Hey everyone! I'm a total beginner in woodworking and I could use some guidance. A few days ago, I treated some wooden boards with pure linseed oil based on recommendations from friends. They're currently drying, but I'm worried about a couple of things. One, they still feel greasy despite my attempts to wipe off excess oil. Is it okay to go ahead and mount these boards on my chest? I'm planning to use it as a base for a reptile vivarium. Also, would it be safe to place a cloth between the chest and the boards? I'm feeling a bit anxious that I might have to wait forever for them to dry before I can set up my vivarium! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Hey! I'm not a linseed oil expert either, but typically it takes a few weeks for it to fully cure. While you might be able to place the boards on your chest, putting something heavy on them right now could be risky since they’re still greasy. It's best to give it more time to dry. Good luck!
You could definitely speed things up a bit by applying some beeswax. Lightly coat the boards, and if you have a heat gun or hair dryer, use that to help it set in. But I'd recommend waiting until the boards feel less oily before trying that. Just give them some more time to cure—it'll be worth it!
Got it! I’ll hold off on the beeswax until they’re less greasy. Thanks!

Thanks for the advice! I guess I'll try to be patient!