Frequently asked questions about products
What surfaces can be painted with linseed paint?
You can paint almost any surface; untreated and repaired wood as well as MDF boards. You can also paint pressure-treated wood that has been drying outdoors for at least one year.
If you want to paint old plaster and concrete with linseed paint, this is also possible. New plaster and concrete can be painted after approx. 6-8 weeks when the surface pH is neutral. You can also use linseed paints on plaster, eternit, tiles, glass and metal. You can also paint carefully sanded and washed surfaces that are painted with alkyd paint, acrylic plastic paint, silicate paint, lime milk and lime.
Do not paint surfaces with linseed paint that contain silicone or wax. Avoid painting surfaces with a moisture content greater than 15 percent.
What is the difference between cold pressed raw and cold pressed boiled linseed oil?
Raw linseed oil penetrates/impregnates extremely deeply and dries slowly. It is usually used as a primer/undercoat in exterior applications.
Boiled linseed oil dries faster and penetrates the surface well, but not as deeply as raw linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil is used as a binder in linseed paints.
The most common linseed oil on the market is hot-pressed linseed oil, raw/cooked. Hot-pressed oil is of lower quality and is not recommended for use with our paints. Unless it is clearly stated on the packaging that the oil is cold-pressed, it is hot-pressed linseed oil.
Which oil should be used for maintenance?
Boiled linseed oil: To regain the shine and color of faded linseed paint on the exterior, boiled linseed oil is the most suitable as it dries quickly and coats the surface. Apply a thin layer of oil and dry with a cloth. For the untreated surface, you can add resinous turpentine to make the oil thinner.
Le Tonkinois Bio Impression: this oil is suitable for outdoor furniture where you want a harder and more durable surface.
Crude linseed oil: For heavily dried wood with dry cracks, we recommend raw linseed oil as it penetrates deeply and strengthens the wood, or maybe it's just time to repaint.
Is it true that linseed paint dries slowly?
Compared to artificial paints, linseed paint dries more slowly.
The paint dries fastest outdoors in summer. Indoors in winter, it takes a little longer. Drying time ranges from 12 to 36 hours.
Why does the painted surface look uneven?
This is not a cause for concern. This is due to uneven penetration into the surface. This is a common effect after a second coat on new wood. If the primers were not dry enough unevenness may appear after the final coat. Unevenness can also be caused by uneven paint application.
Tip: Let the paint dry well and apply one more coat. Some unevenness will disappear on its own over time.
Why is the painted surface wrinkled?
The formation of grooves (wrinkles) on the surface after it has been painted is a sign that the paint has been applied in too thick a layer. Creases often occur in profiled elements where more paint can easily accumulate. Cold paint, being denser, increases the risk of painting the surface too thickly.
Does linseed paint have to contain solvents?
No, linseed paint usually does not contain solvents.
Is linseed paint poisonous?
No, linseed paint is not harmful to health.
How do I clean my brushes/tools?
You can leave the brushes in raw linseed oil while you work. Wipe them dry before repainting. Soap dissolves linseed paint. The brushes can be washed in concentrated linseed soap, which also treats the bristles.
Note! Soak oil-saturated pieces of paper and cloth thoroughly in water before they are spoiled.
Can the paint catch fire?
No, but flammable material like paper, cloth, etc soaked in linseed oil can catch fire. It is important to always soak them thoroughly in water before they are recycled as combustible waste.
How should I clean surfaces painted with linseed paint?
Use only water or a mild detergent. Soap is not recommended as it also dissolves the dried paint. You can also use Fulgentin cleaner and polish, which dissolves dirt and grease without damaging the painted surface.
How do I make matt linseed paint? Should I just mix the paint with resin turpentine?
No, resinous turpentine does not tarnish. For painting indoors, we have a ready-made matt linseed paint.
Is it necessary to treat the knots on the wood before applying linseed paint?
