Using Boiled Linseed Oil as Concrete Floor Sealant
Boiled linseed oil is an effective and affordable concrete floor sealant. It works well to seal moisture and make concrete harder. Another benefit associated with the material is that it lowers pH if used in new concrete floors. The high acidity is attributed to the limestone in concrete which can have negative effects if the flooring material is used in animal sheds. Applying a sealant such as boiled linseed oil is one method of treating and correcting the problem.
Prepare the Surface
Clean the floor by removing debris, particles, and dirt. Make sure it is free from oil, grease, and paint. If there is scaling, use a hammer and chisel to remove weak or unsound material. Such surfaces should be reconstructed by applying a thin bonded material such as Portland cement concrete resurfacing or latex modified concrete resurfacing. Leave the surface to dry completely before treating it.
How to Apply Boiled Linseed Oil
Obtain boiled linseed oil as a spray, roll, or brush sealant. Depending on the type of sealant available, use the sprayer provided to apply it evenly on the clean concrete floor. Rollers or brushes can be used as well. Leave the first coat to dry for 24 hours before applying a second coat. The ideal temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit when treating the surface. Finish by beading the new treated floor with water.
Why Use Boiled Linseed Oil
Before the advent of modern chemical preservatives and synthetics, linseed oil was used on wood, natural rope, and masonry preservative. Its natural qualities as a sealant include; it is a slow-drying liquid, has preservative properties and it is water resistant.
Addition of solvents such as mineral spirits and turpentine speeds up its drying time and improves its qualities as a preservative. It is worth noting that boiled linseed oil is not actually boiled, but treated with solvents. This makes it dry up quickly compared to raw linseed oil thus the term “boiled”.
Which Surfaces Can Use the Sealant?
Boiled linseed oil treated with mineral spirits can be used to treat new or old concrete floors, roads, sidewalks, curbs, parking ramps, floor, walkways, bridge decks, and other similar concrete applications.
How to Use Sealant
Boiled linseed oil can be bought as linseed oil-mineral spirit compound or linseed oil emulsion. Original containers have detailed information such as product name, specification and batch number, date of manufacture, manufacturer’s direction and name of the company or manufacturer.
The sealant is readily combustible and should be handled with care. All materials used for applications such as rugs, sprayers, rollers or brushes should be stored in sealed containers and disposed safely.
Method of Application
Brushes with natural bristles can be used to apply the sealant on smooth concrete floors. They should have sufficient length and body to suite the flooring material. Rollers can be used on stippled surfaces. Spread the sealant evenly using uniform strokes.
