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Frequently Asked Questions
What's in Petroleum
based acrylic and oil paint that I should be aware of?
Does Acrylic paint cause allergies?
Why is the paint industry so resistant to using
linseed oil paints?
Why have linseed oil paints earned such a bad
reputation in the last 50 years?
What is "boiled" linseed oil and linseed oil paint?
Can I paint with linseed oil paint on
unknown surfaces?
How can I most easily find out what type of paint
has been used previously?
Is it true that linseed oil paint does not
bind as well on planed panels?
Is it difficult to paint with linseed oil
paints?
Does it matter what kind of brush I use?
Will the linseed white paint yellow?
Can I paint an outdoor wall with linseed oil
paint directly in sunlight?
Is it true that linseed oil paints contain lead
white and are poisonous?
Will linseed oil paints be damaged by impurities
in the air and acid precipitation?
Many people would like to use linseed oil paints
both in and outdoors, but complain that the paint dries slowly.
What should I bear in mind?
Why does the surface of linseed oil paints
go matte?
When is the paint dry?
What is the most important aspect a homeowner
should think about before a painting project?
Can I paint Allback Linseed Oil Paints onto an
existing coat of modern paint?
Our house is painted in Lead paint. How does
Allback Linseed Oil Paint differ?
But I have heard lead paints had good
anti-fungicidal properties?
I have heard that some Linseed Oil Paints have
had problems with subsequent mold growth?
Does the type of wood affect the effectiveness
of Allback Linseed Oil Paints?
I am having new wooden windows made for my house,
is it worth painting them with Allback Linseed Oil and Allback Linseed Oil Paint?
Why is the Allback Linseed Oil Paint more cost effective?
How does Linseed Oil Paint compare to vinyl siding?
How does linseed oil paint work?
Does linseed oil paint fade over time?
How can linseed oil paint stick to surfaces
that have been treated with linseed oil?
Can you mix a color for me?
Can I use your paints if I am having new sealed, double-glazed
window installed?
Why should you apply raw linseed oil to wood prior
to painting?
Can I use raw linseed oil by itself on exterior wood?
What is Shellac made of?
What should I use to clean my paintbrushes?
What other uses do you have for Allback Linseed Oil Soap?
How often would I use Linseed Oil Wax on wood?
What is Luslack?
What makes Allback Linseed Oil Paint an environmentally
safe linseed oil paint?
What is VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)?
What are the drawbacks with linseed oil paint?
How to tint linseed Linseed Oil Putty/putty?
How does linseed oil paint fade in comparison to
Acrylic paint?
Why does wood decay so extensively on old buildings.
Is it the quality of the wood?
Why has the quality of wood changed and
what can we do about it today?
Does drying time have an impact on the performance
of linseed oil paint vs. modern acrylic paint?
How thick should I apply the boiled linseed oil?
What else is Linseed Oil Paint good for?
What's in Petroleum based acrylic and oil paint that I should be aware of?
Ingredients commonly used in petrochemical paint products
(Acrylic, Alkyd and Petroleum oil paint) you should be aware of include:
Endocrine disruptors (BPA) Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with our hormone system. These disruptions can cause cancer are are recently linked to obesity and diabetes. Learn More
Halomethanes (methylene chloride)
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with endocrine (or hormone system) in animals, including humans. These disruptions can cause cancerous..
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichloromethane
Chlorinated ethanes (1,1,1-trichloroethane)
Learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene (methylbenzene), ethylbenzene)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylbenzene
Chlorinated ethylenes (vinyl chloride)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinyl_chloride
Polynuclear aromatics (naphthalene)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphthalene
Chlorobenzenes (1,2-dichlorobenzene)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzene
Phthalate esters (di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate,
di-n-butyl phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl
phthalate
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate
Miscellaneous semi-volatile organics (isophorone)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isophorone
Heavy metals and their compounds (antimony, cadmium, hexavalent
chromium, lead, mercury)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimony
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexavalent_chromium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead
Preservatives (formaldehyde)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde
Ketones (methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketone
http://www.npi.gov.au/resource/methyl-isobutyl-ketone
Miscellaneous volatile organics (acrolein, acrylonitrile)
Learn More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrolein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile
Return to FAQ.
