BLO on outdoor furniture?

[Bob Hayhurst]

I've got a couple of pieces of old oak outdoor furniture I would like to coat to help protect it (no previous finish on it now). It is only outside for a couple of months in the summer, then the rest of the time it is covered. Would BLO do the trick and hold up to the elements by itself, or should I be using something else with it (like spar varnish), or something else entirely? Also, I've read here a while back that BLO takes a while to completely dry and not give off its traditional fragrance. How long does that take? Will putting it in the sun for a number of days help with that? Thanks for any help. I love this site.

[Jim Becker]

See this thread: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=90461 Your answer is the same.

[Howard Acheson]

See this thread: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=90461 Your answer is the same.

Let me also add that linseed oil is candy to mold and mildew.

For long term protection there is nothing better than to buy some type of UV resistant covers for your furniture. Anything made of "Sumbrella" material would be great.

[Prashun Patel]

I read Flexner's book on Wood Finishing and BLO is really not useful as a protectant at all. It cures too slowly, is a horrible vapor and water barrier and wears off easily. It's apparently a myth that it was a 'favored' finishing item in yesteryear; people used it because it was cheap.

A co-worker told me of a row of homes with shingles finished in BLO that turned black from mold within a few years.

That being said, it's a great colorant or grain-popper. But I'd topcoat it with something more impervious.