Why Choose Linseed Paint (Plus FAQs)
4 Reasons To Choose Linseed Paint
Over the last several years, linseed paint has become the go-to choice for our restoration and reproduction work. We think it’s the best option for old houses. Here’s a handful of reasons why, as well as some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from clients:
Nearly a thousand years of use
Linseed oil paint has been in use since the 12th century, and was only overtaken in the mid 1900s because manufacturers were sitting on mountains of petroleum byproducts after WWII, and the DIY movement wanted a paint with easy clean up and faster dry times. But in terms of long-term testing and world wide track record, linseed paint is the clear winner.
In the wood, not on it
The strategy for success with modern exterior acrylic (aka latex) paints–which are for all intents and purposes, plastic–is to encapsulate the surface of the wood. But even if it starts out as a perfect paint job, time always takes a toll. When water eventually finds its way behind the paint it becomes trapped under the plastic coating, and this encapsulation strategy becomes the mode of failure. Unlike acrylic paint, linseed paint penetrates the surface of the wood. Linseed oil is naturally hydrophobic, which means it repels water. But since the oil doesn’t form a watertight surface layer like acrylic paints, any water that does seep into the wood is able to dry again by wicking to the surface.
No more scraping…ever.
Old houses require maintenance, and anybody who says different is trying to sell you a lie. “Zero maintenance” just means disposable. But the problem with modern paints is that they can’t really be maintained. All you can do with acrylic paint is keep adding layers until eventually you have to remove all the paint and start over again. Linseed paint, on the other hand, can be maintained over the years in one of two ways: by wiping the painted surface with oil, or reactivating the surface with a fresh coat of the same paint.
Environmentally friendly
Swiss-based Environmental Action found that 58% of all microplastics in the ocean are from paint, making it the largest single source of microplastic pollution. Reducing our plastic usage and eliminating flakes of failed paint in our environment is an easy choice. What’s more, linseed paint is all-natural–made from flax seed and earth pigments–and ultra low VOC.
FAQs:
Q: How many coats are needed?
A: Linseed oil paint is a three-coat system, just like modern acrylic paint, except that all three coats come from the same can–no separate primer needed. Instead, the first coat of paint is thinned to enhance surface penetration, then two more coats are applied with dry time between coats.
Q: Is it more expensive?
A: A can of linseed paint costs more than the same sized can of acrylic paint, but since the coverage for linseed paint is far greater the cost difference becomes a wash.
Q: How is it maintained?
A: Over time, linseed paint will go from shiny to matte in appearance. How long this takes depends completely on the environment and sun exposure, but we tell clients to expect it within a year or two of application. Despite this matte appearance the wood is still protected, however, if a renewal of that original sheen is desired the surface can be wiped with linseed oil or recoated with a thin layer of paint (the best option for shades of white).
Q: Are different sheens available?
A: No. Linseed oil paint is the original “matte” finish that many acrylic paint makers attempt to replicate. Although it will have a semi gloss sheen when freshly painted, as the linseed paint ages it begins to look more chalky and dull.
Q: Will it grow mold?
A: This is a common myth about linseed paint that stems from one popular brand not including mildewcides in their formulation. We only use linseed paint that contains pigments with natural mildewcide properties. It is still possible for environmental conditions (very low sunlight, improper drainage, etc) to lead to mold growth on surfaces coated with linseed paint, but no more than with any other paint in the same conditions.
Q: Can it be applied over existing painted surfaces?
A: Linseed paint sticks to just about any surface, including old alkyd or acrylic paints. However, to properly protect wood the linseed paint needs to penetrate the cells, so we typically recommend scraping away old paint prior to the application of linseed paint.
Q: What’s the downside of linseed paint?
A: The “cons” of using linseed paint are the longer dry time (typically 24 hours between coats, in season), and the need for more frequent, although easy, maintenance.