Linseed oil paints
Linseed oil paints
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE LINSEED OIL PAINTS
What is Linseed oil paints?
Linseed oil paints consist mainly of linseed oil and pigments. The linseed oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), while earth or plant pigments are responsible for the colour.
What is Linseed oil varnish and what is it used for?
Linseed oil varnish is boiled linseed oil that is usually mixed with drying accelerators.
In addition to raw linseed oil, Linseed oil varnishes can also be used for mixing Colours. This significantly shortens the drying time.
More precisely, the production process for Linseed oil varnish:
For the production of varnish, linseed oil is heated, which starts a polymerisation process and thickens the oil. The process is stopped by cooling the oil after boiling and filling it into airtight containers. Drying accelerators, known as siccatives, are added during the cooking process. The type and quantity of the siccative influence both the drying time and the environmental compatibility of the varnish.
DICTUM only uses seasoned, degummed and cold-pressed linseed oil for its Linseed oil varnishes, which is gently boiled to ensure good penetration and fast drying. The manganese siccatives used are one of the most environmentally friendly drying agents and are dosed under strict control.
What is the difference between interior and exterior varnishes?
Linseed oil varnish for interior use - is produced from cold-pressed linseed oil to which small amounts of siccative are added. However, it does not contain any fungicide. When mixed with pigment pastes, which have a high zinc content and therefore their own fungal protection, this varnish can also be used for exterior coatings without fungicides. Zinc offers natural protection against fungi.
High-quality, cold-pressed linseed oil is used for our Linseed oil varnish for outdoor use, to which manganese siccatives are added in small quantities during the cooking process. To ensure long-term protection against fungal attack, a small amount of IPBC Fungicide is added to this varnish.
Linseed oil varnish itself has no UV protection due to its clear colour and should therefore only be used outdoors in combination with linseed oil pastes.
Linseed oil paste - The pastes we offer contain only pure, ground pigment that is saturated with a little linseed oil. To obtain finished Linseed oil paints, oil must be added to the pastes. You can mix the Linseed oil paints with raw, cold bleached or boiled linseed oil, Linseed oil varnishes (for indoor or outdoor use), Oil varnishes or wood tar (for outdoor use) as desired.
Self-mixed Linseed oil paints offer the following advantages:
- They allow customisation of colour tone, consistency and drying time.
- The quantity of siccatives and antifungal agents can be determined by the individual mixing components themselves.
Properties of Linseed oil paints
Linseed oil paints have a number of unique properties that set them apart from modern synthetic colours:
- Sustainability: Linseed oil paints are made from 100% natural materials and are therefore biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Durability: It penetrates deep into the Material and effectively protects against weather influences such as moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.
- Breathability: Linseed oil paints allow surfaces to "breathe" so that moisture can escape without damaging the Material.
- Water-repellent: It shapes a flexible, water-repellent layer that is particularly suitable for exterior paints.
- Natural look: Linseed oil paints give wood and other materials a warm, natural look
Advantages of Linseed oil paints
Linseed oil paints offer numerous advantages that make them a popular choice for environmentally conscious craftsmen and restorers:
- Environmentally friendly: Compared to many modern, synthetic colours, Linseed oil paints are free from harmful chemicals and solvents, making them a health-safe choice for interiors.
- Easy to Use: Linseed oil paints are easy to apply with a brush or roller and are ideal for precise work. It can be easily touched up without having to remove intact old layers.
- Durability and ease of maintenance: A coat of Linseed oil paints lasts for many years and can be easily refreshed if necessary. Colour does not fade as quickly as many synthetic products.
- Ease of repair: Damage to painted objects can be easily repaired as the Colour is absorbed into the surface and does not just adhere to the surface.
- Application to already coated surfaces: Linseed oil paints can be applied to many substrates that have already been coated.
Areas of application for Linseed oil paints
Linseed oil paints are used in many areas, both for decorative and functional purposes. The most common areas of application include
- Wood protection: Linseed oil paints are particularly suitable for garden furniture, fences, gates, window frames, doors and wooden facades, as they protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.
- Metal and steel paintwork: Linseed oil paints can also be used on metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion and weathering.
- Restoration: Linseed oil paints are a popular choice in furniture restoration as they help to maintain the surface of antique furniture and increase its longevity.
- Interiors: Linseed oil paints create a natural, warm appearance indoors while protecting against dust and dirt.
Tip: Light colours reflect sunlight and thus reduce temperature fluctuations and the associated cracking of the wood.
Use of Linseed oil paints
Use of Linseed oil paints does not require any special expertise, but a few tips will help to achieve optimum results:
- Surface preparation: The surface to be painted should be clean, dry and free from dust or grease. In the case of wood, it is advisable to lightly sand the surface to ensure better adhesion.
- Mixing: Linseed oil paints can be thinned with a little balsamic turpentine or linseed oil depending on the desired consistency. For a thicker coat, it can be applied directly.
- Application: Use a high-quality brush or paint roller to apply the Colour evenly. For the best result, apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Drying time: Depending on the ambient conditions (humidity, temperature) and the mixing components used, the Colour may take several hours to days to dry completely.
Linseed oil paints can be re-treated with an additional coat as required.
Regular maintenance is required, especially for exterior paints, in order to maintain protection against the effects of the weather.
On exterior surfaces, the linseed oil in the Colour degrades over the years due to weathering. After about 2 to 3 years, the pigments can lie dry on the wood and can be easily rubbed off. Before repainting, it is sufficient to wipe the surface with a damp cloth. If the surface is still smooth, it does not need to be sanded. A thin application of linseed oil fixes the loose pigments and quickly restores lustre to dull areas.
Linseed oil paints compared to other colours
Compared to modern synthetic colours, Linseed oil paints have some clear advantages, but also disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
- Easy to Use and good repairability.
- Lengthy durability and weather resistance.
Disadvantages:
- Longer drying time compared to synthetic colours.
- Sensitivity to Grade of wear and staining.
Consumption:
Consumption for a single coat (ready-mixed Colour) is between 60-100 ml/m². 500 ml linseed oil paste covers approx. 10-15 m².
Solvent:
Linseed oil soaps are used as a solvent for linseed oil and therefore Linseed oil paints, which you can also find in our shop.
Conclusion
Linseed oil paints are an excellent choice for anyone who values sustainability, durability and natural beauty. It is not only suitable for wood surfaces, but also for many other materials. Its ease of use and versatility make it ideal for craftsmen, restorers and environmentally conscious DIY enthusiasts. With Linseed oil paints, you not only achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, but also contribute to the reduction of chemicals in your home.
