Replies

1. 
   mikerooney | Oct 18, 2004 11:20pm | #1

   Says right on the can.

   And, turps, not MS.

    

2. 
   jackplane | Oct 18, 2004 11:26pm | #2

   Pure linseed oil will not dry. Boiled linseed oil should be used; it has metallic driers added. The pure stuff would be analagous to vegetable oil, it'll stay oily/sticky.

   I usually mix 50/50 b.l.o. and paint thinner.

   
   

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   Edited 10/18/2004 4:27 pm ET by JACKPLANE

3. 
   DanH | Oct 19, 2004 12:14am | #3

   Remember that any rag with linseed oil on it is apt to spontaneously combust!! This isn't a trivial hazard!

1. 
   DANL | Oct 19, 2004 01:17am | #4

   Good point about spontaneous combustion of oily rags--lay them out flat outside to dry or put them in an airtight can (or I've heard of putting them in a bucket of water).

1. 
   Chipper | Oct 19, 2004 07:43am | #5

   OUCH - I tried drying them out in the microwave!  

   Just kiddin!                        Chipper

1. 
   PatMcG | Oct 19, 2004 11:25am | #6

   Would that be spontaneous combustion?

1. 
   IMERC | Oct 19, 2004 05:12pm | #8

   INSTANT-taneous....

   or....

   WOWWWWWW!!!!!

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

2. 
   Chipper | Nov 28, 2004 04:34am | #12

   that stuff that flies outta yer azz......        is that considered spontaneous combustion?

3. 
   PatMcG | Nov 29, 2004 01:30pm | #13

   Only if it ignites by itself. Your clock radio just go off?

4. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Oct 19, 2004 01:32pm | #7

   What do you mean by dry "properly"?  Pure (not boiled) linseed will eventually dry.  Takes a couple months if it is thin enough.  It will wrinkle badly if too thick.  The boiled version has added manganese or cobalt compounds to make it dry faster.  Anywhere from a day to a week to dry, depending on temperature.  Also dries a bit faster in sunlight.  How much to thin depends on what you're doing with it.  It does not build well.  Need lots of thin coats.  If you try to do heavy coats it will wrinkle.  I usually thin 1 to 1.  How thick the coating gets depends on your technique.  Be careful about turpentine.  Its a stronger solvent and also will absorb through the skin.  Also it has assorted resins and gunk, depending on the grade.  If you're rubbing by hand, use mineral spirits.

5. 
   junkhound | Oct 19, 2004 06:42pm | #9

   What are you using it for?

   On tool handles, I use it straight, no thinner.

   Also use it straight on biannual refinish of some walnut furniture.

1. 
   Chipper | Oct 19, 2004 07:26pm | #10

   using pure linseed oil(1 part) + (3 part) mineral spirits/thinner  on all sides of 3/4"in. thick pine beadboard.  To be used as finish surface in master bathroom.

1. 
   zendo | Nov 29, 2004 03:37pm | #14

   Water will penetrate Linseed oil and boiled linseed oil in a second ...if thats any issue.  It was used a lot in the past because it was abundant and cheap, but really doesnt serve as a good wood protectant. 

2. 
   PatMcG | Oct 20, 2004 09:43am | #11

   I keep some oil from changing the oil in my mower, and use it on garden tools. Handles and blades, both.

6. 
   IronHelix | Nov 30, 2004 04:24pm | #15

   Linseed oil is for horses.  Ask the vet!

   Boiled linseed oil is for painting purposes.

   The amount of turpentine that you ratio to the boiled linseed oil determines how soon the mixture will dry.

   Hand rubbed finish is best achieved with a 1:1 mix and lots of rubbing for a nice finish.

   For tool handles try 1 part BLO to 2 parts turp.....coat and wipe away excess...stand aside till dry....rub with rough cloth...go to work. 

   Tools feel very good underhand with this coating. Recoat the next year and then as needed.

   The only thing better has been clear bartop epoxy.

   ..................Iron Helix

   .

1. 
   Sailfish | Nov 30, 2004 05:34pm | #16

   Good for preserving your deer antlers too!http://members.fishingworks.com/bo444444/index.cfm