Does Acrylic paint
cause allergies?
Research
shows a strong link between asthma, various new allergies,
and other airway diseases.
Here is a new study conducted by a USA, Swedish, and German research
team completed in 2010.
Conclusion: take Acrylic paint and other material containing acrylic
seriously. It is very dangerous.
Why is the paint industry so resistant
to using linseed oil paints?
When modern paint manufacturers try to handle an organic, living
material like linseed oil according to the same production principles
used in producing cheap, chemical-based paints, the results are
disappointing. Over the last 50 years, the handful of paint companies
that have become dominant in the industry, instead, prefer to
push Alkyd and Acrylic, water-based (plastic) paints on consumers.
The industry has developed a very successful advertising and
marketing campaign behind chemical-based, plastic paint. Since
paint dealers today are usually brand-bound, they find it difficult
to market alternative products like organic Linseed Oil Paint. Until
homeowners become more educated about the danger of chemical based
paints and their very limited durability and demand organic, solvent
free paints, the market will not change.
Return to FAQ.
Why have linseed oil paints earned such a bad reputation in
the last 50 years?
Linseed oil paints have been used for several hundred years
and have an accumulated history that is greater than all other
families of paints put together. In the 1800's in Europe, linseed
oil paint fulfilled all requirements of technical properties,
drying time, storage properties, ease of maintenance, appearance,
economy, etc.
So why does linseed oil paint have a bad reputation? Many of
today's linseed oil products are made with large amounts of solvents
to keep them stable and retard mold and mildew. These paints are
now classified as harmful to health, the environment and should
therefore be avoided. In the USA, most states have now banned
paint products containing chemical VOC's. This does not apply
to Allback linseed oil paint. Unlike chemical-based linseed oil
paints, the Allback paint products are not prone to mold and mildew
because Allback linseed oil is "cleaned" organic linseed oil (cold
pressed from flax seeds). The Allback cleaning process makes the
addition of chemicals unnecessary.
Return to FAQ.
What is "boiled" linseed oil and linseed oil paint?
Linseed oil paint is a collective name for many different products
using linseed oil as a binding agent. Since the definition of
linseed oil and linseed oil paint is loose, it includes many different
kinds of products, creating much confusion for the consumer. Ironically,
with all of our modern technology, it is in the knowledge of traditional
methods that we find our best quality products.
Allback linseed oil and linseed oil paint is made from cold pressed
flax seed grown in a northern, colder climate. The product is
100% Organic. The cold pressed oil contains about 30% protein
that is removed in a cleaning process. The removal of the protein
is crucial for preventing mold and mildew. When the protein is
removed, the oil can be boiled and sterilized. This is contrary
to the linseed oil products available in most paint stores. These
products are NOT actually boiled even though they are labeled
"boiled". Linseed oil that has the protein cannot be boiled, it
is technically impossible (the oil will become explosive when
heated.)
If the linseed oil is not boiled and sterilized it does not dry.
Substantial amounts of chemical driers have to then be added to
these "unclean" linseed oil products. The Allback linseed oil
and paint is completely free from any chemical driers and dries
naturally within a few days. You can apply the linseed oil paint
every 24 hours at about 70 degrees ambient temperature. The longer
drying time is one of the reasons why linseed oil paint is so
durable and flexible after it is dry. It will not buckle or crack.
Linseed oil paint "moves" with the material it is painted on (wood,
for example, moves substantially during seasonal changes.)
Return to FAQ.
Can I paint with linseed oil paint on unknown surfaces?
Yes, good linseed oil paint adheres to all surfaces that are
clean and dry. Example: wood, iron, gutters, glass, and alkyd
and acrylic based paints in good condition. Linseed oil paint
is also excellent for undercoating your car to prevent rust.
Return to FAQ.
How can I most easily find out what type of paint has been
used previously?
Apply raw or "boiled" linseed oil onto the paint surface.
