Raw and Boiled Linseed Oil On Pine (EASY Guide!)

Ever wondered how to transform your pine furniture into a masterpiece? Discover the magic of Linseed Oil on Pine – where nature meets durability!

Linseed oil on Pine

Linseed oil is a special natural oil that comes from flax seeds. It’s also called flaxseed oil, and it’s really good for making wood look nice and shiny.

There are two types of linseed oil – raw and boiled. Both are great for different kinds of wood.

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    Back in 2004, someone asked me to use linseed oil on a pine dining table they had.

    It was the first time I was going to use linseed oil, so I wasn’t sure how to do it.

    I decided to learn a lot about it and even asked some wood experts in San Francisco about the best way to use linseed oil on pine furniture.

    Since then, I’ve used linseed oil on over a thousand wood projects and furniture pieces.

    I’d love to share with you what I’ve learned about using this amazing linseed oil to make pine furniture look its best.

    Let’s find out, Can you use linseed oil on pine?

    Yes, You can use linseed oil on pine. Linseed oil enhances the pine wood’s appearance and hardens and cures to a protective layer. Linseed oil protects pine wood furniture from moisture and weather elements. Apply light coats of linseed oil over pine wood along the wood grain and let it dry between coats.

    But that’s a quick snapshot!

    In this article, I’ll take a deep look at the benefits you’ll get by applying linseed oil on pine, how to apply both raw and boiled linseed oil on pine, and the differences between raw and boiled linseed oil over pine, and a lot more.

    Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

    Let’s jump in!

    Pine wood furniture finished with Linseed oil
    Pine wood furniture finished with Linseed oil

    Can You Use Linseed Oil On Pine?

    Yes, linseed oil works on pine wood with no issues. It penetrates deep into the pine wood fibers and saturates them to make a protective coat over the wood surface.

    Pinewood takes linseed oil nicely due to the finishing properties of the wood.

    The protective linseed oil coat helps to protect pine wood from environmental elements such as environmental humidity, moisture, and sunlight.

    Did you know fact about Linseed oil
    Did you know fact about Linseed oil

    Once you applied linseed oil over the pine wood surface, it will react with atmospheric oxygen and go through a polymerization reaction to form a hard polymerized coating over the wood.

    When the reaction is completed, linseed oil hardens and cures to a solidified layer which acts as a barrier between the pine wood surface and outside air.

    Due to this protective coat, pine wood surfaces won’t get contact with moisture, water, or other elements in the outside world.

    This is how the linseed oil finish protects pine wood from water damage and increases the wood’s longevity.

    Basically, linseed oil protects pine wood furniture and woodwork from rotting and decaying as well.

    But if your pine wood furniture is already started to rot, there are no benefits of applying linseed oil over it since the wood continues to rot internally. Better to restore wood using a quality product like Flex Seal to stop wood rotting.

    Plus, Linseed oil prevents sunlight from damaging the pine wood surface due to its stable coating over wood.

    As you can see linseed oil is an excellent finish not only for indoor furniture, but can also protect pine wood outdoor furniture from moisture and sunlight damage.

    Therefore, linseed oil is perfect for pine wood outdoor applications such as fencing, patio furniture, garden beds, and other outdoor furniture.

    Most importantly, raw linseed oil is nontoxic and doesn’t contain VOC compounds like other finishes.

    Overall, linseed oil can be used for the following applications of pine wood,

    • Cabinets
    • Desktops
    • Panels
    • Garden beds
    • Wood carving projects
    • Indoor and outdoor furniture
    • Floors
    • Boxes and crates

    As you can see linseed oil can be used literally for any woodworking project with no issue.

    Benefits of using Linseed oil on pine
    Benefits of using Linseed oil on pine

    So, let’s see how the main two variants of linseed oil work on pine wood on different occasions.

    Raw Linseed Oil and Boiled Linseed Oil On Pine Wood

    There are main two types of linseed oil you can use on pine wood. They are,

    • Raw linseed oil
    • Boiled Linseed oil

    Raw linseed oil is 100% natural wood finish. It has no toxic chemicals and considers an eco-friendly and food-safe product.

    Therefore, raw linseed oil is good for dining table desktops, cutting boards, and applications that contact with foods.

    But the drying time of raw linseed oil is too long.

    Boiled Linseed oil is made by using a special vacuum cooking technique at a really high-temperature level.

    This process will increase the viscosity and shorten the drying time of Linseed oil.

    Boiled linseed oil dries faster than raw linseed oil.

