PRESERVATION OF TIMBER

Evening Star, Issue 22248, 28 January 1936, Page 2

PRESERVATION OF TIMBER

VALUE OF SUMP OIL Last week “ Preservative ” advised that he had discovered that oil drained from the cylinders of motor vehicles was a wonderful preservative for all woodwork exposed to the weather, and “ Cornice ” asked him to give an explanation of its preservative qualities. As a result “ Preservative ” has forwarded details of its use in connection with a buggy, spring van, the hood of an express, and a harness. He states that he treated a buggy, which had been standing outside for two years without being used, and the oil waterproofed the wood to such an extent that the water now runs off the wood instead of soaking into it. He also states that he has used it for a long time on his harness, and considers it better and cheaper than neatsfoot oil. “ Cornice ” admits that sump oil, which is no new discovery, has temporary waterproofing effects, but it is interesting to note that the British Admiralty has not yet found a treatment which is 100 per cent, waterproof. The same authority found that paint made from genuine stacked lead and pure linseed oil was only 18 per cent, waterproof, even after the application of three coats, while the best preservative results were obtained from a non lead and oil paint, which proved to be 98 per cent, waterproof. A disadvantage of sump oil is that it cannot be painted over unless a special sealer is used. It is questionable whether sump oil is hotter than neatsfoot oil for leather.