Hey folks, Robert Kline, your friendly neighborhood artisan here, with a story to share. Last year, I found myself increasingly frustrated with commercial wood preservatives. They promised the world but often fell short. So, I embarked on a journey back to basics, experimenting with good old-fashioned linseed oil. Now, I’m no stranger to this golden liquid; I’ve used it for years, especially with my beehives. Let me tell you, linseed oil is a natural wonder when it comes to protecting wood.
Rediscovering the Magic of Linseed Oil
You see, I’m an avid beekeeper, and like any craftsman worth his salt, I prefer to build my own hives. It’s more satisfying, plus it saves a pretty penny. Naturally, I wanted a preservative that was effective yet safe for my buzzing buddies. Commercial products were out of the question – too many harsh chemicals. That’s when I remembered linseed oil, a natural oil derived from flax seeds, something bees are already familiar with.
Now, buying linseed oil from the hardware store can be pricey, but I had a trick up my sleeve. I recalled using it as a supplement in horse feed years ago. A quick online search led me to a goldmine – 5 liters of pure, cold-pressed linseed oil at a fraction of the cost!
Let me tell you, a little linseed oil goes a long way. I use a soft bristle brush, and 1 liter covers four times the area of commercial wood preservatives. Plus, it’s air-drying and leaves a beautiful, natural finish.
Enhancing Protection and Beauty with Beeswax
Two to three coats of linseed oil provide excellent protection against the elements. However, after a particularly harsh winter, I noticed some of my older hives were starting to look a bit weathered.
That’s when inspiration struck – why not combine linseed oil with beeswax? It made perfect sense! Beeswax is renowned for its water-resistant properties, and it’s readily available thanks to my hives.
I experimented with different ratios, and let me tell you, the results were remarkable. The linseed oil penetrates and protects the wood, while the beeswax forms a durable, water-resistant barrier. Plus, the beeswax gives the wood a rich, warm glow that’s simply stunning.
Join the Journey to Natural Wood Care
I’ve been using my linseed oil and beeswax blend on all my wood projects – hives, furniture, you name it. The results speak for themselves.
Give this natural wood preservative a try. It’s cost-effective, easy to apply, and best of all, it’s safe for you, your family, and our buzzing friends.
Let me know what you think in the comments below! And for more unique, handmade craft ideas and inspiration, browse our collection of one-of-a-kind gifts on Robert Kline Art.