Boiling does what again to Linseed Oil?

[billrule]

I have always been under the impression that Linseed oil is boiled so that it will oxidise quickly to a non-sticky finish (compared to the raw oil). I wonder if anyone can confirm/deny that for me?
Cheers,

Bill

[Big Shed]

These days the oil is not actually boiled. They add metallic driers to it to make it oxidise and form a film.
Raw Linseed Oil does not have these driers added and does not form a film, it is also much more prone to fungal attack when used outside (eg benches, decks, etc)

If you do a search you will find a link to the Arbortech website which has quite a few articles relating to woodfinishing in general and one in particular to the Raw vs Boiled question.
If you can't find it, let me know and I'll dig it out.

[billrule]

Thanks Bigshed, I admit it: I'm bone lazy. I knew someone could give it to me in a nutshell. My (unopened) polypropylene bottle slowly crumpled with age and the oil still formed a skin over some 15 years or so. The polymer obviously "breathes" quite significantly.

Cheers,

Bill