In this article, we will detail how to remove linseed oil from wood, including all the steps and tools involved. But first things first.
Linseed Oil and Wood
Many may see this post heading and want to avoid linseed oil. Well, no. Linseed is a very useful agent in preserving wood and is even used to make the best gun stock oil finish. You can use linseed oil or tung oil to restore an old finish without stripping it.
The problem is when you’ve messed up and would like to get the linseed oil off. At times, linseed oil forms a solid layer that won’t go away.
Scratching it with force will deface your wood project, and painting over it may not be a viable idea. Regardless, you still have to remove the linseed oil from the wood.
How to Remove Linseed Oil from Wood – Woodworkers Guide
We understand that there are several different situations where linseed oil may be a nuisance to wood, and we have provided a way of removing linseed oil in each case. (Also, find how to use linseed oil on wood for effective techniques.)
How to Remove Boiled Linseed Oil From Wood Furniture
Tools you need
- Acetone
- Rag
- Protective gear (gloves and goggles)
- Steel wool
- Brush
Quick Steps for Removing Boiled Linseed Oil
Step 1: Clean the Wood
Clean the wood with a damp rag. After proper cleaning, allow the wood to air dry completely. You don’t want to work on damp wood. Ensure the rag is damp and not dripping wet.
Step 2: Heat Water to Boil
Place water over a heat source and bring to boil. Then, gently add your acetone to a cap and place it on the surface of the boiling water. Don’t place acetone direct over the flame for two main reasons.
One, acetone is very flammable, and any mistake will spell disaster. Another reason is, acetone is quite volatile, and you may lose half of it if you place it over the heat source direct.
Step 3: Have Your Protective Gear On
Ensure your protective gear is on, and then brush acetone on the affected areas of the wood, keeping it wet. Apply little pressure as you brush.
Step 4: Scrub
Using steel wool, scrub on the affected parts to remove as much oil as possible. You can stop at intervals and allow the wood to dry to confirm that the linseed oil is gone from the wood.
See Also: How to Remove Stain From Wood Floor
How to Remove Excess Linseed Oil From Wood
Tools You Need
- Rag
- Chemical solvent (Turpentine)
- Protective gear (gloves and goggles)
- Warm soapy water
Quick Steps for Removing Linseed Oil From Wood
Step 1: Clean the Wood
Clean the wood with a damp rag. After cleaning, allow for thorough drying of the wood in the air.
Step 2: Mix Turpentine
Add a little quantity of turpentine on a clean cloth and rub over the affected surface. The rubbing should be in a circular motion till the linseed oil starts to dissolve.
Step 3: Let the Turpentine Soak
Now, you wait. Let the turpentine sit for about 15 minutes, but you may leave it for up to 20 minutes for heavily stained wood.
Step 4: Wash off the Surface
Using another clean cloth, wash off the wood surface with warm soapy water. Clear the wood of any remnant linseed oil by scrubbing with a rag.
Step 5: Rinse
Rinse the wood with warm water and let it dry in the air. This is a critical step when using toxic chemicals, like turpentine, to limit contact with human skin. If there is still some linseed oil after the wood is dry, repeat the rubbing process.
Related: How to remove paint from wood furniture without harsh chemicals
Also Read: How to Remove Ink From Wood
How to Remove Dried Linseed Oil From Wood
At times, all you need is a good ol’ thorough sanding. This method is particularly known in cleaning wood very sensitive to chemicals.
However, linseed oil sand cleaning should only be done when you are sure the wood can take it.
Don’t rub the sandpaper on sensitive and delicate wood. You may get the oil quite all right, but you likely will get more than the oil. And, trust us, that’s bad.
Tools You Need to Remove Sticky Linseed oil
- Medium-grit and fine-grit sandpaper
- Rag
- Protective gear (goggles and mask)
Quick Steps to Remove Sticky Oil Patches
Step 1: Clean
Clean the surface of the wood with a rag to remove dust.
Step 2: Sand
Using the medium-grit sandpaper, sand along the wood grain. The goal of sanding is to remove the wood layer stained with dry sticky linseed oil. So, sanding should be quite thorough.
Step 3: Wipe the Surface
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Here, you should see the linseed oil stain in the wood particles. You should also observe for remaining linseed oil stains. Allow the wood to dry in the air.
Step 4: Resand
To the dry wood surface, sand along the wood grain again, but this time using fine-grit sandpaper. The aim is to remove remnant linseed oil without removing another layer of wood with the medium-grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Clean and Leave to Dry
Clean the wooden surface with a damp cloth and let it air-dry. Repeat the fine-grit sandpapering if there are still oil remnants.
