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. Its strength and durability make it a popular finish for commercial properties but many homeowners like to use. Pure and non toxic with quick drying times. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Polymerized linseed oil is the best of both worlds. 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. 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. Boiled linseed oil is common as a wood finish but contains some potentially hazardous drying compounds.

Hardwood enthusiasts accustomed to urethane finishes often express concern that a natural oil finish may leave wood vulnerable to greater wear and tear. 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. 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.

Tung oil is a plant based oil used as a wood finish. Linseed oil also known as flaxseed oil is one of the most popular wood finishes in the world. Not just a pre treatment boiled linseed oil works great as a wood finish itself. The linseed oil then is warmed to help it penetrate more deeply into the wood.

Like other hand rubbed oil finishes linseed oil saturates deep into the wood grain to protect against scratches and changes in humidity.