If the surface then regains its shine, pigment, and former strength,
it is probably some form of linseed oil paint. Doubt can arise
where the paint is a mixture of alkyd and linseed oil. Pure linseed
oil paint becomes matte after approximately 8-10 years, chalky
after approximately 15 years. After 20 years, linseed oil paint
cracks into small squares that stay fixed in place. Acrylic paint
fades within a short time and without any warning will peel and
crack allowing the penetration of moisture that will cause wood
to rot.
Return to FAQ.
Is it true that linseed oil paint does not bind as well on
planed panels?
No, our linseed oil paint binds very well on planed wood. There
are so-called linseed oil paints on the market that don't soak
into the wood and, just like plastic-based paints, stick like
tape on the surface. If the timber is very good, rich in resin,
and newly planed/milled, it can sometimes be difficult for the
linseed oil paint to penetrate into the surface with or without
the use of solvents. Extra oily surfaces need extra preparation
before painting, so that surplus resin is reduced. Leaving the
wood exposed for a year is the easiest method to ready the surface,
before the paint is applied. Natural resin-rich wood is not very
common in North America today and is not much of a concern. Most
wood available in the USA is extremely dry and readily soaks up
the linseed oil.
Return to FAQ.
Is it difficult to paint with linseed oil paints?
The Allback linseed oil paint is very easy to apply. No specific
priming is required, although a first coat of the cleaned, boiled,
linseed oil is recommended when the wood surface is very dry.
This will make the linseed oil paint dry evenly. We have a "one
can" paint system: you choose the shade and paint with the same
paint outdoors and indoors for all coats without any addition
of any solvents. This system means there are no leftover remains
of special primer or top coats. You apply thin coats with a stiff
natural paintbrush. Clean with linseed oil soap.
Return to FAQ.
Does it matter what kind of brush I use?
Yes, linseed oil paint requires a brush that has a certain amount
of stiffness which makes it possible to spread out the paint to
a thin coat. A synthetic brush with a soft top for water-based
paints and thin varnishes slips over the linseed oil paints like
a tire on a slippery surface. An old-fashioned hog's hair bristle
brush works best. These hand made paintbrushes work very well
and lasts a lifetime, if used properly. Clean the natural paintbrushes
with the linseed oil soap. Leave some soap in the bristles after
the brush is clean. For long term storage, store the brushes hanging
in purified raw linseed oil. Raw linseed oil will take a very long
time to dry and does not turn rancid.
Return to FAQ.
Will the linseed white paint yellow?
White linseed oil paint of poor quality can yellow considerably.
Linseed oil paint of good quality yellows very little and only
in the absence of daylight (like under a flowerpot.) The yellow
tint disappears if the patch is exposed to daylight. The phenomenon
is partly dependent on the quality of the linseed oil. The Allback
linseed oil paint is made from Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil (all
protein form the cold pressed linseed oil is removed before it
is made into paint) which has much less tendency to yellow.
Return to FAQ.
Can I paint an outdoor wall with linseed oil paint directly
in sunlight?
Yes, if the linseed oil paint is made for that purpose without
any need of solvents. The Allback linseed oil paint is not sensitive
to direct sunlight during application.
Return to FAQ.
Is it true that linseed oil paints contain lead white and are
poisonous?
The Allback linseed oil paint is a 100 % chemical and lead free
paint. Very old linseed oil paint often contains lead in the form
of white lead oxide (white lead). When removing lead-based paint,
extensive paint removal with sanders and grinders, etc. is hazardous
to your health and the environment. Use infrared heat technology
- The
Silent Paint Remover - for safe and effective lead paint removal.
Return to FAQ.
Will linseed oil paints be damaged by impurities in the air
and acid precipitation?
The technology used to manufacture linseed oil paint has greatly
improved since the old days - making it much more durable. A good
linseed oil paint can easily cope with today's environment. It
can also become self-cleaning through controlled chalking.
Return to FAQ.
Many people would like to use linseed oil paints both in and
outdoors, but complain that the paint dries slowly. What should
I bear in mind?
The slower drying time is the reason why linseed oil paint is
superior to any acrylic paint product available today. The linseed
oil paint's drying environment is affected by the quality of material,
manufacturing process, temperature, ventilation, daylight, humidity,
the absorption capacity of the surface and the thickness of the
paint layer. Applying a thin coat with a stiff natural brush is
very important because of these various circumstances. Most painters
and homeowners can paint one coat of linseed oil per day.