Shellac is an alcohol-soluble secretion of Asian worms. In painting terminology, it is often referred to as knot varnish and is used to seal knots and resin flakes on wood indoors before it is painted. If shellac is not used, the resin can seep or run over the painted surface and cause discolouration in the form of dark stains. Shellac impregnation is primarily used on pine wood surfaces. For spruce wood, the risk of resin bleeding is less. Shellac is applied in relatively large quantities in one or two coats and can then be repainted after just half an hour. If the resin does not seep through the paint after painting, the shellac can be reapplied to the painted surface. Shellac can also be used to insulate highly absorbent mastic.
On what materials can linseed paints be applied?
The substrates, which can be different types of wood, plaster, gypsum or metal, must be dry, with a moisture content below 15%, and have a neutral pH. Painting directly onto paper or textiles is not recommended as the oxidation process as the linseed oil dries can cause the material to become brittle. Strip their surface first using an adhesive (adhesive) or dispersion paint. Silicone and waxed surfaces cannot be painted.
What is the adhesion of linseed paints to painted surfaces?
Linseed oil has fantastic adhesive properties and generally adheres to all types of surfaces. From our experience, we know that linseed paint adheres well even to surfaces that have been previously painted with other types of paint.
How to apply linseed paints correctly?
Linseed paints should always be applied in thin coats. The paint does not flow on its own, it must be well spread with a brush. The paint should also be applied in even coats. If you apply the paint unevenly, you will notice that it will gradually build up, this will show in the difference in gloss. On a flat surface (e.g. mounting boards, metal, smooth plaster) the paint can be applied with a paint roller. In general, different methods and tools can be used when painting with linseed paints (it is possible), but on condition that thin continuous coats are applied.
What is the correct working temperature?
he paint does not contain water and is therefore frost-resistant. The first coat can be applied even at sub-zero temperatures, if the substrate is dry and the paint is stored at room temperature. The optimum temperature for painting is 15 - 25 0C.
Is there a fire hazard when working with linseed paints?
Rags soaked in linseed oil may spontaneously burst into flame. After use, soak the rags in water and store in a bin with a lid.
Is it true that a linseed paint is more expensive than other paints?
If you calculate the price per square metre rather than per litre, you will be surprised how cheap linseed paints really are. Compared to other paints, one litre of linseed paint will cover 2-3 times the surface area.
Is the surface painted with linseed paints glossy?
After three coats, the coating has a high gloss, which will gradually dull and after about 3-4 months it will take on its final semi-matt gloss appearance (gloss range 30 - 40). When painting indoors, the high gloss is often visible immediately after the last coat is applied, but after just one week the surface will be (visibly) duller.
How about the yellowing of linseed oil?
Linseed oil turns yellow in a dark environment and fades in the light. This means that it does not yellow at all outdoors, and it yellows minimally indoors, in rooms with daylight. Intense yellowing occurs in rooms without access to daylight. This yellowing process is reversible, i. e. if the yellowed surface is exposed to light in a dark environment, it will regain its original shade and the yellowing will disappear.
How to achieve a uniform appearance of the colored surface painted with linseed paints?
Streaks may appear when the linseed oil does not soak into the base evenly, resulting in the paint shade appearing darker in some places. If absorbed unevenly, a mottled surface may result. Particularly when painting indoors, we are more demanding to achieve an even appearance of the painted area. It is here that mottling can stand out to some extent as a problem when applying the first and second coats. This problem is most apparent when applying grey shades. Those areas where there is more intense paint absorption should be treated before the last coat is applied so that the substrate has uniform absorption properties. Observe the required drying times and apply the paint evenly. Spots may also form on the painted surface as a result of excessive dew formation. Avoid painting during humid autumn evenings.
How long can I store linseed paint?
The storage of linseed paints can last indefinitely as long as the paint does not come into contact with oxygen. If you store the paint in an already opened container, cover the surface of the paint with a plastic bag and carefully seal the container with a lid to prevent air access. Paint is best stored in a cool place and can withstand frost. If stored for long periods of time, the colour pigments can settle to the bottom, so it is important to mix the paint well before reusing it.
