Flax oil is a frequently used wood preservative. More and more people are choosing it instead of varnish. Does it perform its function? How do you apply it? Where can it be used and does it have any disadvantages? We answer all these questions in the article!
Flaxseed oil for wood – is it a good impregnant?
Flaxseed oil is used in, among other things, dietetics or the cosmetics industry. It is also increasingly being used to waterproof wood. Oil Proofing is a very good way to protect wooden surfaces while maintaining their natural appearance. The effectiveness of the linseed oil impregnant is influenced by its ability to polymerize, i.e. thicken.
How to apply linseed oil to wood?
Before treating wood with oil, the substrate must be properly prepared. The wood must be cleaned and degreased, because only then the oil will be precisely absorbed into its structure. The impregnant is best applied with a brush in small amounts. To effectively protect the wood, it is necessary to apply several coats of oil. Between each one, you need to wait until the previous one is thoroughly absorbed. The preparation should be applied according to the direction of the wood grain.
Should oflax oil for wood be used indoors or outdoors?
Flax oil for wood can be used both indoors and outdoors. It will work well for protecting furniture in the kitchen or living room, as well as railings or the floor on the terrace. It is worth bearing in mind that oiling should be repeated from time to time – indoors every few years, and outdoors even every year. If you want to avoid this, it is worth reaching for flax seed oil. This is linseed oil supplemented with substances that help it dry faster. It is applied one at a time because it thoroughly fills all the cracks in the wood.
Related: What does it take to oil a wood countertop?
Benefits and disadvantages of linseed oil for wood
Like all substances of this type, linseed oil also has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the main benefits of oiling are the natural look of treated wood. Unlike varnishes, oil does not leave a visible coating on furniture or floors. Besides, the oiling process is trivially simple and virtually anyone can perform it in their own home. Linseed oil is ecological and environmentally friendly. It thoroughly penetrates the inner layers of the wood, protecting it not only from the outside, but also from the inside. At the same time, it also provides airflow and allows the wood to breathe. The biggest drawback of the oil is that every so often it needs to be reapplied. Some may also be bothered by its characteristic smell.
Flax oil for wood impregnation is an ecological method of protecting wooden surfaces, which is finding increasingly more supporters. Linseed oil can be used not only as a wood preservative, but also in cooking or cosmetics. Let us know in the comments, whether you happen to impregnate wood with oil.