Return to FAQ.
Why does the surface of linseed oil paints go matte?
If the paint has too little linseed oil (binding agent) in relation
to pigment, it will look matte from the start. If you, in addition,
thin it with large amounts of solvents, it becomes even more matte
and causes the paint to chalk quickly, shortening the paint's
lifespan. Linseed oil paint's drying process (oxidation with the
oxygen in the air) goes on constantly and makes even gloss paint
matte in the end, but this takes many years. This is a positive
and clear signal to start planning maintenance. Clean and apply
a fresh coat of linseed oil or linseed oil wax and the shiny color
will return without any other effort. Achieve a quicker penetration
of the surface by heating the oil to approximately 80 degrees
before the application.
Return to FAQ.
When is the paint dry?
A surface painted with linseed oil paint, can on contact, appear
to be sticky and not dry on account of its high friction. To test
whether the surface is dry enough to paint and use, press your
thumb hard against the surface and twist. If the top paint layer
moves, it is not dry enough. Note: The greatest noticeable drying
takes place in the final stages (last third) of the drying process.
Return to FAQ.
What is the most important aspect a homeowner should think
about before a painting project?
Some good advice to house-owners! Knowledge - insight - self-reliance:
It is better not to do anything at all than to do the wrong thing.
First obtain the knowledge, insight and self-reliance to really
look into the problems, since those involved in the business today
do not always have the right knowledge about the care of buildings.
Paint penetration test: A simple way of testing whether the linseed
oil paint is water repellent and penetrating is to paint a 10"
circle on porous paper (floor protecting paper works well). Wait
until the paint has dried. If the paint has been expanding outside
the circle and soaked through the paper you have a good quality
linseed oil paint that will protect and nourish the wood for a
long time. You will find if you are doing the same test with acrylic
or alkyd paint that they will only stay on the surface without
any penetration at all.
Choice of tools: Learn from the past! Study craftsmen who successfully
make a living carrying out the jobs you want to do.
Return to FAQ.
Can I paint Allback Linseed Oil Paints onto an existing coat of
modern paint?
Yes, it will still perform, but will be subject to the fallibility
of the existing paint. It will therefore, not last as long if
the original paint has not been scraped off back to the bare wood.
You may also find that it takes longer to dry, as the linseed
oil will not soak through the modern paint into the wood as well.
Generally, the Allback Linseed Oil Paint will adhere to any surface
that is dry and clean.
Return to FAQ.
Our house is painted in Lead paint. How does Allback Linseed Oil Paint differ?
The main ingredients of Allback Linseed Oil Paints, apart from linseed
oil, are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These two constituents
are infinitely safer to use than lead. Lead paint's use is restricted
in the USA and many other countries. The Allback linseed oil paint
colors contain natural pigment that is completely resistant to fading.
The colors do dry out over time and may look faded but by adding
a coat of the Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil, paint luster and color
is restored.
Return to FAQ.
But I have heard lead paints had good anti-fungicidal properties?
True, but Hans Allbäck's traditional method of cleaning and
purifying the linseed oil of all proteins and impurities, has
given his paints similar anti-fungicidal properties. Our paint
also has added natural mold protection in the form of zinc oxide.
Return to FAQ.
I have heard that some Linseed Oil Paints have had problems with
subsequent mold growth?
Not Allback Linseed Oil Paints. The boiled linseed oil used to manufacture
the paints has been cleansed of all the proteins using a traditional
process. This leaves nothing for bacteria to feed on and accounts
for the remarkably light color of Allback linseed oil used in
the paint. You may have noticed that artists use the most expensive
linseed oils which are virtually clear in color. Many other brands
of linseed oils are darker brown and therefore contain impurities
and proteins that will cause mildew.
Return to FAQ.
Does the type of wood affect the effectiveness of Allback Linseed Oil Paints?
Good quality pine, preferably air dried and not kiln dried (which
unfortunately most wood is these days) is the best wood to paint
on. You can also paint on hardwoods such as oak and some of the
tropical hardwoods. Even though there is not a specific linseed
oil primer for the Allback linseed oil paint, old, dried out wood
requires a first coat of the Purified Organic Raw Linseed Oil.