    But boiled linseed oil contains thinners, dryers, and other harsh and toxic chemicals.

    Boiled linseed oil is not food safe. Therefore, never use boiled linseed oil for furniture or woodwork that contact with foods.

    Pine wood floor finished with Linseed oil
    Pine wood floor finished with Linseed oil

    Here I made a simplified table of raw linseed oil vs boiled linseed oil on pine,

    Raw Linseed Oil on PineBoiled Linseed Oil on Pine
    100% natural wood finishTreated with heat and chemicals for faster drying
    Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and food-safeProduces a harder and more durable finish
    Extraordinary penetration capabilityMore water-resistant than raw linseed oil
    Suitable for outdoor applicationsDries quicker than raw linseed oil
    Enhances wood’s natural grain and colorGives wood a vibrant golden glow
    Drying and curing process can take days to weeksCan protect wood from scratches, scuffs, and daily wear
    Used as a penetrating finish for bare woodSuitable for humid or damp conditions
    Thin and runny consistency, easy to applyMore processed and modified version of raw linseed oil

    Can You Use Linseed Oil On Pine Outdoors?

    Yes, you can use linseed oil one pine outdoors including outdoor fences, outdoor floors, garden beds, decorations, and other outdoor furniture.

    Linseed oil prevents moisture and water from penetrating into the wood surface. This helps to protect pine outdoor furniture from water damage, rotting, and decaying.

    Plus, linseed oil prevents the mobility of individual pine wood fibers over humidity changes. This helps to keep pine wood from warping and losing shape.

    Please note that linseed oil does not have a waterproof finish. It just repels water and provides some sort of water resistance to outdoor furniture.

    Best Linseed oil products
    Best Linseed oil products

    Therefore, I highly recommend you apply a proper sealer like lacquer or varnish over linseed oil especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions since there’s a possibility of wood getting damaged due to moisture in extreme conditions even with the linseed oil protective coat.

    Plus, make sure to re-apply linseed oil on your pine outdoors at least once per year before the previous coat fades off to keep the furniture as fresh as new for a long.

    Keep the surface nice and clean with proper maintenance to avoid discoloration of the wood finish.

    If you’re interested in applying linseed oil on a Pine outdoor deck, here’s a comprehensive guide about How to Use Linseed Oil on Decks (EASY Guide!)

    Let’s see some benefits you’ll get by using linseed oil on pine wood.

    How to use Linseed oil on pine
    How to use Linseed oil on pine

    It’s time to see what the procedure looks like.

    Supplies You Will Need to Use Linseed Oil on Pine

    • Linseed oil (Raw or Boiled Linseed oil)
    • Mineral spirits
    • Abrasive finishing pads
    • Fine-grit sandpapers (120 grit, 220 grit, 320 grit, 400 grit)
    • Lint-free tack cloths
    • Bristle brush or sponge brush
    • Rags
    • Latex gloves
    • Facemask

    Make sure to purchase the above supplies from quality manufacturers because solvents like mineral spirits can go bad.

    Always use fresh products to get a quality output.

    How To Apply Linseed Oil On Pine?

    Applying linseed oil on pine is easy only if you follow the correct procedure.

    Usually, pine wood does not stain or finish well due to its density and super absorbent pockets, and randomly occurring figures that absorb stain and wood finish unevenly and make the surface blotchy.

    Therefore, follow the method correctly to apply linseed oil evenly on the pine wood surface. It is not hard!

    First, you need to select the right type of linseed oil before the application

    • Raw linseed oil is great for pine woods that contact with food. It doesn’t react or contaminate foods. Raw linseed oil is naturally non-toxic and food-safe.
    • Boiled linseed oil dries and cures faster since it contains wood thinners and artificial chemicals. It is better to get an excellent finish with quick and efficient drying.

    Here is the procedure of applying linseed oil on pine wood properly,

    1. Prepare the pine wood surface
    2. Thinning Linseed oil
    3. Apply the first coat of Linseed oil
    4. Let the coat dry well
    5. Light sanding
    6. Apply more coats
    7. Let the final coat dry and cure

    So, let’s discuss each of the above steps one by one to get a good understanding of applying linseed oil over pine.

    1. Prepare The Pine Wood Surface

    First, take your pine wood furniture of the woodwork to a well-ventilated area with good air circulation.

    Having good air circulation helps linseed oil to dry faster and it helps to remove the harsh smell of mineral spirits, sawdust, and other chemicals while you are finishing the wood.

    Wood finishing in a closed space is not recommended since there’s a high possibility of causing skin and eye irritations and allergies due to sawdust and chemical compounds.

