Boiled Linseed Oil | Protect & Preserve the Patina | Step By Step Guide

Today I am going to show you how to prep for & apply boiled linseed oil to help protect and preserve the Patina on your classic ride. I will be using my 1960 Chevrolet C10 to demonstrate, and really bring it's colors from a pale rust to a vibrant clear coat type look.
This is an simple though tedious job that most any of you could do at home in an hour or less. It is cheap, effective, and easy to do. Good news is that it is temporary, so if you decide you don't like it, you can try something else in a few months. If your classic is a mix of decent paint and patina, I would buff the actual paint and then apply linseed oil to just the rusty areas, as its an oil and won't do the actual paint any good.
Here is a link to the Boiled Linseed Oil I used: amzn.to/3EXIZyk
Thank you for watching another Classics Are Better where we love rides from the '50s to the early 00's, and want to show that know matter what your skill level, you can always get out and wrench on a Classic! Please like/subscribe if you liked the video, appreciate your support.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional mechanic, so take my advice at your own risk. Consider my video as just a guide to a possible way to get the task done. Be safe and use your brain when doing projects!
Instagram: @Classics_Are_Better
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#ClassicsAreBetter #LinseedOil #Patina

[@nv3217]

Wd40 works for me, it's fast with the big blast can and looks great and dirt just sprays off. I do it once a month and my truck gets s ton of compliments.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hey thanks for watching, nice to know on the wd40. Does it stay tacky or does it dry?

[@orlandrioussullivan9139]

Right now i cant afford no paint job on my 1987 monte carlo ss, so im going to try this out and hope it bring out my paint. Thx alot!!!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Awesome! I hope it turns out great, just remember to go super thin, a little goes a very long way.

[@uranusanalyzes9632]

As far as comment sections, I believe this is the best one I’ve ever read. Cheers

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks! I try and to reply to everyone, I appreciate you watching the video.

[@alkennedy1124]

We me and a buddy of mine on his tail dragger and my mater primer truck have been putting transmission fluid on them , that last a month or two, and it make it shiny ✨ too with no fire 🔥 rag problem, lololll , nice thanks BigAl California.

[@DirtyD786]

the most North Texas looking shop I've ever seen :)

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you !

[@dannit7170]

Appreciated the combustible warning about linseed oil! About to use this technique on an antique brass bowl. Don’t want to start no unexpected fires! 😅 Also - the truck looks gorgeous 😍.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you! I hope your project turns out great.

[@rtchow3000]

Travis, i just got a quart of Linseed oil but couldn't get the mineral spirit. i gave it a try. WOW! the Linseed seed oil did a great remake on this TACO green exterior. it even blend in the white corrosive area to green color. one area this oil darken the sealing on bumper doors and windows. I couldn't tell where the white oxidation was. I wish i had photo it before and after. looks like a shining TACO now! TY and glad I run into your video. won't even need a paint job.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

So happy to hear it worked out for ya! That's awesome.

[@marysimino1726]

Beautiful. And nothing wrong with spending quiet time in the garage every 1-3 months.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you!

[@erniedelgado6013]

Nice job. Thanks! Going to try it on my 47 ford truck. Lots of patina there.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Very cool! Hope that it turns out great.

[@geraldbrown8711]

Wow! What a difference! I like it!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks Gerald! I am really happy with the results myself. Even my wife who always thought the rust was ugly finally saw my vision and said it looked good lol.

[@MichaelPopovici]

Thinking I’ll do this to my rusty ‘76 BMW 2002. Go Mean Green!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Heck ya!

[@jimmywilson1388]

Man that turned out slick. I’m about to comet wash my old 72 Ranger XLT and hit it with some boiled linseed oil…😍

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Heck ya man! Hope that it turns out great for you, I dig those '72 Rangers, cool ride.

[@jimmywilson1388]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER Thank you, I’ve wanted one since I was a teenager and I’m gonna turn 40 in a few days… 😂 I should have bought one 10 years ago when you could still get a nice truck for cheap. lol

[@rockerdad2]

Nice informative vid, that we all can try!!!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks for watching! Hope it works out well for you.

[@briski1971]

Gonna try this on my xl farm mailbox. Thanks for video

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thats a cool idea, hopefully it looks good for ya.

[@TAPTAPSAILOR]

Thank you for the video just got a 72k5 and trying to keep it the way it is for now your video was short and to the point. Subscribed

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you, I really appreciate that, hope that your k5 turns out great. I looked at your page, your gray k10 stepside is AWESOME!!

[@johnmccann3964]

Looks good. I tried Penetrol on my car. I really liked the results.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you for watching! Glad yours turned out good man.

