Polymerized Linseed Oil is a unique variant of linseed oil that has undergone polymerization. This process involves heating the oil to high temperatures without oxygen, causing the molecules to link or “polymerize.” The result is an oil thicker, more durable, and faster drying than its raw counterpart.
So, why not use Polymerized Linseed Oil? While it has its advantages, it’s not always the best choice for every project. It’s more expensive than raw or boiled linseed oil, and its thicker consistency can make it more challenging to work with.
However, it’s superior durability and faster drying time make it an excellent choice for certain applications, particularly in the woodworking and furniture industry.
Polymerized linseed oil VS raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil
Raw linseed oil is the purest form of the oil, extracted directly from the seeds of the flax plant. It’s a popular choice for wood finishing, but it dries very slowly, often taking weeks to cure fully.
Boiled linseed oil, despite its name, isn’t boiled. Instead, it’s treated with chemicals to speed up the drying process. It’s cheaper and dries faster than raw linseed oil, but it’s also less durable.
Polymerized linseed oil, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds. It’s more durable than boiled linseed oil and dries faster than raw linseed oil. It’s a premium product, and its price reflects that, but for many woodworkers and furniture makers, the benefits outweigh the cost.
Types and Grades of Polymerized Linseed Oil
Stand Oil, Pure polymerized linseed oil 450 poises
Stand oil is a polymerized linseed oil heated to an even higher temperature than regular polymerized linseed oil. This results in an incredibly thick oil – 450 poises, to be exact.
This thickness makes stand oil an excellent choice for projects that require a high-gloss finish, as it levels out to a smooth, glass-like surface as it dries.
Talens Stand oil 031 Polymerized linseed oil 75ml
Talens Stand Oil is a high-quality polymerized linseed oil product. It’s a favorite among artists and woodworkers alike for its smooth consistency and excellent leveling properties. This oil is sold in 75ml bottles, making it a convenient choice for smaller projects or those wanting to try polymerized linseed oil for the first time.
Polymerized Linseed Oil K10 Grade
K10 Grade Polymerized Linseed Oil is another excellent choice for those in the woodworking and furniture industry. This oil has been carefully processed to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
Its medium viscosity makes it versatile enough for various applications, from wood finishing to paint making.
CAS 67746 08 1 | Lab Reagent
CAS 67746 08 1 is the chemical identifier for polymerized linseed oil. This grade of oil is often used as a lab reagent in scientific research and experimentation.
While it’s not typically used in woodworking or furniture making, it’s an important reminder of the diverse applications of this versatile oil.
Applications and Uses of Polymerized Linseed Oil
One of the primary uses of Polymerized Linseed Oil is in wood finishing and preservation. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for protecting wood from the elements and giving it a beautiful, glossy finish.
The oil penetrates deep into the wood, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing the wood’s natural grain.
Art and painting
Polymerized Linseed Oil is also popular among artists, particularly oil painters. The oil acts as a binder, holding the pigment together and allowing it to adhere to the canvas.
Its fast-drying properties and smooth, glossy finish make it a favorite among artists looking for a high-quality, durable medium.
Food-safe applications
While not as common, Polymerized Linseed Oil can also be used in food-safe applications. It’s a natural, non-toxic product that’s safe for use on kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and other items that come into contact with food.
However, it’s important to ensure that the oil has been properly cured before using these items, as the curing process makes the oil safe for food contact.
Polymerized linseed oil and beeswax mixtures
Polymerized Linseed Oil can also be mixed with beeswax to create a durable, water-resistant finish. This mixture is often used on outdoor furniture, decks, and other wood items exposed to the elements.
The beeswax adds an extra layer of protection, helping to repel water and prevent damage.
Drying Time and Hardening
How long does polymerized linseed oil take to dry?
The drying time of Polymerized Linseed Oil can vary depending on several factors, but generally, you can expect it to dry within 24 to 48 hours. This is significantly faster than raw linseed oil, which can take several weeks to cure fully.
