Linoleum – Oil-based Flooring

Linoleum – Oil-based Flooring

In 1860, rubber manufacturer Fredrick Walton invented linoleum, the floor and wall covering often used in Victorian homes. Three years later, Walton received a British patent for his invention. He was inspired to invent linoleum as a cheap substitute for the more expensive rubber composition called Kamptulicon. In fact, Walton got the idea for this product by observing the skin produced by oxidised linseed oil that forms on paint.

The name linoleum comes from the Latin word linum, which means flax, and oleum, which means oil. Linoleum is made of linseed oil, pigments, pine rosin and pine flour. It is manufactured by oxidising linseed oil and adding the other ingredients to form a thick mixture called linoleum cement. According to Columbia University Press, "Linseed oil is exposed to the air in a succession of thin

films until it is of a rubbery consistency, or it is thickened by heating until it becomes a spongy mass, after which it is ground, mixed with pulverised wood and other ingredients, and then applied to the foundation and rolled smooth. The final process is a thorough seasoning in drying rooms."

Together with inventor Fredrick Thomas Palmer, Fredrick Walton went on to invent Anaglypta and Lincrusta. These are two forms of Victorian era embossed wall coverings. Lincrusta is made of a linseed oil mixture and Anaglypta is made from cotton pulp.

The Scottish flooring manufacturer Michael Nairn introduced the inlaid patterning of linoleum. It was later replaced in popularity by vinyl floor coverings of the 1960s. However, it is now making a comeback.