There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands, especially when it comes to building beds that are not only functional but also a testament to your skill and creativity. But what happens when you realize that the finish you’ve lovingly applied is not quite what you expected? This is the conundrum faced by many a woodworker when they discover that the boiled linseed oil they’ve used is not food safe. Cue the collective facepalm and the gnawing question: to strip or not to strip?
Understand what linseed oil is and why it’s a popular choice for wood finishing.
Linseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is a traditional wood finish that has been used for centuries. It’s known for its ability to penetrate deep into the wood, providing protection and bringing out the wood’s natural beauty. There are two main types of linseed oil used in woodworking: raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil. Raw linseed oil is just that—linseed oil in its purest form, without any additives. It’s a slow-drying oil that can take weeks or even months to fully cure. On the other hand, boiled linseed oil, as our forum members have pointed out, is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not actually boiled; instead, manufacturers add dryers to speed up the curing process. These dryers often contain metallic compounds, which are the culprits that render the oil not food safe.
Safety concerns with boiled linseed oil: Be cautious.
As B BillWhite and bondogaposis have mentioned, the primary safety issue with linseed oil—boiled or raw—has to do with the risk of spontaneous combustion when rags soaked in the oil are improperly disposed of. This is because as linseed oil cures, it generates heat. If that heat can’t escape, as in a wadded-up rag, it can build up to the point of igniting the rag. The solution? Spread those rags out to dry. Once they’re dry, they’re no longer a hazard. This is a crucial bit of advice for anyone working with linseed oil, and it’s something that can’t be stressed enough.
What about the beds you’ve already finished with boiled linseed oil?
Here’s where the opinions of our woodworking community diverge. Some, like kelvancra, suggest that once the oil is on the project, there’s no problem as long as you wipe off the excess to avoid any unsightly wrinkles. Others, like wildwoodbybrianjohns, advocate for the use of cold-pressed raw flaxseed oil, which has a long history of use in Scandinavia as a wood treatment and is considered a high-quality, food-safe option. Then there’s the question of whether to remove the boiled linseed oil finish. Treebane, the original poster, is torn between digging out, unscrewing, and sanding off the coatings or just leaving it as is. It’s a tough decision, and one that many woodworkers face at some point in their journey.
The choice to remove or keep the linseed oil finish depends on a few key factors.
There’s the matter of food safety. If the beds are going to be used in a context where they’ll come into contact with food, or if you’re particularly concerned about the presence of non-food safe compounds in your living space, removing the finish might be the best course of action. On the other hand, if the beds are purely decorative or the risk of food contact is minimal, you might decide that the effort of stripping the finish isn’t worth it. It’s also worth considering the alternatives to boiled linseed oil. As jdh122 points out, there are other finishing oils available, like tung oil, which can provide a different aesthetic and potentially more protection without the food safety concerns.
Make sure to consider the pros and cons before deciding.
If you do opt to remove the linseed oil finish, be prepared for a bit of elbow grease. It’ll involve sanding down the wood to remove the oil, which can be a time-consuming and messy process. But for some, the peace of mind that comes with knowing their finish is food safe is worth the effort. If you decide to keep the finish, remember to take the necessary precautions when disposing of any linseed oil-soaked materials to prevent any fire hazards. And whatever you choose, take it as a learning experience. Woodworking is as much about the journey as it is about the final product, and each project brings its own set of challenges and lessons to be learned.
Now that we’ve got a handle on the ins and outs of linseed oil, let’s wade into the great debate: should you remove a linseed oil finish or keep it? This is the question that keeps many a woodworker up at night, pondering over their workbench with a furrowed brow. It’s a decision that’s not just about aesthetics or tradition, but also about practicality and safety. So, let’s break it down and see if we can’t find some clarity in this sticky situation.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: food safety.
If your beds are going to be in close quarters with food, or if you’re just not comfortable with the idea of having non-food safe finishes in your living space, then stripping the linseed oil might be the way to go. It’s a tough pill to swallow, considering all the hard work you’ve put into applying that finish, but safety first, right? On the flip side, if your beds are more for show than for dough (as in bread dough, get it?), then maybe you can live with the finish as is. After all, not every piece of woodwork needs to double as a cutting board.
If you decide to go down this road, you’re in for a bit of a workout. Stripping a linseed oil finish means sanding down the wood, which can be a laborious and dusty affair. But hey, think of it as an opportunity to get in touch with your wood on a whole new level. You’ll be up close and personal with every grain and knot, and when you’re done, you’ll have a fresh canvas to work with. Plus, there’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your finish is as safe as it is beautiful.
What if you decide to keep the linseed oil finish? Well, then it’s all about maintenance and safety. Remember to dispose of those linseed oil-soaked rags properly. Spread them out to dry, and once they’re dry, they’re as harmless as a pile of leaves in autumn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at making your own linseed oil finish? As some of our woodworking compatriots have shared, you can boil raw linseed or flax oil and mix it with beeswax for a natural, food-safe finish. Just be sure to do it outside, unless you want to give your indoor frying a run for its money.
Touch on a few alternatives to boiled linseed oil.
Tung oil, for instance, is a popular choice among woodworkers looking for a less yellow, more lustrous finish. It’s also considered a bit more protective, which is always a plus. And if you’re worried about those pesky chemical dryers, you can opt for heat-treated linseed oil with no additives. It might not have the same sheen as tung oil, but it’s a solid choice for a more matte finish.
As we wrap up this discussion, it’s important to remember that woodworking is an art form, and like any art, it’s subjective. What works for one woodworker might not work for another, and that’s okay. Whether you choose to strip your linseed oil finish or keep it, the most important thing is that you’re happy with the end result. After all, you’re the one who has to live with it, admire it, and maybe even brag about it a little.
The great debate over linseed oil finishes is one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s a personal choice, influenced by factors like food safety, aesthetics, and the amount of elbow grease you’re willing to invest. Whatever you decide, take pride in your decision and your work. Woodworking is a journey, and every project, every finish, is a step along the path. Embrace the challenges, learn from the lessons, and above all, keep creating. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: creating something you love, something that’s uniquely yours. And whether it’s coated in linseed oil or not, that’s something to be super proud of.
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Topic: Finishing with linseed oil – the details?
