Finishing Wood Floors With Linseed Oil

Also known as a penetrating oil this finish helps to prevent future scrapes and potential water damage.

Finishing wood floors with linseed oil.

Pure linseed oil isn t practical for wood finishing because it does not dry. Like other hand rubbed oil finishes linseed oil saturates deep into the wood grain to protect against scratches and changes in humidity. Pure and non toxic with quick drying times. In addition to creating a wet looking surface linseed oil is water resistant malleable with the expansion and contraction of the piece during temperature changes and it is easy to apply.

By not coating the wood or giving it a shiny appearance linseed oil presents the wood in a natural way while still giving it the darkened appearance of staining. The linseed oil then is warmed to help it penetrate more deeply into the wood. It is clear quick drying and penetrates the grain to enhance and protect the. In europe petroleum based products are referred to as synthetic oils penetrate down into the wood instead of creating a film over the top like a polyurethane or waterborne finish does.

Boiled linseed oil is common as a wood finish but contains some potentially hazardous drying compounds. While it is true that with a penetrating finish wear does occur directly to the wood modern oil finishes are much more resistant to wear than those originally used to condition hardwood. Some manufacturers use petroleum based oil while others use tung oil linseed oil or vegetable based oils. The boiled product penetrates into the wood s grain which accentuates the pattern.

Tung oil is a plant based oil used as a wood finish. It won t give you a super hard and durable finish like polyurethane or varnish but with enough coats boiled linseed oil will eventually build up a beautiful and protective finish. Boiled linseed oil as a finish. Hardwood enthusiasts accustomed to urethane finishes often express concern that a natural oil finish may leave wood vulnerable to greater wear and tear.

Polymerized linseed oil is the best of both worlds. Linseed oil is a penetrating finish on hardwood floors that does not form a sealant on the wood like polyurethane but instead acts as a stain that enhances the look of your floors. Boiled linseed oil is a popular substance used to coat and protect a variety of different wooden surfaces such as hardwood floors or pieces of furniture. Oil based polyurethane consists of linseed oil synthetic resins and plasticizers.

When linseed oil is applied to a floor the floor first is sanded and the dust cleaned away.