Linseed oil shelf life

[TimRB]

I find myself suddenly but happily in the business of refinishing cosmoline-soaked rifle stocks.

Does boiled linseed oil, once opened, ever go bad? How about tung oil? I have some linseed oil that's about ten years old but is still liquid and looks OK but I am wondering about it. Since it is cheap I bought some new stuff anyway, but I am curious.

Tim

 

[P95Carry]

Tim ..... I have some real old Linseed too ..... and IIRC ...... and AFAIK ... it will keep almost indefinitely if in a stoppered bottle.

When used on wood . and thus exposed to air - it oxidizes and that is what contributes to its protection potential. You may notice that with an old bottle ... any residue around the stopper will apppear rather ''crusty'' which is the oxidation. If it appears liquid and normal inside the bottle . you should be good to go ... works for me.

 

[WT]

One of the tricks our doughboys used in the trenches of France during WWI was to coat their coats and pants with linseed oil. It provided protection against poison gas penetrating to the skin. That, a gas mask, and some axle grease smeared on any exposed skin worked quite well.

My grandfather underwent 5 gas attacks in the Meuse Argonne. Lived to a ripe old age.

 

[0luke1]

Age improves linseed oil. However, I find that an older linseed oil needs to be decanted at least one hour before drinking. I use a Reidel burgundy glass. It's best to serve linseed oil at 65 degrees.

Remember: Drink responsibly.

Luke

 

[shoobe01]

The best oil I have is something over 40 years old. No trouble at all.

After a while you can get buildup, crust, etc. on the lid edges, and the outside can be dusty. In general, don't shake it before opening or anything, open carefully slowly and keep the lid flat, and stir slowly, only. If you shake (or just drop it), wait 30 minutes to apply and stir it occasionally to let the bubbles out.

Also, if you do find dust or other crap in there when applying, its not paint. Just wipe it off and reoil the area spot, semi-quickly.

 

[George S.]

Age improves linseed oil. However, I find that an older linseed oil needs to be decanted at least one hour before drinking. I use a Reidel burgundy glass. It's best to serve linseed oil at 65 degrees.

Then after that, tequila shooters shouldn't bother you at all....