Step 6: Confirm the Final Finish
When the wood is clean and ready, confirm that it is level and even by feeling with your hands. The final wood should be clean and even.
Interesting Post: Solutions for Cleaning Black Urine Stains Off Hardwood Flooring
How to Remove Linseed Oil From Wood Floors
Materials and Tools
Before embarking on this transformative and fun task, you should have the following:
- Goggles
- Mask
- Gloves
- Cotton rags (old cotton T-shirts can do the job)
- Chemical solvents (Turpentine)
- Hot water and detergent
How to Remove Linseed Oil from Wood Floors (Step-By-Step Guide)
Step 1: Put on Your Safety Gear.
This step is crucial to your safety while you take on the task. The goggles and the mask protect your eyes and nose from dust and chemical vapors. The gloves will shield your hands from chemicals and unforeseen minor hand injuries.
Step 2: Wipe the Floor with a Damp Cloth.
Wipe out any dirt from the surface. Allow it a few minutes to completely air dry. Ensure the room is well ventilated, especially if you are working on a wooden floor that is indoors.
Step 3: Apply turpentine.
Using a dry rag, apply a generous amount of turpentine. Rub it in in circular motions for a few minutes. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This will allow the turpentine to penetrate and dissolve the oil on the wood.
Step 4: Clean Out the Residue.
Wash the floor using hot water and detergent. Afterward, wipe off any excess water and leave it to air dry before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Inspect the Floor.
As soon as your wooden floor is dry, inspect the wood to see how much of the linseed oil you could remove. Remember to stay hydrated and keep that energy going.
Step 6: Repeat the Process in Steps 3, 4, and 5
Now that you know the areas of the wooden floor that need more work, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 altogether. Notice that this step is not necessary if you are satisfied with the results of the first round. And, remember to use a fresh rag each time.
Step 7: Inspect the Wooden Floor One More Time
The floor should be even and brighter in the shade at this stage. If not, repeat the previous steps until you are content with the results.
Step 8: Clean Out Your Working Area.
Dispose of the rags used with turpentine and residue from the cleaning process. Check how to dispose of linseed oil rags.
Is linseed oil sand cleaning good for tools?
No, linseed oil is not good for cleaning. Linseed oil sand cleaning can do more harm than good when it comes to how you clean your tools! It’s important that you find out the risks. If done incorrectly, linseed oil sand cleaning has negative effects on your tools and yourself.
Interesting Read: How to Get Watermark Out of Unfinished Wood
How does linseed oil sand cleaning process work for wood?
The linseed oil sand cleaning method is a fun and easy way to remove dirt and grime from outdoor wood furniture. Using linseed oil for deck, fine silica sand, linoleum drop cloths and an electric drill with paint mixer attachment to create the linseed oil solution that will clean your deck or patio without using any chemicals.
Interesting: How to Get Marker off Wood
FAQs
Will Mineral Spirits Remove Linseed Oil?
Yes, mineral spirits can remove tung oil or linseed oil. Mineral spirits are chemical substances formed from a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic petroleum-based compounds.
Does Acetone Remove Linseed Oil?
Acetone and lacquer thinner are fine for removing linseed oil from the wood. It’s used as an organic solvent, meaning it will dissolve oils, including linseed.
How Long Does Linseed Oil Last on Woods?
Linseed oil dries within days if it’s boiled and within 2-10 weeks if it’s raw. The stains generally last for very long and may get darker with time.
Will Linseed Oil Darken or Stain Wood?
Linseed oil, in itself, isn’t a dye. Nonetheless, applying them to woods tends to darken the wood. Unlike most other finishes, linseed oil darkens in the absence of light.
Can You Put Polyurethane Over Linseed Oil?
Yes, but you can only apply a coat of polyurethane over linseed oil after the wood has been sealed with either an oil or wax sealant such as boiled linseed oil or carnauba wax.
Can I Sand off Boiled Linseed Oil?
Yes, you can sand off boiled linseed oil. But sanding is ideally on dry surfaces, so the boiled linseed oil has to be dry first before sanding.
Can a Paint Stripper Remove Oil From Wooden Surfaces?
Paint stripper is a good alternative for oil-based paint if you don’t want to go the natural way. A caustic stripper has high pH levels, so you`ll need to neutralize the surface to bring it to a pH level of 7.
Get Linseed Oil off Wood
There you have it – how to remove linseed oil from wood. There are several ways, but we have picked the best to use in several different situations. Care should always be taken when handling chemicals, mineral spirit, lacquer thinner, and toxic solvents.
What next? Check out our article on Linseed oil versus Danish oil to better understand the differences and choose the right finish for your woodworking projects.