Tried a different mix on a big oak wound sealant last month

I added a bit more linseed oil than the can said, thinking it would help it stick better through the rain. It never fully set and just stayed gummy, which was a mess. Has anyone else had a sealant fail because they tweaked the mix?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lisa2mo ago

Might be the linseed oil reacting with something already on the bark. If the tree had any leftover moss or algae, the extra oil could have just sealed in moisture instead of drying. I've seen that make a sticky film that never cures right.

rivershah2mo ago

That's a solid point. Makes total sense that you'd trap moisture under there. Seen it happen with old fence posts that weren't cleaned well first. Once that oil turns gummy, it's a real pain to fix.

adam_thomas1mo ago

But what if the oil actually helps by keeping the bark flexible? I've used it on rough wood that dried out and cracked without it, so a little tackiness might be better than splitting.