[@alkennedy1124]

I have a 6061 Apache 10 step side, six cylinder, 6 foot, Al Blue Patinaed just like this, and I’m not ever painting it ,not ever, lol nice, thanks BigAl California.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Heck ya man sounds rad, I hear ya. Takes nature forever to make a one of a kind patina, any one can own a painted truck! Thanks for watching.

[@DoeDoeDoe]

Great video man. I was thinking of doing this to my 60 Chevy c10 myself

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks for watching! Yea dude, for the price you just can't beat it, I was really pleased with the results. Does your '60 have some cool patina or just older paint?

[@DoeDoeDoe]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTERnot really what I would call patina, just deep rust lol. Nowhere near as clean as yours. When I get the truck cleaned up real nice I'll make a KZbin video about it

[@DoeDoeDoe]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER I plan on sanding it down eventually and painting it over

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

@@DoeDoeDoe I hear ya, all these C10s have rust somewhere lol. This should buy you some time and keep it from getting worse till you paint it.

[@nd2621]

Rusty looking good brother!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you, I feel like it made a huge difference!!

[@paintucation]

SUBSCRIBED!!! Cool Coffee Technique!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you! I appreciate that and you watching.

[@ChadGlassify]

Looks so good. Thanks for sharing.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

I appreciate that, thank you for watching!

[@jonbellman4385]

I like your video. Very informative and helpful. I have a 1951 Farmall H tractor that sat in a shed for 20+ years. Got it running, put on new tires, but want to keep it looking original condition (rusted more or less) for now rather than restoring it. I have heard a lot of people suggest boiled linseed oil if you don't want to paint. I'm curious about diluting it with mineral spirits. I think I'd like the matte looking finish better for the tractor. Have you done anything that way and how did it turn out? Does it last about as long as the straight boiled linseed oil does? My tractor stays outside also but I have an antique tractor show coming up and I was thinking about doing this procedure just to spruce it up before the show. Thanks for your reply! From a fellow north Texan.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hey thank you for watching Jon, I haven't mixed it with mineral spirits myself, but I did have a friend do a quarter mineral spirits to three quarters boiled linseed oil and it knocked the shine down some. I am unsure how long it lasted before he redid it. But that is the nice thing about this stuff, if you like it you can reapply, if you don't like it, it will wash off after a few weeks if you scrub it. Hope that it works out for you sir, sounds like a cool project!

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER it it Sticky? After applying??? Or Dries and Looks Wet ?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

@@jimmysapien9961 It dries some, but not completely. It will stay just slightly tacky.

[@rtchow3000]

i didn't dilute the linseed oil. just apply straight to a felt clothe and rub it in. go back over with the felt cloth (no extra oil) and rub to let the oil penetrate into the metal pores. no need to combine mineral spirit. it looks so awesomeAfterward!

[@juanziegler1471]

Thank you . am looking into this for my 55 f 100 . when time allows.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Very cool! Just make sure you put it on really thin, a little goes a long way, most complaints are ppl that put it on way too thick. Best of luck!!!!

[@TempoDrift1480]

Good video. Straight to the point. No Bullshit.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you! I try not to waste ppl's time!

[@darrelldyer6681]

Have you ever tried Flood Penetrol? Same look and lasts longer. Basically same application except instead of a rag, try a car wash sponge. It dries and it’s about the same cost.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

I have never heard of using Flood Penetrol like that at all actually, I will look into it, appreciate the tip, always looking for things to try like that. Thank you for watching.

[@darrelldyer6681]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER check out “Primered is Best” KZbin channel. He has several videos on applying Penetrol.

[@paulsinclair7165]

Nice shop.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@OOICU812]

That's a lotta work to have to repeat, but those colors absolutely pop.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

If you don't park outside it will last a little longer, but yep it makes a huge difference for cheap! Thank you for watching.

[@capomo5]

Great Video nice bucket Go Dallas!! Question do you treat rust first or just go over and it will cure with linseed oil?? Thanks!!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks for watching!! On the rust I scrub it really good with the #0000 steel wool till I get it as smooth as I can then I linseed it all. Not a perfect fix, but it's a whole lot better nothing.

[@scottmente2244]

Awesome truck

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks man!

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

Looks amazing now - but I want to know what does it look like after a year? Is that easy to maintain or does it get build-up?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

To be honest I am unsure after a year, I sold the that C10 probably 2 months after I had made this video.

[@arnoldzesati6072]

Great information. I’m sanding a 1957 Apache and having trouble sanding the paint off. My paper gums up and really quick. Tried hand sanding and the same happens. Started with 220 and now I’m down to 80 grit. I think some one sprayed some really weird primer. Any advice you can give? Thanks in advance and God bless you

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hey Arnold thanks for watching. If you watch my "digging for patina" video I hit the same problem! I think its just the act of digging thru so much layered paint and primer. It even killed one of my sanders. I just kept at it with 80-120 grit. Also a painter friend showed me you can smack the snot out of the sand paper and it will knock out quite a bit of dust allowing you to keep using it much longer. You could always use a chemical stripper (make sure to mask up, fumes are no joke on that stuff). Only other thing I can think of is some sort of pneumatic blaster medium like sand or crushed walnuts. I know they sell them at Harbor Freight type stores. Good luck!!!

