Linseed Oil for Fence? Boiled or Raw?

[Twofingertyper]

Hi all,

I had a fence installed a few years ago that could do with touching up - when it was installed the guy recommended Linseed oil was the best thing to use, but looking it up online there seems to be varying opinions about it and also concerns about how long it takes to try in raw form.

The fence has a gate attached that is in daily use, so it would probably benefit from the quicker drying boiled, but before I start planning for Spring activities (because clearly I am not doing it now...) just wanted to check thoughts on Linseed oil in general, and if it is the best for keeping fences healthy and looking good?

Cheers,
TFT

 

[Twofingertyper]

Post-Christmas follow up - I now understand that I am looking for boiler Linseed Oil, but are the differences between brands, or alternatives?

 

[scbk]

What's the fence made from? I don't think linseed oil would last long.

 

[Tigercubrider]

I don't know much about preservatives but linseed is quite expensive in bulk and presumably you need a lot
Looking up linseed online people suggest that in comparison to modern preservatives it's not so good

The house that I grew up in had oak window ledges and my dad used to treat them with linseed oil, I have oiled garden furniture and it needs to be done every year

 

[Twofingertyper]

There's 20-or-so foot of fencing (although some is five bar as opposed to feathered, so not as bad as it first sounds...), but yes, a fair bit would be needed - the wood used was all pressure treated stuff, and it was recommended to use Linseed Oil by the installer, but quite happy to use something else if there are better options.

 

[Twofingertyper]

So, I've found that you can get 5l of Boiled Linseed Oil for about £15; whereas Ronseal Total Wood Preserver is more expensive - but is it better and longer lasting? I've been told about frequent reapplications of linseed oil, and am really looking for something I can do every few years (or longer) rather than every other summer...

Thanks!

 

[Gerrydelasel]

I am really looking for something I can do every few years (or longer) rather than every other summer...

Aren't we all.

 

[MMarve]

am really looking for something I can do every few years (or longer) rather than every other summer...

Sounds like how my wife approaches our love life.

 

[Twofingertyper]

Okay... I perhaps asked for that... any suggestions for the best coating regardless of duration?

 

[Keithmac]

I can recommend this, used it on our fence (70+ meters of feather edge both sides), probably 15 tubs or more!.

Goes on really nice with a brush.

Will be using the same on our new shed after I've built it.

Before.

After 1 coat.

 

[Twofingertyper]

Thanks - that looks quite good, I've had bad experience with similar products previously that have ended up being watery, short-term, and requiring more coats than others (despite being classed as 'one coat'); so good to actually see the contrast after a single coating.

 

[Notch7]

https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative

or https://www.toolstation.com/wood-protective-treatment-preserver-5l/p48655

its more like a penetrating oil

 

[Keithmac]

This is before and after on other side, very easy to apply and good consistency.

It says 2 coats on rough sawn wood but we only did one and it's holding up very well indeed.

 

[Halitosis]

So, I've found that you can get 5l of Boiled Linseed Oil for about £15; whereas Ronseal Total Wood Preserver is more expensive - but is it better and longer lasting? I've been told about frequent reapplications of linseed oil, and am really looking for something I can do every few years (or longer) rather than every other summer...

Thanks!

Painting the fence is one of those tasks I detest, so I'm happy to pay extra for the best treatment if it means delaying the next application by another year or two. Worth every penny!

 

[Gerrydelasel]

Does anyone else look at a fence photo and *smell* the creosote in their head every time?