Wood was, is and will be the most aesthetic and natural way of decorating the interior. But, unfortunately, his service life is short. Modern finishing materials have higher performance, but they can not be called environmentally friendly. In order for the tree to maintain its appearance over time, it is treated with various compositions.
Such means include drying oil. In recent years, this paint material has faded into the background due to the abundance of a variety of analogues. But, having learned all the advantages of such a coating for wood, you are unlikely to choose anything else. In the article you will learn in detail about what is drying oil, what types of it exist and how to use it correctly. And also here are tips for making the right choice.
Natural drying oil: what is it?
In order for wooden surfaces to have a beautiful and glossy appearance, they must be coated with a special solution. Drying oil is one of them.
Wood has always been the most popular material for interior decoration. Its appearance is mesmerizing, gives the room luxury. Recently, interior design in eco-style has become increasingly popular. Here, wood is a must. It can be everywhere: walls, flooring, furniture, accessories.
To preserve all this beauty for a long time, you need to choose a high-quality composition for coating the surface. Natural drying oil takes a leading position here. It is worth noting that the material is not cheap, but very high quality and also absolutely safe.
The appearance of drying oil is somewhat reminiscent of resin. This is a composition that has a color from yellow to cherry, thick and viscous in consistency. After applying the composition to the surface, a film forms, which acts as a protective coating.
Scopes of drying oil
The main use of drying oil is the processing of wood and wood products to prevent decay. Such a coating makes wood elements more resistant to moisture and insects. Due to the property of drying oils to form a dense film on the treated surface, the service life of wooden products significantly increases.
Natural drying oil is used both for indoor processing of rooms, and for external. It can be a floor covering, decor elements, furniture, window frames, doors. Furniture can also be processed before restoration. This will help to refresh the material and give it a bright color again.
Often drying oil is used for priming metal surfaces. This is done before painting.
The surface before coating must be cleaned. Drying oil is applied in 2-3 layers. Complete drying of the composition occurs during the day. It is best to apply the material with a wide brush or roller, which must be discarded after work. The room should be thoroughly ventilated, since drying oil has a fairly persistent smell.
Composition of drying oil and technical specifications
In accordance with GOST, drying oil should have a composition of only two components: linseed oil and desiccants in a percentage ratio of 97/3. These standards make drying oil the safest and most environmentally friendly composition for wood processing.
Linseed oil (according to GOST) flaxseed is made as follows. Flaxseed oil is processed at high temperatures. At the same time, it acquires an almost transparent color. And only after that it mixes with desiccants. The following substances may be the last:
These additives help the composition of natural drying oils dry quickly on the surface. Depending on the number of desiccants in the contents, the time of complete drying varies from day to week.
If any additives are indicated in the composition of drying oil, then you should not purchase it. This may not be safe. Such compounds are synthetic and can only be used for wood processing outdoors.
Technical characteristics of natural drying oil are regulated by GOST 7931-76. They should correspond to the following indicators:
- Full drying at an average temperature of 20 degrees during the day.
- A mild scent that erodes within hours.
- The composition should become transparent after settling for 24 hours.
Natural drying oil
This is the cleanest and safest compound. It has a pleasant aroma that erodes during the day. Coating wood with such a composition is very easy. The consistency is liquid, but dense. The color of the product can be from light yellow to cherry.
The basis of this type of drying oil is plant oil. Most often it is flax or sunflower. This species may be polymerized and oxidized. The latter option is not entirely successful, since the surface that is coated with such a composition is rapidly aging. The most common is linseed oil. Most often used for indoor work.
Natural linseed oil is slightly more expensive than based on sunflower oil. But this does not mean at all that the second option is worse. Just for production, more affordable raw materials are used.
Drying oil
This type of drying oil differs from the natural one in that, in addition to standard components, a solvent is added to the composition - white spirit. The composition is prescribed in GOST 190 78: oils - 55%, desiccants - 5%, white spirit - 40%.
The biggest disadvantage of this composition is the pungent and persistent smell. There are no external differences from a natural remedy, but the price of drying oil of this type is much lower. It can be used for both external and external works.
Combined drying oil
This type is made by mixing various oils or formulations of drying oil. It is used for the preparation of paint. Does not serve as a solvent. It has several brands: K2, K3, K4, K5 and K12. The color, composition and time of complete drying depends on the brand.
Alkyd drying oil
Alkyd drying oil is used as part of paints. Its cost is much lower than other types of drying oil, so it is more popular.
Composition drying oil
This composition is intended for outdoor use. This is due to the fact that the composite drying oil has an unpleasant and pungent odor, which is almost impossible to weather. The surface treated with this composition has low rates, both decorative and protective. It is used extremely rarely.
Selection tips
I always want a wood product to retain its properties and appearance for as long as possible. To get this combination, use the advice of specialists in choosing a product:
- At the price of drying oil, which contains natural oils, it may not be available to everyone, but the result is more than worthy. It is mainly used for interior decoration. Products that are processed by this compound outdoors require constant updating. This is not only impractical, but also costly.
- Oxol forms a strong thin film on the surface. But, unfortunately, it is not able to protect the tree from pests. The cost of such material is several times lower than natural drying oil. It is used for both external and internal works. It is absolutely safe during the work and operation. The only drawback is the unpleasant and pungent odor.
- Synthetic drying oils, such as composite, can be harmful to health and should only be used outdoors. For safety when working with this material, use a respirator, gloves and clothing with closed sleeves.
All of the above tips for choosing natural drying oil for wood coating will help to get a good and high-quality product that will last you for many years and will delight you with your appearance.