    Then clean the pine wood surface well using a clean tack cloth to remove dust and debris from the wood.

    Having dust and dirt on the wood surface while finishing can cause lots of issues. Dust and dirt will stick with linseed oil and can cause to form a blotchy or splotchy surface with an unpleasant appearance.

    Therefore, cleaning the surface is a must before any finishing project.

    After cleaning the wood sand the entire pine wood surface with 120 grit or fine sandpaper to remove stains, dirt, and mold from the surface.

    Sanding eliminates surface randomness, and bumps and makes it nice and clean to take on linseed oil well with no blotches.

    Sand along the direction of the wood grain to prevent the wood from scratching and leaving marks.

    Producing sawdust can be removed using a tack cloth or with a proper dust collection pipe system.

    Now your pine wood surface is ready for finishing.

    Pine wood cupboard finished with Linseed oil
    Pine wood cupboard finished with Linseed oil

    2. Thinning The Linseed Oil

    Before applying linseed oil on pine wood directly, I suggest you thin the first coat of linseed oil with mineral spirit for better absorption and to improve the adhesion between linseed oil coats.

    Thinning linseed oil is not essential to gain a thin and even linseed oil finish.

    But when you’re finishing a wood like pine which has basic finishing properties, thinning is a must before the application.

    Thinning increases the absorption rate of linseed oil on pine.

    Only the first coat of linseed oil needs to be thinned.

    Open the fresh linseed oil can add enough linseed oil into a glass jar and mix with an equal amount of mineral spirit.

    Linseed oil to mineral spirit ratio should be 1:1. Then mix them slowly without letting form air bubbles trapped inside.

    Generally, only the first coat of Linseed oil is thinned with the mineral spirit or odorless thinner.

    Having good adhesion between coats makes the process easy.

    3. Apply The First Coat Of Linseed Oil

    Now apply the first coat of thinned linseed oil along the direction of the pine wood grain using the paintbrush.

    Applying along the wood grain helps for better absorption of linseed oil into the wood.

    Apply a thin coat of linseed oil to avoid forming blotches and streaks upon drying. Plus, thin coats of linseed oil dry and cure faster forming an even finish.

    After applying the first coat of linseed oil let it penetrate and sit there for 30 minutes.

    Then wipe the excess linseed oil on puddled areas using a clean tack cloth. Wiping excess is essential to avoid forming tacky surfaces.

    After absorption of some amount of linseed oil into the wood, the excess will stay on the surface to form the solidified linseed oil coat. this is the coat we required to protect the wood from weather elements.

    Thinned linseed oil dries and is cured faster than regular ones.

    Tip for using Linseed oil on pine
    Tip for using Linseed oil on pine

    4. Let The Coat Dry Well

    After applying the first coat of linseed oil on the pine wood surface, let it set for 30 minutes and remove the excess to get wet looking enhance appearance.

    After that let the linseed oil coat dry for 24 hours. Never apply another coat until the previous coat dries completely.

    I recommend you wait 48 hours before applying the second coat over pine wood since drying time can vary on the environmental humidity.

    Generally, linseed oil dries slower than other oil finishes.

    If you live in a wet climate, it’s better to wait as long as you can before applying another coat, since applying another coat over a wet surface can create a perpetually tacky surface that never dries.

    5. Light Sanding

    When the first coat of linseed oil dries completely, lightly sand the entire coat using super fine grit sandpaper. select 220-grit or finer-grit sandpaper for this job.

    Light sanding between coats helps to increase the adhesion between linseed oil coats. It basically helps the second coat to attach well to the first coat with no surface separation.

    Sand along the direction of the wood grain applying a little force on sandpaper or you can use abrasive pads to knock off dust nibs and gain a smoother finish.

    Abrasive pads don’t clog up like regular sandpapers.

    Tip for using Linseed oil on pine wood
    Tip for using Linseed oil on pine wood

    6. Apply More Linseed Oil Coats

    After a light sanding, clean and remove sawdust and other residue using a tack cloth. Then start applying the second coat of linseed oil.

    The second coat of linseed oil doesn’t need to thin like the first one.

    Apply a thin coat of linseed oil over the previous coat without missing any spots. This is the coat that contributes the most to forming the protective layer over pine wood.

    After applying the second coat let it dry for 24 hours.

    Do the light sanding when it dries completely.

    Repeat the same procedure for another coat and apply a maximum of 3 to 4 coats of linseed oil over pine wood to get the finish you want.

    Application time varies on the area you have to cover.

