Waterproofing cob earth surfaces with hardening linseed oil and beeswax and baked earth ochre paint

Join Bryce and Misty of Ontario Permaculture as they share the techniques and tips they used while preparing a cob sculpted tabletop with first, baked ochre earth paint, then a double boiled linseed oil and beeswax treatment to waterproof and seal the surface. This technique results in a durable, water and moisture resistant, sealed earthen surface, which could be used for many potential applications, including even sinks and tubs, or the potential for human shelter! Bryce also shares some tips on what NOT to do, to help ensure the perfect finish everytime.
You may support Bryce and Misty, and Ontario Permaculture by contributing to their Patreon or GoFundMe pages by following these links:
/ ontariopermaculture
gofund.me/221c817c
All donations accepted with gratitude.
Music: Sleepless In Gulustan
Musician: Ilya Truhanov
URL: icons8.com/music

[@bijetanand]

Nice way of making earthen surface into waterproof earthen surface. Great job using natural things in the age of cement granite and marble.

[@dirtyskank2147]

I really appreciate y’all, y’all have a small channel and still put out videos it would be so easy for y’all to just not make anymore thank you for all the great videos.

[@andythecrimson8877]

Beautiful work.

[@highvibee]

Amazing 😍 and what a beautiful environment for children to grow up in. It must be smelling wonderful in that house...

[@Adnancorner]

What a cute kid. Thank you for the information.

[@harlankraft578]

At 12:34 we see the beautiful woman who has done this amazing work with her hands! Great Job!!!

[@ingridrenata7080]

Wowww 🌱🐌🌳

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

"Double boiled or polymerized linseed oil is also used in oil based paints and varnishes. One interesting aspect of this process is that it provides a pure oil that can be used to finish food contact surfaces. Raw Linseed oil is heated and air is blown to produce Double Boiled Linseed Oil. Heating the oil causes it to polymerize and oxidize, effectively making it thicker and shortening its drying time. ... This oil is mainly used indoors. It is very water resistant, and also a rust inhibitor." Cool - I didn't know about Doubled boiled Linseed oil. thanks

[@ChristopherLecky]

If for some reason someone is unable to experience the best of you, its a good indication that they should not experience you at all....

[@Luna-jk9de]

Im new here but I hope your wife defineitly made some videos on her makeup and earth pigment adventures! great video

[@bunnyj9779]

It's great to know you are living in Ontario 😊 Thank you for sharing these helpful info

[@katunger2407]

Thank you for sharing this! Im looking for a way to waterproof a cob bathroom wall... Without tadalakt or Marmorino...

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

Perfect timing!

[@dennisspqr]

Very helpful. I wish there was a shorter version with the steps shown in direct order and less children. Maybe it comes in the future, in the meantime I keep skipping bits.

[@g.e.boroush5176]

What was the substrate that you put the earth-cob on in the first place?

[@robhi3518]

Hey hey, thanks so much for uploading that very informative clip. I am about to start building a cob sauna. The inside and actually outside will be sealed the way you have shown in your clip. Any thoughts on how that will go with the humidity and hot temperatures inside that sauna? Many thanks in advance and once again, thanks for that wonderful peace of art you were creating and sharing

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

This idea should work as you have described it, all parts being well designed. Be sure to also include closeable ventilation at the peak at very least, (perhaps also a closeable intake low) and possible fans or forced air of some kind to ensure that the excess humidity of the sauna does not linger beyond usage time. Other than that consideration, it should all be fine.

[@roiad876]

I think you need full sunlight to achieve polymerization of the oil and wax. if not just get an UV light¿

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

We have had success with this approach setting, even in dark areas. It seems to be the air allows the oxygen to set the process, even where no sunlight naturally occurs.

[@qalandero]

How did you guys make the kitchen counters and shelves ? Is there a lattice or frame inside the cob for strenght and rigidity ?

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

Yes, we built a wood frame, then mounted it with the cob mud. If doing so on a vertical surface, be sure to add small protruding nails or screws into the wood to gain bonding.

[@albertravn]

Very nice and informative video. I am currently researching materials to use in my bathroom project. I am planning to use this method with linseed oil and beeswax to seal the floor and shower area. Two questions. 1: Would you recommend this method or do you think I will get problems with the moisture? 2: Can I use all types of beeswax and just mix them with linseed oil? Cheers from Denmark

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

Hello. Sorry it took til now to reply. If you havent already done this project, I think you will have excellent success keeping moisture out with a 50 50 wax oil solution.

[@mamoe3]

Could this be used outside to waterproof a cob wall?

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

Yes, oil can be used to waterproof exterior cob. However, the cob still needs to be protected from direct rain, as even oil erodes. It is very helpful to oil lower walls where they receive ground splash back, or on upper walls where roofs splash to reduce erosion there. It does take a lot of oil, though because cob is a very thirsty material. It also darkens the cob, and reduces the hygroscopic (water vapour balancing) capacity of that wall.

[@mamamistysol329]

what is "baked earth" is this just clay deposits or soil?

[@ontariopermaculture3665]

If one takes pure or near pure clay and bakes it until it becomes deep red, like pottery, when crumbled, it keeps that deep red hue, and can be painted with.

[@Adnancorner]

Subsoil, under the humus layer.

[@18waywardson]

So it's a slip made of flux?