From preparation to a beautiful final result. Painting with linseed oil paint doesn't have to be difficult or cumbersome. Follow our four-step guide for a beautiful and period-appropriate finish when painting with linseed oil paint! The linseed oil paint from Selder & Co, available in our webshop, is a high-quality, traditional linseed oil paint that can be mixed in any color.


Painting with Linseed Oil Paint - Step by Step


  1. Seal Knots and Resin Runs: Before you start painting, seal knots, resin runs, and nail heads with shellac to protect against resin and rust bleed-through. Pour a sufficient amount into a container and use a smaller, simpler brush. Apply as evenly as possible.

  2. Let the Shellac Dry: It is paintable after 30-60 minutes. Especially difficult knots may benefit from being coated more than once.

  3. Prime with Zinc-Based Linseed Oil Paint: Use our zinc-based Linseed Oil Paint Primer for a strong and protective finish that resists mold. Primer should always be used, regardless of whether the surface is bare wood or previously painted. It is suitable for most substrates, both for indoor and outdoor painting with linseed oil paint.

  4. Apply the Top Coats: Once the primer has cured properly, apply two even, covering coats of semi-gloss or semi-matte linseed oil paint in the chosen color. Do not dilute the paint; paint "straight from the can." Ensure the paint is completely dry between coats; our linseed oil paint dries in under 24 hours at 20⁰C with good ventilation. Note that linseed oil paint contains linseed oil, and rags, wipers, and other fibrous materials can spontaneously ignite. To be safe, we recommend soaking the rags in water and putting them in a plastic bag, or burning them.