Painting with linseed oil paint – step by step

Linseed oil paint is a classic, durable paint with a beautiful sheen for both outdoor and indoor use. It penetrates the substrate, protects the wood deeply, and is diffusion-open: the wood can breathe and regulate moisture naturally. It is a paint with historical roots and a proven method, and it is as ingenious as it is simple in its composition: linseed oil to protect and bind, natural pigments for the beautiful color. On older houses, linseed oil paint is one of the most traditional and commonly used types of paint.

At Ovolin, we mix linseed oil paint for facades and windows by hand without tinting machines or chemical pastes, according to both NCS and the Swedish National Heritage Board’s system. This ensures the color lasts better over time. We mix paint from Engwall o. Claesson and also have several of our own color series such as Skogsgrön, Ovolinocker, Pelargongrön, and Bergsmansblå. Additionally, we sell Ottossons and Gysinge.

All colors are gathered in our linseed oil paint range.

What you need

A brush with stiff bristles is the best tool for linseed oil paint. An oval or round brush made of genuine hog bristle works excellently. If you want an extra smooth surface, you can smooth it out afterward with a moddlare.

For thinning, we recommend boiled linseed oil indoors. Outdoors, you can thin with low-aromatic white spirit or turpentine (solvents).

Before you start

Always stir the paint thoroughly. If a skin has formed on the surface: remove the skin first and then stir. Never stir the skin into the paint, as it causes flakes in the finished result.

If painting indoors and you want to avoid knot bleed-through, shellac the knots before you start (shellac).

Painting indoors

Thin the first coat with boiled linseed oil so that the paint is easy to spread and can penetrate the substrate. If you need to thin more, do so as needed, but always keep the layer thin.

Always apply thin layers. This is the most important thing with linseed oil paint. If you apply too thickly, the paint will not dry properly.

On an untreated surface, apply 2–3 coats to achieve a beautiful, covering surface. If the result is blotchy after the third coat, apply one more layer.

The drying time is normally 1–2 days. It is better to wait too long than too short between coats.

Painting outdoors

Paint when the temperature stays above 10 degrees Celsius and it is dry. Drying time is shortened by heat, light, and low humidity.

On an untreated panel, apply three coats:

First coat – thin the paint about 20–40% with solvent.
Second coat – thin the paint about 10–20% with solvent.
Third coat – apply the paint undiluted.

About the surface and color

Don’t be surprised if freshly applied linseed oil paint looks almost mirror-glossy. This is normal. After about 2–3 months, the paint stabilizes and becomes satin matte. This is a natural dulling – and not the same as a semi-gloss paint.

If you want a permanently mirror-glossy surface, you can add linseed oil varnish to the paint. If you want a matte surface right from the start, thin with a little solvent.

Cleaning brushes

Clean brushes with linseed oil soap or crystal soap. This is the gentle option, both for the brush and for you.

Frequently asked questions about linseed oil paint

Is primer needed?
Indoors, we now recommend Slipgrund V for Engwall o. Claesson. Otherwise, you prime by thinning the first coat with boiled linseed oil so that the paint can be worked thinly into the substrate.

How long is the drying time?
Normally 1–2 days. Heat, light, and low humidity speed up drying. If it is cold and humid, it takes longer. Never apply the next layer too early.

Can I use linseed oil paint on house facades?
Yes, linseed oil paint for wooden facades outdoors is a classic choice. Follow the outdoor recommendation above with three coats and the correct thinning.

More in-depth information: Frequently asked questions about linseed oil paint (detailed answers about colors, seasons, substrates, and more).

We mix linseed oil paint in our paint factory in Karlslund, Örebro. See linseed oil paint colors in the range or visit us at Tegelmagasinet if you want to see the colors in person or consult us about your project.

More guides and recipes can be found under Advice & recipes.

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