This will make the paint soak in and dry more evenly. If the wood
is very dry ( lack any natural oil ) you may apply several coats
of the organic raw linseed oil as a base. The more linseed oil
you have inside the wood, the longer time can go by before maintenance
of the linseed oil paint. You can also add some pine tar to the
raw linseed oil as a base coat. Pine tar was used on the Viking
ships 1000 years ago. It is also an excellent natural wood preservative.
Always clean the surface with the linseed oil soap for best results.
Return to FAQ.
I am having new wooden windows made for my house, is it worth
painting them with Allback Linseed Oil and Allback Linseed Oil Paint?
Yes definitely. You will not have to go through the time and
expense of stripping any old paint off in the future. Just maintain
the paint on the window by applying the purified boiled linseed
oil or the Linseed Oil Wax every 5-10 years. Consider that a paint
job is 90 % labor. You quickly realize that the savings is exponential
over time. Using the linseed oil glazing will allow you to apply
the linseed oil paint right way without having to wait for the
glazing to dry. This is an amazing, instant time saver. Maintain
the restored sashes with warmed Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil or
the linseed oil wax.
Return to FAQ.
Why is the Allback Linseed Oil Paint more cost effective?
Using Linseed Oil Paint really translates into a substantial cost
savings over time. When comparing the cost between Linseed Oil Paint
and conventional paint you must first consider that you never
have to remove the linseed oil paint and that it never peels.
On top of this, the linseed oil will never trap any moisture that
can cause the wood to rot. The cost of paint is a small portion
of a paint job. The labor cost is the overwhelming part of any
restoration job. Eliminating the process of replacing defective
wood and repainting is a gigantic cost savings over time.
Maintenance of Linseed Oil Painted surfaces is easy and inexpensive.
We recommend a coat of warmed Allback boiled linseed oil or the
linseed oil wax after 5-10 years. The next treatment would be
after the next 5-8 years: a single coat of the cleaned boiled
linseed oil with a few ounces of the paint color you are using
mixed in is far less expensive than any other paint systems available
today.
Return to FAQ.
How does Linseed Oil Paint compare to vinyl siding?
100 years ago, most of today's issues with paint failure did
not exist. Paint failure was unheard of. The Allback Linseed Oil Paint
will last for 50 years or more if you maintain the surface with
the cleaned and sterilized linseed oil or Linseed Oil Wax every 5-10
years. Best of all, using the old fashion Linseed Oil Paint instead
of vinyl siding will maintain the original appearance of your
old house and retain optimal property value.
Vinyl siding has had the perception of being maintenance free.
This is an illusion that has been created by the plastic siding
industry for years. There are various detrimental effects that
may occur from installing vinyl siding. Before an installation,
consider this information:
- Vinyl is not a porous material compared to wood and will ultimately
trap moisture behind the vinyl surface. Trapped moisture behind
the vinyl surface will attract insects and will rot the wood in
your walls.
- An even more serious issue is the dioxin and plasticizer used
in the production of vinyl siding. These chemicals are some of
the most dangerous chemicals to living organisms. -In case of
a fire, you have large amounts of dangerous chemicals emitted
into the air while it burns. If you get close to a burning house
with vinyl siding, do not inhale any of the smoke.
- The environmental impact from vinyl siding is immense. Dioxin
will leave the vinyl siding and end up in the ground around your
house, threatening ground water, plants and ultimately your own
health.
- Additional insulation is often included when installing vinyl
siding. In many situations, the insulation is lined with an aluminum
foil; this does not allow moisture to escape. This is a very serious
issue for a house that is not able to breath. You can find a multitude
of problems in these houses.
- Plasticizer is the chemical substance that makes vinyl bendable.
Over time this will also escape from the vinyl. This will result
in a very brittle exterior siding. Vinyl is not maintenance free
and has a relatively short life span.
Return to FAQ.
How does linseed oil paint work?
The linseed oil in the paint gradually oxidizes with the air.
After five to ten years it fades, hence why we encourage the application
of a layer of warmed, cleaned, boiled linseed oil. The capillary
effect of the linseed oil in the paint will continuously penetrate
into the wood and prevent moisture from entering. This will maintain
the wood perfectly.
