Linseed oil is considered one of the best oil to apply on wood. Whether you use it raw or boiled it will do a very good job at protecting the wood and emphasizing the natural colors of the wood without staining it too much.

We haven’t yet found a source of pure Linseed oil in Costa Rica (all commercial Linseed oil is mixed with chemical solvents) but we brought some from the US. Used on porous wood (such as Ceder in the picture below) it will take very well. The secret is to apply 2 or 3 layers 24 hours apart and to make sure to use very little oil in each layer. Of course the wood should be well sanded before anything.

Linseed oil Costa Rica

Nathalie carefully oiling a wooden deck with Linseed oil.