[@marvinhagler4721]

The TITLE is the TRUTH

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you for watching Marvin!

[@EdBlack-]

Is there any downsides to linseed? If you have more paint than you have there, will it damage the paint at all?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you for watching, the downside in my opinion is that you have to re apply every few months as it wears off, but flip side of that is it gives you options if you don't like it. I wouldn't use it on paint, personally I'd wax the paint like normal and linseed the rusty stuff. Good luck!!

[@Redneckofgaming]

I want to do this to my truck but in the future I want to repaint will the oil keep the paint from sticking

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

You would have to make sure that you have washed the truck really good with degreaser during your paint prep beforehand. Paint wont stick to the oil, but you should be able to get it off the truck as it will wash off over time.

[@Redneckofgaming]

@CLASSICSAREBETTER ok, thank you I been wondering

[@kuckmaverick]

In my car I used carnauba wax, it also gave a good result. But it's a tremendous job to polish, maybe with linseed oil it's easier to apply.

[@vincentbowman7225]

Can you do this over old paint too

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Yep, it should work over old paint. Start thin as possible, a little goes a long way.

[@faridMehr]

Does dirt and extras from the road gets stock to the surface post application?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Maybe if you drove right after you applied it. It never dries 100% since it's a type of oil, but it will get dry enough that stuff wont just stick everywhere. You can always wipe off any dirt debris pretty easy. Best of luck on your project!

[@meatyklaws8774]

How does it feel after curing? Still oily?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

It will dry out pretty well, but it will stay just slightly tacky.

[@tattedvet8355]

Nice

[@mukundthorat5672]

Is linseed oil a fire risk after drying?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

The linseed oil on the vehicle isn't a fire risk, but the rag you use is. Don't wad it up in the trash, lay it out on the concrete somewhere to totally dry, it can off gas while drying and combust in a small space....science its weird lol. Best of luck, thanks for watching!

[@nicprentiss2210]

Is there any easy material to add on top of the linseed to make it more permanent? For us broke boys

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Short answer, not really. It being temporary is kinda the attraction of it. You could always use something like Sweet Patina Sauce, it last awhile, but it's not cheap as Linseed.

[@Ms.SpookyLavellan]

How do you protect from holes inside the truck four wheel drive

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Happy to help, but not quite sure what your asking me....

[@sparky683]

Made my truck kinda sticky and dirt stick really well didn’t apply to much

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Sorry to hear that, honestly it was probably still too much, the stuff goes a long way, you want it extremely thin. You could wash the dirt off with just water (no soap), may knock down the tackiness a bit. It is oil, it will always be slightly tacky but should mostly dry after a few days, the advantage is it's cheap and temporary vs the wipe on clear coats that dry hard, but are hard to undo. Best of luck on your truck!

[@Dykeonatrike1]

Spectacular mate thank you!! I have a reliant trike that needs some tlc with boiled linseed oil!!

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Very cool Dal, I hope that it turns out great!

[@streetzyskater]

So I have a 63 Lincoln with rust on the hood and alittle on the roof but everywhere else it's pretty good original paint. Do you suggest doing this with not alot of rust?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

You could use it on the rusty portions if you wanted to shine it up a little, I wouldn't rub it all over the paint.

[@zaydsandoval6177]

I have a question, what happens with dust? Cain it be washed ? Or just clean or what's the procedure with the dust and sand?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hey thank you for watching, I'd just clean it with water and reapply as needed.

[@Adamyup32]

How long does the shin last roughly ? If not garage kept

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hey Adam, it would depend on rain, sprinklers, etc, but approx a month outside. Its just a thin sheen of oil basically, so it can wipe or be washed off, but that's what is great about the linseed route, is you can just re-wipe on more or let it go back to how it was. Good luck with it!

[@mrmeowcomeshome1300]

Is it tacky? When it dries does it turn dull?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

It will stay very lightly tacky once "dry". Wont dull for a few wks unless you live in a really dusty area. Good luck!

[@mrmeowcomeshome1300]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER thank you, you know I asked you this question 4 months ago and you responded and then I forgot thank you again : ) Rusty looks great!

[@MsFreewar]

Is the lindseed not sticky after application?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Yes sir, it is slightly tacky. I did the thinnest coat I could, but its still a coat of oil in the end.

