How do you remove linseed oil from a deck?

Answer

I had a similar problem - over the years of oiling my teak table with a brush, oily blotches began to appear.

I wiped the table thoroughly with turpentine to get rid of surface oil, sanded it and then wiped it with turps again. Don't sand first otherwise your paper will quickly become clogged with the old oil. The blotches disappeared.

Instead of using a paint brush, I now put a little oil on a cloth and wipe the table.  It looks like new!

You don't say what you want to put on your deck. I wouldn't varnish it. With varnish, it looks great for the 1st few months. After a year, the sun and rain will cause it to flake and you'll have to start all over again - a big job. Rather, with a thin hair roller apply quick drying timber preserve you get from your local hardware store. It does contain linseed oil but with it drying within 24 hours you can walk on it without worrying about messing up the deck or having oil on your shoes. What's more, it doesn't flake with the sun and rain. Just sweep the deck down and reapply.  

Enjoy your new looking deck!

Mike
Cape Town
South Africa

First answer by ID3325479618. Last edit by ID3325479618. Question popularity: 19 [recommend question]