OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil for wood: traditional wood finishing from our Heritage Collection
“New Old School” - a nearly forgotten classic, reimagined. In the past, boiled linseed oil was a standard coating for wooden surfaces and building components - indoors and outdoors. In 2015, we revived the traditional formulation, carefully refined it, and had it tested for contact with food.
Today, »OLI NATURA boiled linseed oil« stands for one of the most traditional ways to protect wood naturally. It penetrates deeply, cures within the wood, and forms a durable, water- and dirt-repellent finish. The surface remains breathable, does not crack or peel, and can easily be maintained and recoated as needed.
Which wood surfaces is OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil suitable for?
The transparent boiled linseed oil is suitable for the natural initial treatment of absorbent wood surfaces indoors and outdoors. It protects cutting boards, end grain, kitchen wood, turned woodwork, bowls, and knife handles, as well as wooden toys, birdhouses and beehives, windows, and doors. The boiled linseed oil is solvent-free, suitable for children's toys, and LFGB-tested and suitable for wood surfaces that come into contact with food.
How does OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil affect wood?
OLI NATURA boiled linseed oil is transparent and unpigmented, but it enhances the wood: the color and grain visibly gain depth, making the wood look more vibrant, warmer, and richer. Particularly light wood species develop a natural honey tone. As the color effect depends on the wood species and base tone, we recommend testing it first in an inconspicuous area.
How is OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil used?
Apply the boiled linseed oil thinly and evenly with a cotton cloth or brush. After the absorption time, carefully remove any excess oil and repeat the application once it has dried sufficiently. Two to three coats are usually enough.
What distinguishes the traditional formulation?
Our purity standard for boiled linseed oil: pure, cold-pressed linseed oil, gently boiled and with only as much drying agent as necessary. It accelerates and evens out curing. We deliberately avoid any further additives and solvents.
Tests and properties of OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil
Tested in accordance with the LFGB for contact with food
Meets the requirements of DIN EN 71-3 (safety of toys)
Meets the requirements of DIN 53160 (resistance to saliva and perspiration)
Free of cobalt and oximes
Free of formaldehyde, aromatics, biocides, and preservatives
Preparation
Sand the wood surface carefully. The surface must be dry, clean, and free of grease, silicone, and sanding dust. Stir or shake the boiled linseed oil thoroughly before use. Do not apply to exterior wood below +15 °C, in damp weather, or in direct sunlight.
Application
Apply the boiled linseed oil thinly and evenly with a brush or cotton cloth. After approx. 30 minutes, completely remove excess oil with a cotton or oil-absorbent cloth. The surface should then feel dry to the touch and no longer have a wet sheen.
After 16–24 hours, another coat can be applied without intermediate sanding. Usually, 2–3 coats are sufficient; 3 coats are recommended for exterior applications.
Tip
Wet, glossy areas indicate excess oil. Remove it promptly, as it may otherwise dry slowly, remain sticky, or cause variations in gloss.
Coverage
2–3 coats
Depending on the absorbency of the wood, approx. 60–80 g/m² per coat
(approx. 12–17 m²/l)
End grain may absorb significantly more oil.
Drying
Depending on the temperature and humidity, dust-dry after approx. 1–2 hours. Additional coats can be applied after 16–24 hours. Fully cured after approx. 21 days. Handle with care and protect from water during this time.
Storage
Unopened in the original container, shelf life is approx. 36 months.
Cleaning tools
Clean with OLI-NATURA brush cleaner or oil thinner.
Application note
After use, do not leave oil-soaked cloths, pads, or sponges crumpled due to the risk of spontaneous combustion; store them under water or leave them to dry spread out.
Properly caring for and cleaning wood treated with boiled linseed oil
Good wood care does not have to be complicated. A little attention, little water and occasional fresh oil are enough to keep wood treated with boiled linseed oil looking beautiful and protected for a long time. The key is to remove dirt promptly and re-oil before the surface becomes dry, dull or rough.
Clean gently instead of scrubbing vigorously
A soft cotton cloth is usually sufficient for everyday cleaning. If needed, wipe the surface with lukewarm water until just damp. For heavier soiling, we recommend OLI NATURA® wood soap: add 5–10 ml to one litre of lukewarm water, wring out the cloth thoroughly and then allow the oiled wood to dry completely.
Wipe up spilled liquids immediately whenever possible. Standing moisture, hot water, aggressive household cleaners and abrasive products can leach or damage the surface. Microfibre cloths are also less suitable for oiled wood, as they can remove oil over time.
Cutting boards prefer cleaning that is brief and thorough
Clean cutting boards after every use with warm water, a soft sponge and a little mild dishwashing liquid. Clean them especially thoroughly after contact with raw meat, poultry, fish or eggs.
Briefly wipe both sides with a damp cloth, dry with a cotton cloth and leave the board standing upright to dry completely. Do not soak it or put it in the dishwasher - prolonged moisture and heat can cause the wood to swell, warp or crack.
Freshly oiled wood needs a little patience
Boiled linseed oil hardens by absorbing oxygen from the air. Good ventilation supports this natural process. During the full curing period of around 21 days, treat the surface gently, protect it from prolonged exposure to moisture and do not use aggressive cleaners.
