Boiled Linseed Oil On Cedar Siding

Using something like 120 grit sandpaper make sure there isn t any dirt or loose wood fibers lingering.

Boiled linseed oil on cedar siding.

The difference is that the boiled linseed oil is the only one that dries. When would you ever want it to not dry. One of the earliest protections for cedar was oil. This makes it a better product for preserving tool handles decks and furniture.

This was much lighter toned when newer but over time has gotten darker with multiple coats of linseed oil over the years. It is a great oil treatment for woods leaving a smooth touch on the surface. Extreme caution must be used using linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil is not boiled.

We purchased a cedar sided home last oct found out the previous owner used a 50 50 mix of linseed oil turpentine on the siding. Linseed oil is a finish that when applied to wood deck surfaces causes the grain to show prominently and leaves a wet look on the deck. Blo is often mixed with other finishes and was once one of the main ingredients in most paints. Linseed oil soaks into the grain creating a moisture resistant barrier that will not crack over time like paint will thus preventing moisture from getting underneath the product and causing decay of the wood.

And so for a siding sealing material for an exterior finish you use boiled linseed oil. The opinion on the use of oils on cedar is divided. The raw one does not dry. Keep in mind applying boiled linseed oil straight out of the can to your cedar siding can and will darken over time.

Overall the siding is in remarkably good shape for being 18 years old. The actual boiling of some oils changes their drying characteristics true. Boiled linseed oil blo is a common item in my shop and in a lot of woodworker s shops. Some desire a little more protection than a sealer or preservative can supply yet want to retain the natural look and character of the wood.

With linseed oil though it is the addition of certain solvents that causes linseed oil to dry more quickly acting as if it were boiled. It revitalizes old dried wood and gives it a new life. How to revive old wood.