What is the difference between linseed oil and boiled linseed oil?
Both cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. Raw linseed oil takes comparatively long to do so. Boiled linseed oil is pre-oxidized and mixed with a small amount of drying agent. This allows it to cure faster and more evenly. This is how linseed oil becomes boiled linseed oil.
How is boiled linseed oil made?
Linseed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the flax plant, carefully purified, and then gently heated. A small amount of manganese drier is incorporated during this process.
Which drying agent is added?
For reliable drying, OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil contains just 0.4% of a cobalt-free manganese drier. It supports the natural curing of the linseed oil and ensures faster, more even drying. Under the CLP Regulation, the finished product is not classified as hazardous.
Is OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil suitable for wood that comes into contact with food?
Yes. OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil has been tested by an independent German laboratory in accordance with the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB) and is suitable for wooden surfaces that come into contact with food once fully cured - for example, cutting boards, kitchen woodware, and cooking utensils.
Can I use boiled linseed oil as cooking oil?
No. OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil is not a cooking oil. It was developed for treating wooden surfaces. Once fully cured, it is suitable for wooden surfaces that come into contact with food - however, the product itself is not intended for consumption.
Does boiled linseed oil change the color of the wood?
Yes. Boiled linseed oil is transparent and contains no pigments, but it enhances the wood: the color and grain become more pronounced, making the wood look warmer and richer. Particularly light-colored woods develop a natural honey tone. The extent of the color enhancement depends on the wood's base tone and absorbency. Applying a test coat in an inconspicuous area is therefore recommended.
What should I keep in mind when applying it?
Apply the boiled linseed oil thinly and evenly with a cotton cloth or brush. After approximately 15–30 minutes, completely remove any excess oil with an absorbent, lint-free cotton cloth. Otherwise, sticky areas, differences in sheen, and significantly longer drying times may result. Depending on the wood's absorbency, two to three coats are usually sufficient.
Can oil-soaked cloths and pads spontaneously combust?
Yes. Boiled linseed oil is a drying oil and cures by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat. On a wood surface, the heat can dissipate; in crumpled cloths, pads, or sponges, however, it can build up and cause spontaneous combustion. The product itself is not self-igniting.
Never leave oil-soaked work materials crumpled up. After use, store them under water or lay them out individually and flat in a safe place to dry completely. Then dispose of them in accordance with local regulations. Never put oil-soaked materials in a tumble dryer.
How long does boiled linseed oil take to dry?
Depending on the temperature and humidity, the treated surface is dust-dry after approximately 1–2 hours and can be recoated after 16–24 hours. It is fully cured after around 21 days.
Drying occurs through the absorption of oxygen from the air. Good ventilation and suitable temperatures promote curing; cold, high humidity, and insufficient air exchange delay it. Applying the product too thickly or failing to fully remove excess product can also result in sticky areas and significantly longer drying times.
What does boiled linseed oil smell like while drying?
The characteristic smell develops during the natural curing of boiled linseed oil. How it develops and is perceived also depends on the type of wood. As curing progresses, the smell gradually fades.
Can I make a half oil from boiled linseed oil?
Yes. Mixing OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil and OLI NATURA® oil thinner in a 1:1 ratio produces what is known as half oil. It is thinner, easier to spread evenly, and is traditionally used to prime absorbent wood surfaces before subsequent oil coats.
If the boiled linseed oil is to be applied undiluted, it can alternatively be carefully warmed in a water bath to approximately 40 °C. This also makes it thinner and easier to work into the surface. Do not heat it directly or over an open flame.
How do I clean brushes and work tools?
Clean brushes and work tools immediately after use with OLI NATURA® brush cleaner, OLI NATURA® oil thinner, or a suitable cleaner based on white spirit.
