Boiled Linseed Oil – Wood & Metal Treatment
Boiled Linseed Oil is a traditional, fast-drying finishing oil that penetrates deeply to nourish bare timber, enrich grain and leave a warm, satin sheen. Enhanced with drying agents to accelerate cure, it’s ideal for interior woodwork, furniture and tool handles, and can also help inhibit rust on bare steel tools and cast iron when wiped as a light protective film.
Key Features & Benefits
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Penetrating Finish: Feeds dry timber and highlights natural grain and colour.
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Faster Drying: “Boiled” (processed) formulation cures more quickly than raw linseed oil.
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Natural Satin Sheen: Non-plastic look and feel; easy to refresh without stripping.
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Versatile Protection: Suitable for interior wood and light-duty protection on ferrous metal tools.
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Simple Application: Wipe-on, wipe-off process with easy maintenance coats.
Typical Uses
- Furniture, doors, skirtings, window boards and internal joinery
- Tool handles, worktops (non-food-prep areas), turned items and craft projects
- Light rust-inhibiting wipe on cast iron tops, hand tools and garden tools
Surface Preparation
- Ensure wood is bare, clean and dry. Remove old varnish/paint/wax; sand to a uniform finish (P180–P240) and de-dust.
- On metal, remove loose rust and wipe clean; the surface must be dry and free from contaminants.
- Test on an inconspicuous area to confirm colour and absorption.
Application
- Stir well. Apply a thin coat with a lint-free cloth or brush in the direction of the grain.
- Allow to penetrate 15–20 minutes, then wipe off all excess to prevent a sticky surface.
- Allow to dry (typically 6–12 hours, longer in cool/humid conditions). De-nib lightly between coats if required.
- Apply 2–3 coats on most timbers; additional coats may be needed on very porous wood.
Aftercare & Maintenance
- Let the finish reach full cure (24–72 hours) before heavy use.
- Clean with a damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners. Re-apply a maintenance coat as the surface dulls.
- For metal tools, re-wipe lightly after use/storage to maintain a protective film.
Limitations & Safety
- Primarily for interior use; for exterior items, frequent maintenance will be necessary.
- May amber/darken pale timbers—always test first.
- Not recommended for food-contact surfaces unless specifically approved.
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Oily rag safety: Oil-soaked cloths can self-heat—spread flat to dry outdoors or submerge in water before disposal.
Boiled Linseed Oil offers an easy, traditional route to a warm, natural-looking finish that’s simple to apply and maintain, keeping interior woodwork nourished and metal tools lightly protected.