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In this video, Melanie (Glaze Craft Windows) walks us through Brouns & Co.’s full line of linseed oil paint and what makes it ideal for historic window restoration and traditional homes. Linseed oil paint has been used for centuries on both timber and metal. Before the plastics industry waged a successful campaign to nearly eliminate the use of linseed oil paint in the U.S.—ensuring synthetic, plastic-filled alternatives took over after WWII—linseed oil was the trusted gold standard. 

Aside from the environmental benefits of LInseed OIl paint—no microplastics, very low VOCs, and full biodegradability—linseed oil paint also has another powerful feature: it accurately recreates the original colors seen on historic buildings.

That’s because Brouns & Co. uses traditional pigments, including both earth-based and metal-based pigments, to stay true to the way historic paints were made. Their colors aren’t just close—they’re authentic. And because the paint doesn’t contain water or synthetic fillers, it goes a long way. It’s applied in thin coats, and even a small coat can cover more than you’d expect.

*Note: in the last minute or so of the video we show a second segment on how Melanie mixes the colors, a fun little process.

Why It’s Especially Great for Historic Homes:

• Authentic historic pigments (earth- and metal-based)
• Thin application = more surface coverage per can
• Very low VOCs and no microplastics 
• Dries hard, which helps restored sashes move more freely
• Long-lasting and easy to renew with additional oil

Featured Colors from Brouns & Co.:

• Restoration White – a creamy, soft white ideal for traditional casements

• Project White – a brighter, modern-feeling white with a clean finish

• Cambridge No. 7 – a balanced historic white, great for sashes

• Amsterdam Green – a classic, deep green common on historic trim

• Barn Red – a bold, warm red for period-correct accents

• Various Greys – great for more subdued, authentic finishes

Explore Brouns & Co.’s full color range here: Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint Collection

Melanie also discusses primer options, which you can read more about in our dedicated primer blog post.

And if you’re worried about cleaning your brush every day—don’t be. Just drop it into a jar of linseed oil to keep it fresh between coats. More on that in our brush care post.

Meet Mitch and Melanie:

Mitch, creator of Low Budget Window Restoration, offers online courses that make restoring wood and steel windows simple and affordable for DIY enthusiasts. Learn more at lowbudgetwindowrestoration.com.

Melanie, owner of Glaze Craft Windows, specializes in restoring pre-1945 wood windows using eco-friendly methods and traditional craftsmanship in the Mid-Atlantic region (including the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area). Visit glazecraftwindows.com to explore her services.

Follow Us on Instagram:

Mitch: @onlinewindowrestorationguide

Melanie: @glazecraftwindows

For more step-by-step guidance on restoring historic windows, including Melanie’s expert tips, check out my online courses at lowbudgetwindowrestoration.com. Come learn, preserve, and celebrate historic windows with us!