oak furniture and linseed oil

arroli

Went to see some furniture today that someone is selling...it has solid oak tops on dining table and coffee tables, but he has oiled them with linseed....it still appears to be resting on the surface of the wood, he says it will soak in and dry over next few days
will this happen? I dont want to be left with oily furniture...its deciding factor if I buy or not so would appreciate advice - thanks

I_try

I'm pretty sure that is what I used on my teak garden table and it was fine. Are you able to go back in a couple of days to check before parting with your money?

Welsh_Totster

Linseed oil will take a few days to soak in properly and dry off it really is good stuff and something I use to keep our wooden kitchen worktops in good condition. It's a natural product and takes a bit of time to do it's work.

DVardysShadow

Welsh_Totster wrote: »

Linseed oil will take a few days to soak in properly and dry off it really is good stuff and something I use to keep our wooden kitchen worktops in good condition. It's a natural product and takes a bit of time to do it's work.

I agree. Although in OP's situation, I woould be concerned that seller had applied linseed oil over worn french polish to improve the appearance - in which case it will never be absorbed, probably.

leveller2911

Depends on whether he's used boiled linseed oil which if applied over an existing finish will take days to dry and even then will look patchy or if he's used raw linseed oil it will never dry and stay sticky/tacky in which case it will need taking off.....If the table tops are untreated then boiled linseed will be ok but not my 1st choice..

Welsh_Totster

DVardysShadow wrote: »

I agree. Although in OP's situation, I woould be concerned that seller had applied linseed oil over worn french polish to improve the appearance - in which case it will never be absorbed, probably.

Good point, if it was on an already treated surface then it may never dry properly and just sit on top.

arroli

thanks to all for advice....

Seller tells me that he oils the furniture every year and it does seem to be soaking into the oak, rather than remaining on the surface

the table tops dont seem to have been varnished - oh how i wish he had done them last week and given them time to dry!

Dippypud

OK, this is an US site, so it blathers a bit.

http://www.oakdiningtables.com/Tables/care_of_solid_wood_tables.htm

you should only put a thin coat of boiled linseed oil on an oak table.

http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/wood-finishes/wood-oils/boiled-linseed-oil.htm