Beautiful linseed Oil Paints
Linseed Oil Paints are produced from nature. The ingredients are eco-friendly natural ingredients. What we here in the UK call 'Linseed Oil', is extracted from seeds of the FLax plant; (pictured right, in flower). This is the very same plant which also allows us to create linen from the fibres of the plant itself.
Traditionally pure Turpentine; a liquid obtained from the distillation of resin removed from beneath the barks of living pine trees (pictured right), (predominantly found in southern hemisphere countries,) was used as the Solvent, but the extraction and purifying processes followed by the shipping costs started to become very time consuming and very costly, so a petroleum based 'turpentine substitute', originally for cleaning brushes and equipment; known today as 'white spirit', arrived back in the late 70's/early 80's in the UK; for some time there were 'sandwich board' signs stood outside, on the footpaths, of hardware shops stating: 'turps subs sold here!'.
Now 'turps subs' (white spirit) is commonly used as the Solvent in most bought linseed oil paints today.
Linseed oil based paints provide sustainable and long-lasting paint systems suitable for both interior and exterior painting projects, on a multitude of various substrates icluding timbers and metals found in buildings, as well as furniture restoration projects &Decorative effects.
Application of Linseed Oil Paints
Over the years we've lost count of the number of times we've heard: "but gloss always runs!"
Fact: Any liquid paint will run and sag if it's not applied correctly.
Another one is: linseed oil paint 'yellows'
Fact: It doesn't 'yellow' on external joinery such as fascias and barge boards where there's more direct natural light.
To quote an old derogatory phrase: "if you can p!ss you can paint" but the truth is that only a skilled person with a good understanding of chemistry & physics can paint correctly.
Drying of Linseed Oil Paints
It's very important that Linseed Oil Paints are allowed to dry fully for between 12-14hrs before overcoating.
The paint goes through a 3 stage drying process: 1. evaporation of the Solvent, 2. oxidisation (the surface is air dried.) 3. All of the remaining constituents; pigment, driers, Linseed Oil etc go through the final stage known as Polymerisation.
If another coat is applied too soon, the Solvent content in the new coat will infiltrate the science at work in the partially dry coat and will result in you having to strip the whole lot back off, and start again from scratch.
Why Choose Linseed Oil Paints
Choosing Linseed Oil Paints for your painting projects not only ensures a beautiful and long-lasting finish but also contributes to a sustainable future.
Linseed Oil Paints systems provide a moisture vapour permeable finish which remains flexible when dry meaning that the dried coatings expand and contract with the substrate, helping reduce the risk of rot and decay in timber which these days is more often attributed to the non-moisture vapour permeability characteristics of many of today's acrylic polymer based water bourne paints.
As with lime, we can help by specifying the right paints for given tasks
Our guidebook will also be available to buy very soon!
The benefits of Linseed Oil Paints
Linseed Oil Paints are known for their exceptional quality and durability.
However, there is a system which must be adhered to, and we explain in detail in our book; simply painting a coat of gloss won't achieve anything worthwhile or long lasting.
However, when applied correctly they will provide superior coverage and a smooth finish, enhancing the overall look of any surface.
These paints are also environmentally friendly; made from natural ingredients that are safe for both your home and the planet.