Linseed oil on old metal and paint to preserve it?

Alan K · Aug 6, 2018

I have a tractor that Im cleaning up which I might leave original. There is a
little surface pitting rust on the rear rims that I am going to use. There is a little of the original finish left. I think I
had read on here that linseed oil can be used to preserve the metal and leave
it as it is. Is that correct? Are there any issues down the road if I decide to
paint them?

Case Nutty 1660 · Aug 7, 2018

It works Great on oil based paint,, and Yes it will bring a shine to even rusted surfaces,, BUT Do NOT leave any rags with it on in the sun as they start themselves on Fire!! that said you can mix linseed oil into oil based paint,, so there is no problem if you decide to paint later it was used on many implements for rust preserver also and many cans still list its uses like this
cnt

Brian G. NY · Aug 7, 2018

(quoted from post at 04:30:39 08/07/18) I have a tractor that Im cleaning up which I might leave original. There is a
little surface pitting rust on the rear rims that I am going to use. There is a little of the original finish left. I think I
had read on here that linseed oil can be used to preserve the metal and leave
it as it is. Is that correct? Are there any issues down the road if I decide to
paint them?

I have noticed that when I put it on old rake, fork and shovel handles where I get it on the metal, it does seem to adhere pretty well.

Incidentally, the real problem with linseed oil soaked rags is when they are crumpled up and thrown in the garbage.....
that is when the spontaneous combustion can take place.

Case Nutty 1660 · Aug 7, 2018

Seen them start on fire sitting in the Sun just one rag all I was doing was trying to save him some grief

Brian G. NY · Aug 7, 2018

(quoted from post at 15:16:41 08/07/18) Seen them start on fire sitting in the Sun just one rag all I was doing was trying to save him some grief

Exactly what I was trying to do!

I remember the high school shop teacher telling us that back in the 50s.
We used the stuff and he had a steel waste can with a cover made especially for disposing of linseed oil rags.

Mark-Ia · Aug 7, 2018

Fluid Film also works good.

MarkB_MI · Aug 7, 2018

I suggest treating the rust with Ospho (phosphoric acid). It will convert the rust to phosphate which can be painted or left as-is.

showcrop · Aug 8, 2018

2X Ospho, or any other phosphoric acid rust converter. Not all over, just on the pitted areas. If not treated thrust will continue to work and creep along under your covering of choice.

Linseed oil on old metal and paint to preserve it?

Alan K

Well-known Member

Case Nutty 1660

Well-known Member

Brian G. NY

Well-known Member

Case Nutty 1660

Well-known Member

Brian G. NY

Well-known Member

Mark-Ia

Well-known Member

MarkB_MI

Well-known Member

showcrop

Well-known Member

Similar threads