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Can anybody tell me the advantages of using linseed oil vs not using it.
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Hi!
David has been trying unsuccessfully to post a reply to this question so I am putting it in for him...
"I think there may be people out there who know more than I do - but I'll have a go at answering your question. As I understand it, linseed oil used to be used in the making of p.m. to strengthen and waterproof. Layers of paper, with the oil, were heated at high temperature, making a sort of board (like our present day hardboard). I hate to think what the process was like because the baking of linseed oil to make linoleum is one of the worst smells I know!)
Check out the article by Jackie on the history of p.m. Nowadays, it is used as an emulsifier, a teaspoonful of boiled linseed oil (easily available from hardware stores (UK) to about one whole newspaper. It is possible that it also inhibits mould. I always use it in a mash mix but not with layering.
Let's see if someone can provide a more erudite answer."
David
(dopapier on the forum)
(David Osborne in the gallery)"
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I haven't tried in in PM yet, but the thing to remeber about linseed oil is that it is the traditional base for artists' oil paint. The reason it works so well for that is that it polymerises naturally as it dries. It forms an organic thin film plastic. On the other hand if you've ever worked with artist oil paint you should know that even in the very thin film used there it takes weeks to dry.
Likewise the various results reported with acrylic and water based paint not sticking to it shouldn't be a surprise. If you paint the exterior of your house with a oil based paint, you can't later use a water based paint without stripping or covering the oil-based coat with a special primer.
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