What Are the Materials in Linoleum?
- Balsam and copal resins are often used in linoleum. Balsam resin comes from the distilled sap of plantation pine trees. Turpentine is made from the same sap. Copal comes from Africa, South America and Asia and consists of fossilized resin. Linseed oil from the linseed flax plant is used to produce linoleum. Linseed oil and resins are mixed together with the ingredients listed below to form linoleum granules.
- Wood powder comes from recycled materials derived from sawdust and wood shavings. Cork powder is produced from cork oak, specifically the bark. Wood powder binds the pigments together for a rich color all the way through the linoleum sheeting.
- The backing of linoleum consists of jute, material made of plant fibers. The linoleum granules get pressed onto a jute backing to form sheets. Workers hang these sheets in a special room for curing.
- Limestone powder is used as a filler and is readily available.
- Before pigmentation, linoleum looks dark brown. Titan dioxide is a non-toxic white pigment used to lighten the natural color. Iron oxide pigments make dark colors, while organic pigments produce brighter ones.
- Linoleum was invented by Frederick Walton and first used in 1863. Noted for its durability, linoleum was often first choice for those needing flooring until the 1940s, when vinyl flooring came into use. If you have a linoleum floor in your home that was installed before 1981, it may contain asbestos. Fortunately, new linoleum doesn't contain any asbestos, which can cause cancer if released into the air. Get professional advice before removing old linoleum flooring.