Linseed oil (boiled)

Linseed oil for wood is available in two variants: boiled and raw linseed oil. Raw linseed oil is the pure version, which is pressed from flax seeds. It dries very slow. Boiled linseed oil is not obtained by simply boiling the oil, but is a mixture of linseed oil, standing oil (linseed oil heated without oxygen), and further processed by oxidation or adding metallic thinners(1).
Linseed oil can be applied as a transparent protective sealant for wood, in or outdoors. It is water resistant until a certain extend. It is also widely used as a painting medium in different (natural) paints, such as lime, clay and flour paint.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
		High energy Although made from a renewable material, flax seeds, linseed oil has a high embodied energy, comparable to that of oil-based finishes. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low Energy Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Edge band wood Flour paint Lime paint Wood filler (putty) High footprint Although it is made from a renewable material, flax seeds, boiled linseed oil requires a lot of non renewable energy to be produced(1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low footprint Beeswax Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Flour paint Laser engraving Tung oil Veneer (wood) Wood filler (putty)

	Non toxic To make boiled linseed oil, metal salts are added. They cause the oil to dry faster. While these render boiled linseed oil inedible, you'd have to consume a decent amount before it would be toxic(1).	Costly Boiled linseed oil, or boiled linseed oil paint is more expensive then water based paints or other natural paints per m2 of painted surface. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low cost Flour paint Lime paint Milk paint (casein) Time consuming Linseed oil takes time to dry. Boiled linseed oil dries much faster, but still takes up to 24 hours. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Quick Acrylic paint Chalk paint Tung oil Water based laquer Water based paint	Tips Rags soaked with linseed oil stored in a pile are considered a fire hazard because they provide a large surface area for oxidation of the oil, and the oil oxidises quickly. The oxidation of linseed oil is an exothermic reaction, which accelerates as the temperature of the rags increases. When heat accumulation exceeds the rate of heat dissipation into the environment, the temperature increases and may eventually become hot enough to make the rags spontaneously combust.

	Non toxic No VOC or solvents. Once the oil is dry, the metals that could be present are trapped in the film, making it safe for use on furniture.	Short lifespan Linseed oil can support the growth of mildew. On surfaces where abrasion will be frequently encountered, linseed oil may not harden sufficiently. Requires frequent repair. Lack of any UV blockers. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Long lifespan 2 parts PU lacquer Chalk paint Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Epoxy filler Flour paint Laser engraving Oil based laquer Oil based paint Polyurethane varnish Screen printing Tung oil

	Easy reuse Boiled linseed oil (paint) is easy to sand and re-paint.		Tips Linseed oil is biodegradable. Boiled linseed oil (which contains metallic dryers) is not biodegradable but is also not a hazardous waste.