Blo is often mixed with other finishes and was once one of the main ingredients in most paints.
Boiled linseed oil on cedar siding.
The opinion on the use of oils on cedar is divided.
It is a great oil treatment for woods leaving a smooth touch on the surface.
Extreme caution must be used using linseed oil.
The difference is that the boiled linseed oil is the only one that dries.
Boiled linseed oil blo is a common item in my shop and in a lot of woodworker s shops.
And so for a siding sealing material for an exterior finish you use boiled linseed oil.
The applications were inconsistent as there are areas that have a heavy dried on film others that are dried wood.
How to revive old wood.
The actual boiling of some oils changes their drying characteristics true.
Old timers would soak their cedar with boiled linseed oil to afford some measure of protection.
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.
This makes it a better product for preserving tool handles decks and furniture.
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.
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.
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.
One of the earliest protections for cedar was oil.
This was much lighter toned when newer but over time has gotten darker with multiple coats of linseed oil over the years.
Boiled linseed oil is not boiled.
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.
Overall the siding is in remarkably good shape for being 18 years old.
When would you ever want it to not dry.
The raw one does not dry.