Do linseed paints need to be thinned?
With some exceptions (see paint samples), our paints do not contain any solvents. In cases where solvent thinning is necessary, we recommend using balsamic turpentine when painting outdoors. It is a 100% vegetable turpentine obtained by distilling the resin of coniferous trees. Turpentine has the ability to carry oxygen, making the drying process easier. When painting indoors, we recommend using Skonsam thinners as an alternative to turpentine. Skonsam thinners are non-aromatic kerosene, which is ten times below the legal limit. Solvents are technical aids that make painting easier. Many customers use our paints and achieve good results even without diluting them with solvents. See our instructions for use.
Can mould infect the painted surface?
Infestation of the painted painted surface by mould or algae is uncommon, but may occur outdoors, usually in the form of small black dots (earthy in nature). These are essentially just aesthetic changes to the surface and do not affect the function of the paint. If the infestation is significant and problematic, wash the surface with a disinfectant soap, but a dishwashing liquid will also work. The reason for the spread of mould (or algae) may be that the wood has already been infested with them. External sources are difficult to trace, but could be old dry grass, for example. Infestations vary locally and the extent can change from year to year. We do not add any fungicides to our paints, but all our linseed paints contain zinc oxide, which is known to have a long-lasting protective effect on painted areas.
How long does linseed paint take to dry?
Oxidation of the paint starts when linseed oil comes into contact with oxygen from the air. Light and heat accelerate this process. In general, linseed paints dry in 1 - 5 days, depending on the outdoor conditions. Painted surfaces dry best outdoors in the summer months. When painting indoors during the winter months, it is recommended that you add 10 ml of drying agent ( siccative) per 1 litre of paint. In an unheated dark cellar the paint dries very slowly. The cold slows down the oxidation process.
Are linseed paints or the pigments in them harmful to the environment?
Traditionally, inorganic pigments such as mineral (clay) pigments, iron oxides and other metal compounds are used in linseed paints. In recent years, environmental legislation has banned the use of cadmium, chromium and lead in building materials. Previously, they were commonly used in the production of rich colours. Modern research has developed new inorganic pigments that are environmentally friendly and we use them.
The brush strokes are too visible on the surface. How can I avoid this
The key to a smooth finish is to use a high quality brush. We recommend brush type 12050 from Gnesta Penseln. You can also add 5 to 10 percent linseed varnish, boiled linseed oil, linseed oil thickened by sunlight or Ottosson oil varnish.
Is "oil paint" and linseed paint the same thing?
No. "Oil paints" contain synthetic alkyd oils and need solvents. Linseed paints can be applied without solvents.
Can I paint with linseed paint regardless of the cold and wet weather?
The paint is not sensitive to frost and can be used in cold weather. The optimum temperature for painting is 15-25 degrees. It is more important to apply the paint on a dry surface with a moisture level of less than 15 percent.
Is the colour suitable for conservation areas?
All our shades contain traditional inorganic pigments identical to those used in the past. It is therefore more than likely that they will also be accepted by the regulatory authorities. In Slovakia by the Monuments Office and in the Czech Republic by the Monuments Institute. A number of implementations using our paints have been carried out in such areas, on National Cultural Monuments and UNESCO sites. So feel free to choose any shade to match it with the others and submit it to the relevant authorities. If you are interested, we can offer you stratigraphic research, monument or restoration research as a service. See: www.obnova.eu/sluzby
Can your paints be applied over older paints or do they need to be removed?
Our paints can be applied to virtually any suitably treated surface except wax and silicone. Also for other coatings such as varnishes, synthetic coatings, dispersion coatings, acrylic coatings or stains. However, it is optimal to paint on clean untreated wood. In the case of application to an older coating, properties such as adhesion to the substrate - adhesion and vapour permeability, or other inherited from the coating to which you apply it, may be. See tutorials and videos on this topic.
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