When the wood gets thirsty again
If the wood looks pale, dull or dry, it is time to refresh it. Reduced water resistance is also a clear sign: if the surface darkens noticeably when it comes into contact with water, it should be re-oiled.
To do this, clean the wood thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Lightly sand rough areas if necessary. Then apply OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil thinly and evenly. After 15–30 minutes, remove all excess oil with an absorbent cotton cloth. This restores the wood's rich colour and water-repellent protection.
Outdoors, sooner is better than later
Sun, rain and changing temperatures put particular strain on oiled wood outdoors. Therefore, inspect the surface regularly. If the wood loses colour depth, looks dry or shows the first grey areas, it should be cleaned and, once completely dry, thinly re-oiled. Timely re-oiling maintains the protection and saves you from costly renovation work later.
The product is not subject to labeling. The mixture is not classified as hazardous within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. It does not need to be labeled with GHS hazard pictograms or signal words and is not classified as dangerous goods.
Safety precaution:
P102 Keep out of reach of children.
NOTICE REGARDING THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION:
Rags/pads soaked in oil can spontaneously combust due to heat buildup! Therefore, clean them immediately after use or store them under water. P102 Keep out of reach of children.
What is the difference between linseed oil and boiled linseed oil?
Both cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. Raw linseed oil takes comparatively long to do so. Boiled linseed oil is pre-oxidized and mixed with a small amount of drying agent. This allows it to cure faster and more evenly. This is how linseed oil becomes boiled linseed oil.
How is boiled linseed oil made?
Linseed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the flax plant, carefully purified, and then gently heated. During this process, a small amount of manganese drying agent is incorporated.
Which drying agent is added?
For reliable drying, OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil contains only 0.4% of a cobalt-free manganese drying agent. It supports the natural curing of the linseed oil and ensures faster and more even drying. In accordance with the CLP Regulation, the finished product is not classified as hazardous.
Is OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil suitable for wood that comes into contact with food?
Yes. OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil has been tested by an independent German testing laboratory in accordance with the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB) and is suitable for wooden surfaces that come into contact with food once fully cured - for example, cutting boards, kitchen wood, and cooking utensils.
Can I use boiled linseed oil as cooking oil?
No. OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil is not cooking oil. It was developed for treating wooden surfaces. Once fully cured, it is suitable for wooden surfaces that come into contact with food; however, the product itself is not intended for consumption.
Does boiled linseed oil change the color of the wood?
Yes. Boiled linseed oil is transparent and unpigmented, but it enhances the wood: the color and grain become more pronounced, and the wood appears warmer and richer. Particularly light-colored woods develop a natural honey tone. The extent of the color enhancement depends on the wood's base tone and absorbency. It is therefore recommended to test the product in an inconspicuous area.
What should I bear in mind when applying it?
Apply the boiled linseed oil thinly and evenly with a cotton cloth or brush. After approximately 15-30 minutes, completely remove any excess oil with an absorbent, lint-free cotton cloth. Otherwise, sticky areas, variations in sheen, and significantly longer drying times may occur. Depending on the wood's absorbency, two to three coats are usually sufficient.
Can oil-soaked cloths and pads spontaneously combust?
Yes. Boiled linseed oil is a drying oil and cures by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat. On a wooden surface, the heat can dissipate; in crumpled cloths, pads, or sponges, however, it can build up and cause spontaneous combustion. The product itself is not self-igniting.
Therefore, never leave oil-soaked work materials crumpled up. After use, store them under water or spread them out individually and flat in a safe place and allow them to dry completely. Then dispose of them in accordance with local regulations. Never put oil-soaked materials in a tumble dryer.
How long does boiled linseed oil take to dry?
Depending on the temperature and humidity, the treated surface is dust-dry after approximately 1–2 hours and can be recoated after 16–24 hours. It is fully cured after around 21 days.
Drying occurs through the absorption of oxygen from the air. Good ventilation and suitable temperatures promote curing; cold, high humidity, and insufficient air circulation delay it. Applying too thick a coat or failing to completely remove excess product can also result in sticky areas and significantly longer drying times.
What does boiled linseed oil smell like while drying?
The characteristic odor develops during the natural curing of boiled linseed oil. How it develops and is perceived also depends on the type of wood. As curing progresses, the odor gradually fades.
Can I make half oil from boiled linseed oil?
Yes. Mixing OLI NATURA® boiled linseed oil and OLI NATURA® oil thinner in a 1:1 ratio produces what is known as half oil. It is more fluid, can be applied more easily and evenly, and is traditionally used to prime absorbent wooden surfaces before subsequent oil coatings.
If the boiled linseed oil is to be applied undiluted, it can alternatively be carefully heated in a water bath to approximately 40 °C. This also makes it more fluid and easier to work into the surface. Do not heat it directly or over an open flame.
How do I clean brushes and work tools?
Clean brushes and work tools immediately after use with OLI NATURA® brush cleaner, OLI NATURA® oil thinner, or a suitable cleaner based on mineral spirits.
Any questions? - We’re happy to help!
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