    7. Let The Final Coat Dry and Cure

    After applying the final coat of linseed oil on pine wood, let the surface dry for 48 hours and let it cure for 5 – 6 days.

    Boiled linseed oil dries and cures faster than raw linseed oil since it has thinners and chemicals inside that accelerate the drying time.

    Usually, boiled linseed oil takes 2 to 3 days to fully dry and cure.

    Raw linseed oil takes 5 to 6 days to fully dry and cure.

    But these drying times can vary upon climate changes and outside weather conditions.

    During the curing process, linseed oil stabilizes and solidifies into a protective coat that works as a barrier to the outside world.

    Water, moisture, or sunlight is unable to pass through this linseed oil barrier and it protects the wood from the outside world and insect attacks.

    Here’s the simplified process of applying linseed oil over pine.

    1. Wipe on
    2. Light sanding
    3. Wipe off
    4. Let it dry
    5. Scuff it
    6. Repeat
    Pine wood kitchen cabinet finished with Linseed oil
    Pine wood kitchen cabinet finished with Linseed oil

    Advantages Of Using Linseed Oil On Pine

    • Protect wood from water damage
    • Provide water resistance
    • Prevent wood from rotting and decaying
    • Enhance wood appearance
    • Prevent insect attacks
    • Protect wood from sunlight
    • Non-toxic
    • Food-safe (Raw linseed oil)
    • Environmentally friendly
    • Increase wood durability

    Now you know why woodworkers love linseed oil as a wood-finishing oil. But there’re some cons of using Linseed oil as well.

    So, that’s all folks! Now you know how to use linseed oil properly on pine wood without making any mistakes to get the protection and the look you want.

    How Many Coats Of Linseed Oil On Pine?

    Apply 3 coats of linseed oil on the pine to get a protective coat that helps the wood to get protected from weather elements.

    Apply thin coats of linseed oil for fast and efficient drying since linseed oil is known for slow drying.

    Thick coats of linseed oil and applying more than 4 coats of linseed oil cause o form a tacky surface that takes forever to dry.

    How Long Does Linseed Oil Last On Pine?

    Linseed oil lasts on pine indoors for a minimum of 2 years or more with proper maintenance. Linseed oil lasts a maximum of 2 years on pine outdoors.

    Apply linseed oil on the pine wood surface by removing the previous one at least once per year to keep the furniture as fresh as new for a long time with no defects.

    Linseed oil increases wood durability by keeping it away from the outside world. once the coat fades away, the moisture tends to penetrate the wood and cause the wood to warp and rot.

    What Is The Best Oil To Use On Pine?

    Here are some of the best oil finishes for pine wood,

    Does Linseed Oil Waterproof Wood?

    No, linseed oil doesn’t waterproof wood. It only repels water and gives a sort of water resistance to the wood.

    You need to apply a waterproofing sealer over linseed oil to waterproof the wood.

    Waterproofing is important before you place wood outdoors and in a wet environment like a kitchen or bathroom.

    Let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

    FAQs

    Is linseed oil a good choice for pine wood?

    Yes, linseed oil is an excellent choice for pine wood as it enhances the wood’s natural grain and color, and provides a protective layer against moisture and environmental damage.

    Can linseed oil be used on outdoor pine furniture?

    Yes, linseed oil, especially boiled linseed oil, is suitable for outdoor pine furniture due to its water-resistant properties and ability to protect against weathering.

    Does linseed oil change the color of pine wood?

    Linseed oil slightly darkens pine wood, enhancing its natural color and bringing out the wood’s grain.

    How often should linseed oil be reapplied to pine wood?

    Linseed oil should be reapplied to pine wood every one to two years, depending on exposure to environmental factors and usage.

    Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Linseed Oil On Pine

    In this article, I have deeply discussed, whether can you use linseed oil on pine, the benefits you’ll get by applying linseed oil over pine, and how to apply linseed oil on pine properly without making mistakes.

    Linseed oil is highly effective on pine wood, enhancing its grain and providing a protective layer against moisture. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, it requires about three coats for optimal effect. Boiled linseed oil dries faster and is more durable, whereas raw linseed oil is natural and eco-friendly.

    Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

    Hope you have gained good knowledge about using linseed oil on pine correctly.

    Try to apply linseed oil on pine and see why most people love to use linseed oil over other finishes so much.

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    Walter Parker is a woodworking enthusiast. He is passionate about woodworking projects & plays with woodworking tools having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Woodworking Planet. He wants to make people love woodworking! Read More About Him! Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.

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