Is linseed oil good for wood?

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Wooden furniture is very popular, it looks pretty and lasts a long time. Wooden garden furniture is also becoming increasingly popular. But this furniture needs special care so that you can enjoy it for a long time. How do you properly care for the furniture and is linseed oil good for the wood?

Linseed oil is particularly suitable for wood care.
Linseed oil is particularly suitable for wood care. © RainerSturm / Pixelio

Why linseed oil is good for wood

  • Linseed oil is oil that is pressed from flaxseed. It does not contain any additives and is therefore of a purely vegetable nature.
  • In general, all oils are suitable for the care of furniture, but linseed oil is particularly good for wood because it has a special property.
  • When applied, it is still in a liquid state and so penetrates deep into the wood. This is very good because not only the top layers should be cared for. Wax, on the other hand, is only on the top layer.
  • But what is the difference between this oil and the other oils? The linseed oil begins to polymerize in the wood. This means that a chemical reaction is taking place. The individual molecules of the oil form long chains and it becomes solid.

Are there differences in linseed oil?

Yes there is a difference. This lies in the production.

Oil or wax wood? - How to maintain wooden furniture

Wood should be cared for regularly. To oil wood is a little bit for the inexperienced ...

  • There is cold-pressed and "boiled" oil.
  • The cold-pressed oil is particularly suitable for impregnating furniture. The impregnation is stronger and longer lasting than if it was carried out with a wax.
  • Cold-pressed oil penetrates deeper into the wood and therefore offers better protection.
  • Boiled oil, on the other hand, is very suitable for bringing shine to furniture.

General information on handling linseed oil

  • You can get this oil as such or ready-made care products such as linseed oil wipes. The cloths are soaked directly in the oil and are usually very soft and lint-free.
  • You should be very careful when handling linseed oil because it is very flammable. Sometimes high room temperatures are enough to ignite the oil.
  • It is not poisonous and can therefore also be used for consumption. But it has a very distinctive and bitter taste.
  • It does not have a long shelf life and should therefore be used very quickly.

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