A traditional finish for heritage metalwork with modern-day environmental and performance benefits.
Why Choose Linseed Oil Paint?
Linseed oil paint is a time-tested finish, ideal for use on cast iron gutters, downpipes, hoppers and brackets. It’s a natural, breathable and sustainable product that offers:
- Exceptional longevity
- Excellent protection against moisture and rust
- Minimal environmental impact
- Authentic heritage finish
Whether you’re restoring a listed property or looking for a durable, environmentally responsible coating, linseed oil paint is the superior choice.
Benefits for Historic Metalwork
- Historically Appropriate: Used for centuries on architectural ironwork, it provides an authentic finish suitable for conservation and listed buildings.
- Durability: Properly applied, linseed oil paint can last 15–30 years with minimal maintenance.
- Breathability: It allows moisture vapour to escape while preventing water ingress, reducing rust risk.
- Eco-Friendly: No harmful VOCs, plasticisers or solvents. Made from renewable flaxseed oil and natural pigments.
- Easy Maintenance: Can be refreshed without stripping—just clean and recoat.
Surface Finish
- Natural Satin Sheen: A soft, low-gloss finish that complements traditional building materials.
- Ages Gracefully: Develops a rich patina over time rather than flaking or cracking.
- Visible Brush Texture: A handmade, period-appropriate look that modern paints can’t replicate.
- Traditional Appearance: Hand-painted linseed oil finishes preserve the character and texture of cast iron. Unlike sprayed or high-sheen synthetic coatings, linseed oil paint reveals subtle detailing and provides a natural, understated finish that blends harmoniously with heritage buildings. It avoids the overly smooth, plasticised or shiny effect often associated with modern gloss or acrylic paints.
Feature | Linseed Oil Paint | Synthetic Paints |
Sheen | Soft satin | Often glossy/plastic |
Flexibility | High | Can crack or peel |
Longevity | Up to 30 years | Typically 5–10 years |
Eco-friendliness | Excellent | Often solvent-based |
Recoatability | Easy | Often requires full removal |
How to Maintain
Linseed oil paint is incredibly easy to maintain and does not require aggressive preparation or full removal like modern synthetic systems.
- Routine Inspection: Check annually for signs of wear or thinning, particularly on weather-exposed surfaces like gutter joints or pipe bends.
- Cleaning: Wash gently with warm water and a mild soap to remove dirt, moss or algae.
- Refreshing the Finish: A light wipe with boiled linseed oil every 5–7 years can revive the colour and sheen without needing a full repaint.
- Repainting: When repainting is eventually required (typically after 10–15 years or longer), simply clean the surface and apply a fresh coat directly over the existing one. No sanding or stripping required.
- Touch-Ups: Small chips or worn areas can be retouched easily with a small brush and fresh paint, blending invisibly with the existing surface.
This low-maintenance approach makes linseed oil paint ideal for buildings where regular upkeep needs to be sympathetic to original materials and historic character.
Ideal for:
- Cast iron gutters and pipes
- Period and listed buildings
- Coastal and rural settings
- Clients seeking sustainable, traditional materials
For more information on colours, application, or compatible ironwork, contact us: