True Tales From Old Houses – Details, episodes & analysis

After an extended hiatus, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter return to True Tales From Old Houses to kick off Season 13 with personal updates, a major announcement from Daniel, and two ghost stories to celebrate a belated version of spooky season.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.

A quick announcement from Stacy: Season 13 kicks off in February! Listen in to hear why the show is extending its hiatus and how you can connect with True Tales From Old Houses in the meantime.

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co. sets the record straight on linseed oil paint. From its surprising shelf life to why "thin to win" is the golden rule, Michiel unpacks everything you thought you knew—and didn't—about this traditional finish. Stacy, Daniel, and Michiel discuss proper application, ongoing maintenance, brushes that won't let you down, as well as how linseed paint stacks up against modern coatings in terms of cost, durability, and environmental impact.

True Tales From Old Houses first explored linseed oil paint back in Episode #51, and now Stacy and Daniel are revisiting the topic with fresh insights, guided by listener-generated questions. It's a myth-busting, info-packed episode for anyone serious about preservation, sustainability, or just getting paint to stick.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Learn more about the Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake.
• Spotify Playlist: Frank Lloyd Wright's Record Collection
• Episode #51: Desmystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth + Flax
• Blog Article: Spontaneous Combustion Safety and DIY 
• Brouns & Co (North America) website and Instagram
• Brouns & Co (UK) website and Instagram

In today's episode, Stacy and Alex discuss how they would handle the renovation of their old houses if money were no object. And later, Stacy chats with Nick Slavik, owner of the Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration company and the host of a weekly online social media show called Ask a Painter Live. Nick is also a business innovator and one of the most energetic and passionate people Stacy has ever hosted on the show.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com

Limeworks.US Plaster and Masonry products: Visit LimeWorks.us to learn more about their products and services for your next historic restoration project.

In today's episode, you'll meet Melissa & Matt Dunphy. Melissa and Matt are privy diggers, amateur archaeologists, and hosts of The Boghouse Podcast.

Also, during Q&A, Alex offers some excellent advice about updating the heating and cooling systems in your old house.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

In today's episode, you'll meet Jaya. He and his wife bought an abandoned farmhouse house in Japan that he is bringing back to life. 

Also, Stacy and Dianne talk about the Scotland and Northern Ireland tour that Stacy is hosting in summer 2022.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

In today's episode, Stacy talks to fire chief Roger LeBlanc about how long we really have to get out of a burning house, plus he shares his best fire safety advice for old house owners.

Also, Stacy chats with Natalie Heneghan, the education manager of Rethos: Places Reimagined, a non-profit dedicated to supporting homeowners through DIY education and reimagining old buildings.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

During this final episode of season six, Stacy welcomes Dave Mertz, program chair of the Building Preservation Program at Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Also, Stacy offers several end-of-season updates, including the season seven listener question and a big travel announcement. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

Do you need to hire an architect? In today's episode, Stacy talks to Katelyn Parker from Bungalow Roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Katelyn explains how architects can help owners of old houses make sympathetic changes for modern life. Furthermore, she describes how architects, engineers, and designers differ. 

Also, Stacy and John Rodgers discuss their favorite paints and stains. Spoiler, John's favorite isn't paint at all. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.