Already three hundred years ago, both boiled and raw cold-pressed linseed oil were used in Sweden, and even then, people realized the advantages of using de-sludged linseed oil—free from proteins and other impurities—for building preservation.
We use raw cold-pressed linseed oil, among other things, to impregnate wood before painting, as it has excellent absorption properties and protects against water intrusion. Raw cold-pressed linseed oil is also very well suited for making linseed putty and linseed soap.
Maintenance and Use of Boiled Linseed Oil – for Lustre, Durability, and Safety
Boiled, oxidized linseed oil, on the other hand, is used in our linseed oil paint, linseed wax, and wall paint.
It can also be used to thin linseed oil paint. Boiled linseed oil is also excellent for maintaining surfaces painted with linseed oil paint.
The aging of linseed oil paint is visible—it becomes dull over time. How quickly this happens depends on direction and exposure. For example, the paint ages faster in coastal environments and on south-facing surfaces.
After some more time, the pigments begin to fall out. We say the paint is “chalking.” That’s when it’s time to maintain the surface by cleaning it with linseed soap or denatured alcohol and applying fresh boiled linseed oil or linseed wax. After treatment, the surface regains its gloss and function.
Remember to soak used cloths in water, as both raw and boiled linseed oil can self-ignite in porous materials.
Our Swedish raw linseed oil is pressed at Gunnarshög Farm in Skåne and refined at our factory in Ystad. There, we purify the cold-pressed linseed oil from proteins and impurities, using traditional recipes that date back to the 18th century and documented methods from the 1950s.
Because linseed oil is a living material, its color may vary slightly between harvests, but this does not affect the quality.
We are proud of our craftsmanship – a Swedish tradition, free from proteins and other impurities.
When Using Linseed Oil
Drying Time and Ventilation
An important factor when working with cold-pressed linseed oil is ventilation. Linseed oil dries by absorbing oxygen, which means it requires good air circulation, especially when used indoors. Without sufficient oxygen, drying time can be significantly extended—sometimes taking several days. Ensuring the room is well-ventilated will speed up the drying process and improve the final result.
Spontaneous Combustion of Cloths – Important!
When using cloths or paper to apply linseed oil, it’s important to be aware of the risk of spontaneous combustion. Linseed oil–soaked cloths can catch fire on their own if not handled properly. To prevent this, immerse used cloths in water immediately after use and store them safely until they can be disposed of.
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