What is Pine Tar?

Once again, I’ve partnered with Natalie Yon-Eriksson of Earth & Flax to teach you about a product that I have only just recently heard about, but has been used as a long lasting coating for hundreds of years on historic buildings, Pine Tar. It may sound like a weird name. Like it’s just some black goo you get stuck on your boot while hiking, but this old school coating does some pretty amazing stuff.

Check out Natalie’s guest post below and have your eyes opened to a new old product that might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Authentic Pine Tar is a 100% natural wood preservative that provides superior moisture and UV protection, is a mild antiseptic, and repels insects such as wood bees, ants, termites, etc.

When should I use it?

Pine Tar is for exterior applications and creates a stain-like finish. Ideal for barns and outbuildings, wide plank siding, decks, porches, fences, fence posts, etc. It is available in a light and a dark finish, as well as pigmented: black, brown, and red. Green will soon be available, too!

No additional solvents are needed needed. Simply mix with Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil. Pine Tar is naturally viscous, so, it needs to be diluted slightly for easy application. It’s best to apply at least at room temperature, if not warmer, to bare wood surface. The most common ratio is 50/50 Purified Linseed Oil to Authentic Pine Tar, but this can be adapted for personal preference. Do a test first, as different wood materials may impact your ratio preference.

Be sure that the wood surface is clean and dry. Mix the Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil and Pine Tar together very well. Apply 2 thin coats with stiff bristle brush or a clean rag. Brush out as needed to avoid drip marks. Let it dry. Dry time is typically within 2-3 days in warm temperatures, and may take longer based on various climates and/or wood type. It will take a week or two to fully cure and not chalk when touched.

What kind of coverage can I get?

Approximately 500-600 sq ft per gallon 50/50 mixture of Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil and Authentic Pine Tar.

What are the benefits?

• Protects wood: Creates a breathable surface that does not trap moisture. The Purified Linseed Oil and Authentic Pine Tar work incredibly well together to nourish the wood substrate, protect against moisture damage and rot, as well as deter insects.
• Easy maintenance: Coating does not peel or bubble. Simply clean surface with a non-petrochemical cleaner like Sodasan All-Purpose Cleaner, let dry, and reapply a coat of Viking Purified Linseed Oil. Additional Pine Tar is not usually needed for many years as the oil nourishes the wood and maintains the coated surface. The Purified Linseed Oil will even return the original luster or brightness of the pigmented options with application.

What to watch out for:

Pine Tar is only appropriate for wood surfaces and cannot be used on a previously petrochemical coated surface. If a barrier exists between the Pine Tar and the wood, it will simply sit on the surface and remain sticky.

Do not mix with conventional boiled or raw linseed oil that is not purified, as it may not dry, can go rancid, and has unnecessary solvent additives.

For more information on traditional Linseed Oil Products, including Linseed Oil Wax, Linseed Oil Varnish, Linseed Oil Glazing Putty, etc. visit www.earthandflax.com or email info@earthandflax.com with questions.