1. Linoleum Bailey Baldwin

2. Linoleum is Made From All Natural Materials Linoleum is made of solidified linseed oil in combination with wood flour or cork dust over a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments can be added to the material. ‘Inlaid’ is the finest linoleum floors. It is extremely durable and is made by joining and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. Good quality linoleum is extremely flexible. Cheaper patterned linoleums came in different grades or gauges, and were printed with thinner layers which were more prone to wear and tear.

3. The Materials in Linoleum Linseed oil: It is the most important material used to make linoleum. It is obtained by pressing the seeds of the flax plant. Tall oil, a recycled post-industrial by-product, is a resin based fatty acid. In combination with linseed oil, it optimizes the oxidation process in the production of linoleum. Rosin: It is the binding agent in linoleum. It is tapped from pine trees, without affecting growth. Together with linseed oil, rosin gives linoleum its strength and flexibility. Wood flour: It is used to bind the pigments and to ensure colorfastness. It also helps to optimize a smooth surface. Cork flour: It is made by grinding the bark of the cork oak, which is grown around the Mediterranean. The bark is peeled every seven to ten years without affecting the tree's growth. Pigments: The most beautiful colors are created by using ecologically responsible pigments that do not contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.

4. How it’s Made Linseed and rosin are mixed with wood flour or cork dust to form linoleum granules The mixture is pressed onto a jute backing, making sheets. Then it is hung in drying rooms to allow them to cure and to acquire the required flexibility and resilience. To achieve maximum waste reduction all linoleum remnants are recycled back into the production process.

5. How to Apply Linoleum 1. Prep the floor. The floor needs to be smooth, clean, and dry without any bumps, dirt, oil, or paint that could prevent a tight fit. Linoleum tile can be installed over existing flooring if it is securely attached to the subfloor. If it isn’t, you’ll need to rip it out. 2. Use a water-resistant Portland-cement filler to create a smooth surface. Apply the cement with a mud knife. Keep it smooth to avoid having to sand more than necessary. 3. Sand to a smooth, even surface. 4. While working on the floor preparation, put the linoleum tile somewhere nearby for a couple days to acclimatize to room temperature. (It tends to be brittle if it’s too cold.) 5. Use a chalk line to determine placement of tile. 6. If installing borders, precut edges with a utility or linoleum knife, then dry fit pieces. 7. Apply adhesive according to manufacturer’s instructions, then apply tile, then use a hand roller to ensure a good seal. A 100-pound roller is recommended. 8.Once all the tile is laid, apply sealer according to manufacturer’s instructions.

6. History of Linoleum Linoleum was invented by Englishman Frederick Walton who patented his formula in 1860. In 1864, he formed the Linoleum Manufacturing Company By 1869 the factory in Staines, England was exporting to Europe and the United States. In 1877, the Scottish town of Kirkcaldy, in Fife, became the largest producer of linoleum in the world, with no fewer than six floorcloth manufacturers in the town In 1864, Linoleum was first manufactured in the United States by the Joseph Wild Co., in a town, christened Linoleumville, on the western shore of Staten Island. Between 1860 and the 1950s, linoleum was considered to be an excellent, inexpensive material for high use areas. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it was favored in hallways and passages, and as a surround for carpet squares. However, most people associate linoleum with its common twentieth century use on kitchen floors. Its water resistance enabled easy maintenance of sanitary conditions and its resilience made standing easier and reduced breakage of dropped china.

7. Synthetic vs. Natural Because vinyl and linoleum are similar in appearance, a common misconception is that many people think that linoleum and vinyl are virtually the same, but in actuality they are fundamentally very different. Vinyl is completely synthetic, petroleum-based material. It is composed of layers, starting with a vinyl (or felt) backing and is overlaid with a top layer of urethane which helps resist scuff-marks, scratches, stains, repel dirt and moisture. Linoleum is completely natural. It is composed of entirely natural materials from highly sustainable sources and thus is 100% recyclable. Which means all of the leftover or waste products from its production can be re-used in future production. It is argued that linoleum is durable because the color is embedded throughout its construction whereas in vinyl floors, the colors and patterns are simply printed onto the surface and then protected by a urethane top layer. Health benefits of linoleum is due to its natural properties. Linoleum flooring has a healthier living environment because it does not emit volatile gases and other toxic chemicals. Linoleum is believed to be hypoallergenic and naturally anti- static which means that it easily repels dust, dirt and other allergenic particles. Linoleum is even believed to have naturally antibacterial properties.

8. Benefits of Linoleum Available in many different colors, prints and styles Fully biodegradable Inexpensive Extremely durable Requires little maintenance Sustainable It is a thermal and sound insulator Non-toxic

9. Installing Linoleum

10. Vintage Linoleum