Return to FAQ.
Does linseed oil paint fade over time?
Yes, over the years it becomes 'chalky' and softer in color,
but it is still protecting the wood. It can be reinvigorated with
a simple coat of warmed, cleaned, boiled linseed oil, which brings
back the vitality of original pigment.
Return to FAQ.
How can linseed oil paint stick to surfaces that have been treated
with linseed oil?
Both materials contain linseed oil so they blend together.
Return to FAQ.
Can you mix a color for me?
Initially we would recommend that you have a go at mixing a
color yourself, using the shades we supply, as it is possible
to achieve an infinite array of colors. Use the artists color
wheel available in an artist paint store or on the web. Stain:
By adding the linseed oil colored paint to the cleaned boiled
linseed oil you can achieve a stain that will allow you to still
see the wood grain. 5oz sample jars are available in all colors.
Linseed oil paint: Any Allback Linseed oil paint colors can be
mixed to create a desired shade. If you are mixing the colors,
make sure you measure the color volume as exactly as possible.
The Allback Linseed Oil Paint contains 50% pigment and is very potent.
Start with small amounts and increase if you need more color.
You can also use commercial pigment available designed for oil
paints. 28. Can I mix color pigment into the Allback Linus interior
paint. You can NOT mix the Linseed oil paint into the Linus interior
paint but you can find acrylic based pigments on the market designed
for water based paint that will work.
Return to FAQ.
Can I use your paints if I am having new sealed, double-glazed
window installed?
Yes, but it is not recommended because the linseed oil can destroy
the silicone seal in the double glass. It can be done, but it
is tricky. There is a way of sealing the glazing grooves with
shellac, preventing the oil from getting into the seals. This
is the only situation we have come across where a modern product
is not completely compatible with linseed oil. It is proven by
Hans Allback that an old window with sufficient airspace between
the outside glass and the interior glass, can achieve as high
an insulation rating as any new double glass window made today.
This makes it unnecessary to replace the old glass. Simply remove
all paint and install proper weather stripping. Sound insulation
can be achieved by using a thicker glass in the storm glass or
in the window sash preventing the sound waves from entering through
the glass. This simple trick to reduce sound has been well known
for sometime and proven in the window
test done by Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden.
Return to FAQ.
Why should you apply raw linseed oil to wood prior to painting?
If you are treating Victorian or older windows, they have been
'dead' since the house was built. The wood has effectively been
drying out for over 100 years. Therefore, it is not surprising
the good that linseed oil does to the wood. Essentially, it's
the same principle as applying moisturizing cream to your skin.
A very dried out window will benefit highly from some raw linseed
oil heated into the wood. This is an excellent base for the paint.
If you want to paint right away, please use the cleaned, boiled
linseed oil. The boiled or the raw linseed oil will never turn
rancid like regular linseed oil you purchase in a paint store.
Return to FAQ.
Can I use raw linseed oil by itself on exterior wood?
Yes, the best way to apply it is with heat: this changes its
texture from being oily, to being watery thereby increasing its
penetration into wood. It works very well on fences, gates, wooden
barns, and is preferable to other wood preservatives.
Return to FAQ.
What is Shellac made of?
It is made from denatured alcohol and shellac flakes. Shellac
is made from the resin produced by the Lac beetle. The denatured
alcohol dissolves the shellac into a useable liquid. By mixing
the shellac flakes with the denatured alcohol, you can decide
the viscosity yourself. Most of the shellac you purchase in a
store contains chemicals and is quite thin in consistency.
Return to FAQ.
What should I use to clean my paintbrushes?
Hans Allbäck developed Linseed Oil Soap specifically to clean
brushes of linseed oil paint in a much more healthy way than using
the more commonly used mineral spirits, which is a dangerous solvent
that can enter the body directly through the skin, and into the
blood stream.
Instructions: Take some Linseed Oil Soap in your hand and work it
into the bristles, you will see the pigment lift from the brush.
Rinse under warm water and repeat until clean. When the brush
is clean, you can pour some more Linseed Oil Soap into the bristles
and leave it there. The brush will stay pliable and it will nourish
the bristles for a long time. If you follow this regimen, a good
quality paintbrush, will last for a lifetime.
