Hey everyone! I recently finished my first project, a simple walnut cutting board, by applying boiled linseed oil after sanding about a month ago. However, whenever I touch it, I still get a greasy residue on my fingers, similar to what you'd feel after eating fries. Is there a chance it will eventually dry completely, or did I make a mistake along the way? I'd appreciate any tips or advice on this, thanks! 🙂
3 Answers
Yes, boiled linseed oil eventually dries, but it can take a while. If it’s been over a month and it’s still oily, it might be a sign that it hasn’t cured properly. You might want to check if you wiped off the excess oil after applying it. Sometimes, leaving it on too long can make it feel greasy.
You could try speeding up the drying process by applying heat! Baking your project at a low temperature can help the oil evaporate and cure faster, just be careful as it might change the wood color a bit. Just keep it under 250°F; wood won’t catch fire at that temp.
If it’s been more than a month, I’d be a bit concerned. Sometimes if the product isn’t genuine boiled linseed oil, it can behave differently. Make sure to check the label. Also, give it a good wipe down if you haven’t already!