Boiled Linseed Oil On Cedar Siding

Overall the siding is in remarkably good shape for being 18 years old.

Boiled linseed oil on cedar siding.

Boiled linseed oil is not boiled. We purchased a cedar sided home last oct found out the previous owner used a 50 50 mix of linseed oil turpentine on the siding. It is a great oil treatment for woods leaving a smooth touch on the surface. One of the earliest protections for cedar was oil.

The raw one does not dry. Old timers would soak their cedar with boiled linseed oil to afford some measure of protection. The applications were inconsistent as there are areas that have a heavy dried on film others that are dried wood. Linseed oil soaks into the grain creating a moisture resistant barrier that will not crack over time like paint will thus preventing moisture from getting underneath the product and causing decay of the wood.

Blo is often mixed with other finishes and was once one of the main ingredients in most paints. Some desire a little more protection than a sealer or preservative can supply yet want to retain the natural look and character of the wood. The opinion on the use of oils on cedar is divided. This was much lighter toned when newer but over time has gotten darker with multiple coats of linseed oil over the years.

How to revive old wood. The difference is that the boiled linseed oil is the only one that dries. This makes it a better product for preserving tool handles decks and furniture. With linseed oil though it is the addition of certain solvents that causes linseed oil to dry more quickly acting as if it were boiled.

It revitalizes old dried wood and gives it a new life. The actual boiling of some oils changes their drying characteristics true. Extreme caution must be used using linseed oil. Sanding also helps open.

Keep in mind applying boiled linseed oil straight out of the can to your cedar siding can and will darken over time. And so for a siding sealing material for an exterior finish you use boiled linseed oil. Using something like 120 grit sandpaper make sure there isn t any dirt or loose wood fibers lingering.