Return to FAQ.
What other uses do you have for Allback Linseed Oil Soap?
It can be used as a household soap for hand washing, for cleaning
wooden surfaces like worktops, floors and outside tables. It is
also good for cleaning your car, cleaning the oven and one test
showed it being great to remove the dirt along the waterline of
a boat! Pour a few ounces of straight soap onto the surface and
then add a few drops of water to activate the soap. Scrub with
a stiff bristle brush. Rinse with water.
Return to FAQ.
How often would I use Linseed Oil Wax on wood?
It varies greatly depending on the dryness of the wood. When
you start using the Linseed Oil Wax you will notice that it will dry
out relatively fast. This is because the wood is dry and it needs
nourishment. After the surface reaches saturation, waxing may
be done once a year on an interior surface. If you want to find
out if the surface needs more wax, apply a few drops of water.
If the water forms beads, you should be okay. If it sinks into
the wood, you can be sure the wood needs a good coat of Linseed Oil Wax. You may start with a coat of warmed, cleaned, boiled linseed
oil on dry wood as a base. Let it dry and then use the wax.
Return to FAQ.
What is Luslack?
Luslack is traditional Scandinavian filler that comes in two
parts, chalk dust and a liquid. These are mixed together to form
either a stiff paste, or, almost a paint, depending on desired
consistency, which is then used to fill small cracks in old wood
during repairs. After application, it is left to dry, then rubbed
down to leave a surface that is extremely smooth. This is then
painted over to create a very smooth and professional finish.
Return to FAQ.
What makes Allback Linseed Oil Paint an environmentally safe linseed
oil paint?
You may be shocked to learn that all these chemicals are unnecessary
if you simply clean the linseed oil before producing the paint.
Good quality linseed oil comes from a northern climate and contains
30% protein or more, depending on where the flax seed has been
harvested. The protein causes impurities which lead to mildew
and mold.. Conventional paint manufacturers use large amounts
of pesticides and herbicides to offset mildew issues. No company
(other than Allback) cleans the linseed oil in paint 100%. The
Allback organic Linseed Oil Paint products utilize only 100% cleaned
and sterilized linseed oil, directly from the flax farms in Sweden.
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What is VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)?
Low VOC is not No VOC. It is important to understand what VOC
is. VOC is the evaporating solvent in paint, added to speed paint
drying and to increase paint volume. Basically, all conventional
paint contains solvents, unless it is 100% linseed oil based and
has a dry weight of 100%. 100% dry weight means that nothing evaporates
from the paint after you open the can. If the dry weight is anything
less than 100% you can bet it contains some form of solvent.
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What are the drawbacks with linseed oil paint?
Not many. Some people may think that the colors are muted; however,
this is an advantage... It is not desirable to choose bright sharp
colors due to the fact that bright colors do not maintain their
color for a very long time. The linseed oil paint consists of
traditional colors that are proven to last for 50, maybe 100 years
when properly maintained.
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How to tint linseed Linseed Oil Putty/putty?
Tinting the glazing is something quite popular in England because
a clear coat is frequently used. To tint the glazing you can simply
add a small amount of the Allback linseed oil paint into the glazing.
You can also use a commercially available pigment designed for
oil paint from your artist paint store.
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How does linseed oil paint fade in comparison to Acrylic paint?
Linseed oil paint will actually never fade. natural pigments are
used in linseed oil paint. The Linseed Oil Paint will dry out over
time and may look faded. This is because wood will absorb the
oil into the grain leaving the pigment to dry out. This is very
easily and inexpensively corrected by applying the cleaned boiled
linseed oil or the linseed oil wax every 5-10 years. Acrylic paint
fades within a short time and without any forewarning will peel
and crack allowing penetration of moisture that will cause wood
to rot. Once the acrylic paint fades, you must apply a new fresh
coat of paint, adding to the numbers of layers on the surface.
Each new layer of acrylic paint will speed up the paint failure
process.
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Why does wood decay so extensively on old buildings. Is it the
quality of the wood?
Decaying wood is almost never a result of inferior quality wood.