Factors affecting drying time
Several factors can affect the drying time of Polymerized Linseed Oil. These include the application’s thickness, the environment’s temperature and humidity, and the type of wood it’s being applied to.
For example, a thick application in a cold, humid environment will take longer to dry than a thin application in a warm, dry environment.
Does polymerized linseed oil harden?
Yes, Polymerized Linseed Oil does harden as it dries. This is due to the polymerization process, which causes the oil molecules to link together and form a solid, durable finish.
This hardening process is what gives Polymerized Linseed Oil its excellent protective properties.
Comparison to Other Oil Finishes
Polymerized linseed oil vs boiled linseed oil
Differences in processing and properties
While both polymerized and boiled linseed oil are derived from the seeds of the flax plant, the processes they undergo result in different properties and uses.
Polymerized linseed oil is heated at high temperatures without oxygen, causing the oil molecules to link together and form a solid, durable finish. This process results in an oil that’s thicker, more durable, and faster-drying than its raw counterpart.
On the other hand, boiled linseed oil isn’t boiled. It’s treated with chemicals to speed up the drying process. It’s cheaper and dries faster than raw linseed oil, but it’s also less durable.
What is boiled linseed oil used for?
Boiled linseed oil is commonly used in wood finishing, providing a warm, rich, and glossy finish. It penetrates the wood, protecting it from within while providing a protective layer on the surface.
It’s also used in painting, where it can be mixed with oil paints to increase their flow and reduce brush marks.
Polymerized linseed oil vs tung oil
Like linseed oil, Tung oil is a popular wood finishing choice. Derived from the seeds of the tung tree, it’s a hard-drying oil that provides a strong, flexible, and water-resistant finish.
Compared to polymerized linseed oil, tung oil penetrates deeply into the wood and dries to a slightly harder finish. It also cures faster, often within 24 hours compared to the 24 to 48 hours typical of polymerized linseed oil.
However, tung oil is more expensive and less readily available than linseed oil. It also has a stronger odor, which some people find unpleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is refined linseed oil the same as polymerized linseed oil?
No, refined linseed oil and polymerized linseed oil are not the same. Refined linseed oil is simply linseed oil that has been purified to remove impurities.
On the other hand, polymerized linseed oil has been heated to high temperatures without oxygen, causing the oil molecules to link together and form a solid, durable finish.
Raw vs Boiled vs Polymerized Linseed Oil: Which is best for specific applications?
The best type of linseed oil for a specific application depends on your specific needs and preferences. Raw linseed oil is the purest form and is a good choice for projects where a natural, non-toxic finish is desired.
Boiled linseed oil dries faster than raw linseed oil and is a good choice for projects where a quick drying time is important.
Polymerized linseed oil is the most durable and is an excellent choice for projects that require a hard, glossy finish.
Tried and True Polymerized Linseed Oil
Tried and True is a brand known for its high-quality, natural wood finishes. Their Polymerized Linseed Oil is a premium product that offers superior durability and a beautiful, glossy finish.
It’s made from 100% pure linseed oil, with no additives or metallic dryers, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for wood finishing.
Product specifications and benefits
Tried and True Polymerized Linseed Oil is available in a range of sizes, from small 8 oz bottles to larger 1 gallon cans. It’s easy to apply, with a smooth, creamy consistency that spreads evenly and absorbs well into the wood.
One of the main benefits of this product is its fast drying time. Unlike raw linseed oil, which can take weeks to cure fully, Tried and True Polymerized Linseed Oil dries to the touch in as little as 24 hours.
Another benefit is its durability. Once cured, the oil forms a hard, protective layer resistant to water, alcohol, and food stains. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and other items that come into contact with food.
Conclusion
Tried and True Polymerized Linseed Oil is a high-quality, natural wood finish that offers a range of benefits.
It is a versatile and valuable tool in the woodworking and furniture industry, and its unique properties make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from wood finishing to paint making.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, adding polymerized linseed oil to your toolkit is worth considering. It offers a natural, durable, and beautiful finish for your projects.
