must polish your hardwood material.
“How to polish?” You may ask.
There are a significant number of finishes in the market. However, if you prefer to use natural oil as your finish, boiled linseed oil can be the best option for you because this oil digs deeper into your wood and protects the wood from harm and danger.
Boiled linseed oil is making a comeback. Merely for its quality of being eco-friendly and non-polluting.
Now let’s dive into how boiled linseed oil works, how to apply this oil to your wood, and hear our research on this matter.
How Does Boiled Linseed Oil Work on Your Wood?
The term “boiled” here does not mean the oil is boiled. Raw linseed oil takes a great deal of time to dry. Thus, boiled linseed oil has chemical driers, which help it to dry quickly on your wood.
If you want a natural oil finish on your hardwood material, then a boiled one is the first one you should choose. It reveals the original color of your wood. If the wood dents, you can comfortably sand out the boiled oil.
Everybody wants their furniture to last long. Putting boiled linseed oil helps your wood to become robust, rugged, and durable. This unit dives deeper into the wood to prevent the wood from changing.
For its environmentally friendly and innocuous features, you can feel safe in your home. You should always make a decision which benefits your furniture and your family.
Thus it’s an excellent choice to apply boiled linseed oil if you don’t want toxic chemicals in your home.
This product can also be used over or under any other finishes. In addition, it can adhere to other finishes to protect your wood.
BLO makes the wood more water and heat-resistant. That being the case, this oil protects the wood through climate change over time.
It gives a clear and warm finish to your surface. Boiled linseed oil is best used for interior furniture. It can be used outdoors also but not on external oak.
How Many Coats of Boiled Linseed Oil Are Needed?
Suppose you chose to apply boiled linseed oil. However, before knowing how to apply, you should understand a few facts about this product.
Let’s learn more about the coating of this product before applying it, shall we?
How Many Coats Are Needed?
You may think one coat of boiled linseed oil is enough as it penetrates the wood to protect the wood. But there’s a catch!
One coat doesn’t make the wood water-resistant. As a result, the wood would feel like it’s open wide to damage.
Because of this, you should apply 3-4 layers of coats on your wood. 3-4 coats are enough to prevent your wood from harm and uncertainty. The coats should be thin. You cannot pour the boiled oil on the wood.
How Long Until a Coat Dries?
You know the layers of the coat should be thin. Thinner layers take less time to cure.
Additionally, raw linseed oil takes weeks to cure. For this reason, we suggest applying boiled linseed oil. BLO takes 24-72 hours to dry. After drying, you can touch the surface without worry.
Do you Have To Sand Between The Coats?
When the first coat is dried, you have to make sure it’s not sticky. Afterwards, you have to sand the first coat to the direction of the grain.
Sand the coats with fine-grit sandpaper. You should repeat this process after the second coat.
You don’t have to sand after the coating is finished. Let the final coat cure. Then, you can polish the last coat to enrich the surface.
Further, you can put another finish as a topcoat or let the BLO as a topcoat, and the choice is up to you.
How To Apply Boiled Linseed Oil to Your Wood?
After knowing all the facts, you may ask how you can put BLO on your wood. Here are a few steps you should follow regarding applying boiled linseed oil.
Step 1
Firstly, you have to sand the surface to wipe away any dirt or dust. You can sand with grit sanding paper.
Step 2
Apply the first coating of BLO using a fine clean cloth. Then, you can pour the oil or use a bowl to measure the oil. To avoid waste, pouring a handful of the amount in your bowl is recommended.
Step 3
Start applying the first coat where it is hard to reach. After that, put the oil in every area of your wood.
You have to give the coat enough time to dry. Then, when it’s not sticky anymore, you have to sand it before applying the next coat.
Step 4
You can sand with grit sandpaper. Sand it in the direction of the grain. You should follow this step after applying the second coat also.
Apply the second coat layer just like you did with the first one (step 2). Sand after the second coat cures (step 5).
Step 5
Apply three BLO coats. After the last coat, you don’t have to sand. Instead, you can polish the last coat with a layer of paste wax. It will add an extra sheeny appearance to your wood surface.
How to Take Safety Measures While Applying Boiled Linseed Oil?
You must take several precautions when you apply boiled linseed oil to your wood. Let’s look over the cautions now, shall we?
- You should store BLO inside a container in a dry and cool place.
- You should wear eye goggles so that the oil doesn’t make any contact with your eyes.
- You should wear full protective clothing to avoid fire.
- Wash your hands with soap or water if you get contaminated.
- Keep BLO out of reach from the children.
FAQ
Does Boiled Linseed Oil Make Wood Waterproof?
Although boiled linseed oil makes the wood water-resistant, the oil sometimes allows the water to damage. Don’t put cold glasses without a cloth or rag.
To make the wood waterproof, you can seal the wood with BLO. Then finish it off with coatings of poly, varnish, or lacquer.
Can Boiled Linseed Oil Go Bad?
Boiled linseed oil has an infinite life span. It lasts forever if it’s put in a container.
If you see the oil has formed into liquid, then don’t use it on your wood. Otherwise, you can apply BLO to your interior furniture.
Does Boiled Linseed Oil Darken Wood?
Boiled linseed oil darkens over time if it’s not exposed to sun or UV rays. Without the sunlight, the oil gets darker.
If you want smoother and warmer color, then you can put boiled linseed oil. Yet, if your wood is white and you want it to stay the exact way, BLO is not the right choice.
Final Words
Before finishing off, you can choose to use boiled linseed oil for being climate-friendly and non-toxic. In addition, BLO provides natural and original smoothness to your product.
It will protect your wood by going into the layers of your surface. Additionally, it takes less time to dry compared to raw linseed oil.
Furthermore, you should take cautionary steps while using BLO over your wood. For example, boiled linseed oil as a sealer or a topcoat can be the right choice for your interior wood.
We always say that you should list all the things you anticipate before making a decision. For example, keep in mind the type of furniture you have. Moreover, always come to a conclusion that is preferable for you and your family.