It is a direct result of what type of paint that was used. Acrylic
paint has the tendency to trap moisture under the paint layers.
After the acrylic paint stops being flexible and not able to move
with the surface during seasonal changes, it starts to crack and
peel. Linseed oil paint will stay flexible over time and will
not trap moisture.
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Why has the quality of wood changed and what can we do about
it today?
By looking at the history of the milling industry, we can understand
why wood quality has declined. High sap and oil content in timber
generates a high quality wood - naturally. However, when the milling
industry became industrialized, sap-saturated wood clogged dust
shoots and dulled saw blades quickly. To remedy these problems,
the industry began harvesting timber in the spring and summer
(instead of winter) when the sap content is diluted to low levels.
When sap levels are low, the naturally occurring oil levels in
cured woods is absent. As a result of the new harvesting procedures,
wood quality declined.
Chemical paint companies welcomed this change because it was
much easier to produce a paint inexpensively when the wood surface
is dry and without any natural oil. As a result, the use of poor
quality chemical paint proliferated and has now created a paint
failure epidemic in the USA.
By returning to the ancient use of Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil and linseed
oil paint, it is possible to create long lasting wood - even out
of today's "low quality" timber. Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil simulates
the natural oil missing in today's timber, provides superior protection
and eliminates paint failure. This is the reason purified linseed
oil was used for hundreds of years.
The ancient European method of producing purified boiled linseed
oil and linseed oil paint from cold pressed flax seed was revived
by Allback Paint in Sweden in 1980 and this superior alternative
to environmentally dangerous, chemical-based paint is - once again
- being generated from renewable, sustainable and organically
produced products. Recently, the farming community in Scandinavia
has been encouraged to end farming of sugar beets due to European
Community (EU) legislation, making more farming capacity available
for flax farming and farmers in southern Sweden are producing
substantial volume of oil flax for paint production and preservatives.
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Does drying time have an impact on the performance of linseed
oil paint vs. modern acrylic paint?
There are buildings in North America and Europe that have been
known to have linseed oil on the exterior from 300 years ago.
They are still intact today because of the linseed oil's ability
to prevent water from soaking into the wood surface. Because the
organic, cleaned, linseed oil is very close to the natural oil
in wood, the linseed oil has an exceptional ability to preserve
wood over a very long time. Cleaned, boiled linseed oil will never
mix with water and will never trap water making paint failure
impossible. Linseed oil is far superior to acrylic paint when
it comes to preserving wood over a very long time.
Linseed Oil Paint does not cure nearly as fast or hard as conventional
petroleum-based oil paint or acrylic paint. A longer drying time
allows the Linseed Oil Paint to penetrate into the substrate avoiding
any moisture from getting trapped. Linseed Oil Paint is an integrated
part of the wood. The Linseed Oil Paint stays flexible and moves with
the seasonal changes of the wood. It also does not build up on
the outside of the wood surface. Linseed oil paint is inexpensively
maintained by applying the Purified Organic Boiled Linseed Oil or the linseed
oil wax every 5-10 years. You will not experience cracking and
peeling paint (paint failure). The savings is exponential over
time.
Fast drying modern acrylic paint will ultimately loose its flexibility
and adhesion on the surface within a few years. Acrylic paint
also very often traps moisture in the wood resulting in rot. Paint
failure can be seen widely in America today and it is getting
worse.
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How thick should I apply the boiled linseed oil? I keep applying
the oil & the wood keeps absorbing it.
When the wood continuously absorbs the oil, this is a clear
sign that the wood is extremely dry and needs oil. Apply oil until
the wood is saturated. If you can heat the surface (the Silent
Paint Remover works well). Raw linseed oil heated into the wood
will preserve the wood very well. Use the boiled linseed oil if
you want to paint with the linseed oil paint right away.
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What else is Linseed Oil Paint good for?
Linseed Oil Paint is also excellent for rust proofing anything from
steel, house hardware to automobiles. No need to prime nails on
exterior siding when using linseed oil paint. You should be able
to do all your clean-up without having to use any chemical solvents.
Linseed Oil Soap can be used to clean everything from paint cans to
brushes and rollers after you have painted with the Linseed Oil Paint.
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