[GSBN] earthen floors

[Bill Steen]

In short, I think a lot has to do with how densely compacted the  
surface of the floor is.  Close the pores and the oil doesn't  
penetrate much.
For a good test, would be best to repeat on floors where the porosity  
of the surface is different.
  A lot will have to do with the quantity of aggregate in the mix and  
size of the particles, therefore size of the pores.
But hey, test it and see what works for you.  We've had great luck and  
penetration with full strength on the first coat.
Never found much cause to change it.
As for linseed oil in the mix, question would be how thick is the  
application, you could burn up a lot of oil doing it that way.
In repairing floors we've sometimes included linseed oil in the mix  
with good results, but the applications have been very thin.
Nonetheless, they have worked well.
And if you want to get a lot more mileage out of the linseed oil, use  
an emulsifier to combine it with the water.
Otherwise you'll get poor dispersion of the oil.  Casein is ideal for  
this, works really nice, makes clean up easy.
We've used it in plasters over the years with good results, but at 10%  
by volume of the water, I would not consider it strong enough for a  
floor.
Once again, if you're tempted to try it, experiment and see what you  
get.
In the thin coats we've applied we were using up to 50%, but found it  
still needed a coat of oil to make it work well.
I think the field is wide open for experimentation, just would take  
some time and dedication.
At the moment I'm looking at a polymer being used here in Mexico to  
stabilize dusty soils at a mine, was very impressive, don't know what  
makes it up, but will know more soon.
But you know, what conclusion I've come to over the years when it  
comes to this stuff, especially working in Mexico.
When it comes down it, more often than not, one goes with what's  
there, convenient, cost effective and not too much hassle.
I'll leave it at that for now.

B....
Bill Steen
canelo at caneloproject.com
www.caneloproject.com
www.caneloproject.blogspot.com