Has anyone added linseed oil to water base paint to paint trim?I was at my sister's beach house and the painter did this on her trim throughout the house.It makes the wood very glossy.If someone has done this I would like to know how much to add to a gallon of paint.
The painter may have added linseed oil to oil-based paint for a glossier look but when you add oil to water-based paint it crackles. I can't think of any situation that would work differently.
In my opinion, there's no finish like oil for trim work. It's smoother, glossier, and wears far better than most latex paint. It is more difficult to work with, however, and for that reason most homeowners choose latex.
As to adding linseed oil to oil-based paint...I wouldn't recommend it since linseed oil can lengthen drying time and since it's a vegetable product, it can, in sufficient quantity, add to mildew problems in damp areas. Adding too much linseed can also prevent the paint from fully drying and can actually make the paint tacky to the touch for months to come.
Oil-based paint already contains linseed oil...at least most do, so you really don't need more. Get a glossy oil paint and be patient with drying time.
I did a little research before posting this just to verify that I had my facts right.
