Boiled Linseed Oil vs Raw Linseed Oil

Linseed oil can be raw or boiled. Either way, it is a great way to polish or finish your furniture. It is frequently used to paint and stain wood. It can also be used as a wood conditioner, which is best when used on porous wood to soak in a stain. A small amount of linseed oil can speed up drying time when used with enamel or oil-based paint.

Linseed oil can also be used before painting or staining. The oil soaks into knots in the wood making the surface more adhesive when you paint it later. It can also be used as a polish.

You should, however, understand the difference between boiled linseed oil and raw linseed oil. Read on to learn about how these two types of oil work differently.

Raw Linseed Oil

Raw linseed oil is literally squeezed oil produced from flax seeds. The oil gathered from this process is packaged and sold without any chemicals, solutions, or additives to preserve it.

Raw linseed oil is known to take a long time to dry. This can be a good thing, as slow drying time enables the paint to completely level and set properly. Raw linseed oil should be used for equipment that is frequently exposed to exterior factors, such as the weather.

Boiled Linseed Oil

Boiled linseed oil goes through a process that alters the drying qualities of the oil and makes it dry more quickly. It is better to use it on furniture or tools that need preserving. It is also used as a wood finish, and it can be used as-is or mixed with other solutions or other oil bases. When mixed with other solutions or oil bases, boiled linseed oil provides a better gloss and makes the item more durable.