Mixing linseed oil and turpentine is perfectly okay. The mixture is used to revive old wood. Wood can last hundreds of years. However, it can only do so with proper care. Remember that wood is like any material. If it’s exposed to various elements, it will degrade. If your wood at home is degrading, don’t throw it yet. Instead, use linseed oil and turpentine to give your wood a few more decades to live.
Why Wood Degrades?
Wood has many enemies. Sunlight is one. The UV rays from the sun break down its fibers. When you continue to expose it to the sun, the wood starts to turn grey. You may apply paint to liven it. Unfortunately, the coating won’t do anything good to wood that has been greyed because of the sun’s effects. The best solution for this is to apply linseed oil and turpentine. However, before you do it, sand the wood first using sandpaper. Sanding is important to loosen any fibers that still linger. It will also remove any dirt that sticks to the wood. Furthermore, it opens up the wood’s pores so the oil adheres to it well. Once you’re done sanding, wipe it off.
Prepare a 50/50 Solution: Linseed and Turpentine
You need 50% of linseed oil and 50% turpentine. Mix them well before applying to the wood. Use a clean, unused paintbrush. Some people like using a cotton rag, instead of a brush. It doesn’t matter, though. The most important thing here is that you apply a good amount of the mixture to the surface. Linseed oil penetrates the wood quickly. But to get the best results, you can dry it for 48 hours. The longer you dry it, the better the result will be. Applying a second coat after drying the wood isn’t necessary.
Should You Apply Paint?
You may apply paint and primer. When you choose to apply an oil-based primer, it will give the wood and the linseed oil an excellent bond. Linseed oil isn’t just used as a pre-treatment. Rather, you can use it as a finish. You won’t achieve a durable finish like varnish when you opt for this oil. However, if you add sufficient coats, you can get a protective finish.
Pine Tar and Linseed Oil
Another way to revive old wood is to use pine tar. This treatment is a viscous liquid that you can easily apply to the wood. But you need to dilute it. Just like mixing with gum turpentine, you will need 50% of linseed oil and 50% pine tar to get a perfect mix. Before applying this mixture, you must clean the wood and dry it thoroughly. Any moisture in the wood will affect the result. You can get better results if you apply this treatment during the summer. In this season, it’s easy to dry the wood before applying the treatment.
Preserving the Wood
These solutions are effective in reviving and preserving the beauty of any wood. If you want to purchase pure linseed oil and turpentine, please give us a call at (818) 308-8430 or you may email us at info@pinetarworld.com.