About
Crafted for Decades, Not Seasons
While modern paints rely on plastics, synthetic pigments, and drying agents, Brouns & Co creates linseed oil paint the traditional way
Based in West Yorkshire, UK, where our raw ingredient, flax, is grown. Brouns & Co was founded by historic building conservation expert Michiel Brouns, who gained his expertise surveying historic buildings in his native Netherlands before making the UK his base. Michiel is recognized as a leading authority on linseed paint — its history, production, and modern applications.
Our Founder
Michiel Brouns
Michiel Brouns, originally from the Netherlands, began his career as a surveyor of historic buildings. In 2006, he relocated to the UK and founded Histoglass Ltd, a company dedicated to providing insulating glazing solutions for historic buildings.
Building on this success, Michiel launched Brouns & Co over a decade ago, focusing on the revival of historic linseed paint. His expertise has been integral to notable projects such as The Old War Office, Woburn Abbey, Chatsworth House, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Mount Vernon, and Poplar Forest.
Recognized as a leading authority on linseed paint — its history, production, and modern applications — Michiel frequently presents to architects and preservation specialists across the UK and North America. His presentations have included engagements with RIBA-USA, AIA at the British Consulate in Boston, and RIBA-New York. He is also a regular speaker at historic window preservation conferences.
In May 2023, Michiel published his book, Linseed Paint & Oil – A Practical Guide to Traditional Production and Application, further cementing his status as an expert in his field.
Every product is designed to protect and restore buildings, furniture, and metalwork in a fully ecological way, while giving surfaces long-term resilience against the elements.
Trusted Globally
Our Mission
In the United States, Brouns & Co is increasingly sought after by preservation experts restoring historic wooden buildings—where breathable, long-lasting natural paints are essential to protecting valuable heritage structures. The company’s products offer an ecologically sound, historically appropriate alternative to plastic-based paints that can damage original timber over time. As American preservation practices move toward sustainability and longevity, Brouns & Co’s durable products are proving invaluable.
While modern paints rely on plastics, synthetic pigments, and drying agents, Brouns & Co creates linseed paint the traditional way with pure powder pigments ground into boiled linseed oil on triple-roller mills adjusted with additional oil until the perfect consistency is achieved.
We are committed to sustainability
- Only trace elements of naturally occurring VOCs
- A full suite of natural oils, including raw, boiled, and wood-nourishing blends
- Natural Bristle Brushes - Cruelty-Free
- Traditional wood tar oil, identical to the treatments used on 12th-century Scandinavian stave churches
- Pure powder pigments
- Mineral pigments ground into linseed oil on triple-roller mills
- Nothing else is added—no fillers, no plastics, no VOCs. 100% committed to sustainability.