Offgridburbia

After the floor dried completely I applied a thin (1/4″ – 1/2″) layer of a sand/clay mix (approximately 80/20 ratio) over the entire floor to fill in cracks and provide a base to lay some saltillo tiles in the entry way. I also used  the mixture as grout between the tiles. After about a week it had dried out and I entered the final phase of sealing the floor.

I applied several coats of boiled linseed oil to the earthen floor. The oil hardens upon drying making the floor more durable and reducing water absorption.

The last layer has dried. Time to seal.

Applying the boiled linseed oil was pretty quick and easy. I would just pour some oil on the floor, let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe it around with an old rag. It took less than an hour for each coat.

The biggest danger with boiled linseed oil is that as it hardens it generates heat. You have to be careful with disposal of rags as they could spontaneously catch fire.

After applying the second coat. The linseed oil darkens the earth significantly.

After the first coat I began cutting the boiled linseed oil with the mineral spirits thinner to promote better absorption.