[@DEADIKATED]

Can I use it My truck is primered?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

It would make the primer look semi clear coated for a bit, but it won't quite have the same effect as it does on old patina. Maybe try on a small hard to see area and see if you like how it looks first.

[@mastedi]

How long does it take to be considered dried?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

As with anything it will be based on how thick you apply it and temperature etc, but roughly it should be "dry" in 2-3 days. It will never fully dry as its a oil based product, but it will stop being so wet & really tacky to the touch. Thank you for watching!

[@saddletramp6935]

Could it be put on flat black

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Yes, but unless you want to make it really glossy, you will want to cut it with a healthy amount of mineral spirits. Just test it on a small discrete area till you dial in your mix. Good luck!

[@zandorvorkov7257]

Could one use a spray gun to put it on?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

It maybe a little too thick for that, I have only ever wiped it on with a rag. If you try it let me know if it works, im curious now lol.

[@mrmeowcomeshome1300]

Is it tacky to touch after it dries?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Yep, it will get less so over time, but since it's oil it will always be a bit tacky.

[@mrmeowcomeshome1300]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER Thanks.

[@ryanbob6780]

How would it be on dirt roads?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Honestly, I didn't try driving it on a dirt road afterwards so I really do not know for sure. As it is basically just a thin coat of oil, I think fine dirt would probably stick to some degree, luckily its easy to clean off/reapply. If you try it out, please let me know how it does, now I am curious!

[@gilchevy]

so can you touch it or does it cure

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

It doesn't really cure as it is an oil, I just made the coat thin as possible when spreading it out. Will end up very lightly tacky. Good news is if it bothers you it will wear off or you can wash it off. Didn't give me any issues. Good luck!

[@ralval5376]

Is this “natural “ patina?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hi Ral, thanks for watching, that truck was a mix of old paint layers, natural patina, and rust lol. I did a power wash & wet sand to knock off the crud & loose paint when I bought it, but I didn't paint anything besides the cab interior & engine bay. When I got it in '18, I was told it had set under a tree since 2006!

[@jimorlando9397]

Rusty but Trusty. I call mine the Rusty Rocket

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thanks for watching Jim, what model is your Rusty?

[@shanestinnett9744]

What if u don't like it how do u get it off

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

If you wash and scrub it really well then most of it will come off, other than that it will just wear off eventually. That is why it is nice, it's easy to reapply if you like the look, and if you don't it will eventually go back to how it was. Best of luck on your project.

[@shanestinnett9744]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER I got it done it looks good

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

@@shanestinnett9744 very cool, glad it worked out for you!

[@krisolivier6905]

Can you use Raw Linseed oil?

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

I have always heard it needs to be "boiled" Linseed oil like in the video. I have never tried "raw".

[@billygoatracer]

I have heard it will be sticky or tacky

[@steveolivas1221]

Can you apply this oil to paint

[@steveolivas1221]

Will it damage the paint

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

@@steveolivas1221 Honestly I haven't really tried it on paint, for that I would just cut and buff it to shine it up. This is more for rusty patina areas or extremely old paint jobs that are weathered and beat up. Thank you for watching.

[@steveolivas1221]

How about a paint job that's 5yrs old

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

@@steveolivas1221 For something so new, I would personally get some compound, polish, and wax then just cut and buff it. Takes awhile, but you can really bring a paint job back if your patient.

[@NismoXero]

Thank you for saying WHY people cut it with mineral spirits. Most dont. For my purpose I won't be 👍🏻

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Thank you! I hope your project turns out great.

[@roblobay7784]

Try the oil and car is sticky as hell WTF did I do anything wrong

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Hmm, it may have been applied too thick. It is oil so it wont ever be 100% dry, but it should dry to a light tacky feeling. Try washing your car and reapplying it a bit thinner, sometimes mixing in a bit of mineral spirits will help it cure up a little bit at the end as well.

[@roblobay7784]

@@CLASSICSAREBETTER thank you

[@jeppemajlandgravesen6306]

Put your cloth in a plast bag

[@steveaudet8217]

Poppys patina works better and you can. No oil at all.

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

Never tried that one before, I will have to look into it, I know Sweet Patina works great and is similar, but for $8 bucks boiled linseed oil is a great cheap solution. Thanks for watching!

[@ChaosRules57]

It amazes me how many people think this looks good. I guess there is no accounting for taste.

[@OOICU812]

I felt the same at first. Like many other things it's an acquired taste.

[@MichaelKissane-h4n]

Does it dry or stay oily, do you have to wipe off excess??

[@CLASSICSAREBETTER]

I would do a lite wipe if you have some excess that doesn't soak in. It will get "almost dry" after a couple days, it's not like excessively oily, but it is oil based so it stays just slightly tacky, prob wont notice unless you get it covered in dust lol. Good news is if you don't like it, it will eventually just wash off.