Additive for oil paints, wood treatment as a preservative and polish. Linseed oil is the carrier used in oil paint. It can also be used as a painting medium, making oil paints more fluid, transparent and glossy. It slows down lino ink drying and as a diluent for thick ink.
Mixed with Tung oil for better penetration and lasting preservation of unpainted wood.
When used as a wood finish, linseed oil dries slowly and shrinks little upon hardening. Linseed oil does not cover the surface as varnish does, instead it soaks into the (visible and microscopic) pores, leaving a shiny but not glossy surface that shows off the grain of the wood. A linseed oil finish is easily scratched, and easily repaired. Best applied on unpainted unvarnished wood surface with fine sanding in between application. Allow oil to cure before buff polishing.
Note used rag soaked in linseed oil can self ignite as heat is generated in oxidation. Spread out rag and hang dry before disposal.
