Can you put polyurethane on top of tung oil?

Asked by: Sarah Nielsen

Yes! You can seal tung oil with polyurethane. Tung oil is a penetrative drying oil, but it doesn’t guarantee a durable waterproof finish. Applying polyurethane varnish over Tung oiled wood will protect the wood further against water damage, scratch, and discoloration.

Can Poly go over tung oil?

Woodworking Expert – Michael Dresdner: “Yes, I would put a coat or two of oil-based polyurethane on for more durability, and it is fully compatible over the dried tung oil (or linseed oil, or any other drying oil for that matter.)

What finish can you put over tung oil?

Wipe-on poly or spar varnish will work on top of tung oil. This should protect the top from water damage, but it will show wear, so you will need to reapply every year or so. Okay if it is in your house, but not in a client’s. The best way would be an epoxy finish without the tung oil.

Can I use water based polyurethane over tung oil?

Yes. Apply a thin coat of de-waxed shellac in between. It is the universal in-between coat.

Does tung oil need a sealer?

No additional sealer is needed as the tung oil naturally seals and offers waterproof protection.

How long after tung oil Can I apply polyurethane?

How long does Tung oil need to dry before applying polyurethane? If you used 100% pure Tung oil product, you might need to wait up to a week before applying polyurethane. However, if you used a Tung oil finish (polymerized Tung oil), wait 24 hours before finishing with poly.

How do you finish tung oil?

It soaks into the wood fibers very slowly. It also dries very slowly requiring a great deal of time between coats. Like linseed oil a pure tung oil finish also must be maintained.

How do you make tung oil shiny?

I rub thoroughly between coats with 0000 steel wool when looking for high gloss. I have done up to 8 coats on a piece. The last couple of coats may be thinned with mineral spirits. You could also wax polish on top of the tung oil to achieve the sheen you want.

How long does tung oil last?

How long does Tung oil last? Pure Tung doesn’t go bad but polymerized Tung oil has a specific shelf life. So regardless of the version of Tung oil, you’re using, you will need to schedule regular reapplication of Tung oil –say once every six months.

Should I sand between coats of tung oil?

Applying Tung Oil – The Final Coat



Your final coat(s) of Tung oil should be applied full strength. Don’t sand the final coat. I allow it to cure and then depending on the look I am looking for I might apply a coat of paste wax. Paste wax on wood is just like paste wax on your car.

Will tung oil harden wood?

Tung oil is designed to harden the surface and to give protection for the wooden surface.

Will tung oil protect wood outside?

Tung oil can be used to treat your wood outside. By treating it with this oil, the wood will be protected against debris, sun, wind, and moisture. Treated wood can last for decades, as long as you re-apply wood protection at least once a year.

Can lacquer be applied over tung oil?

The short answer is “Yes, if it’s the right oil, and you let it dry first.”

What is better lacquer or polyurethane?

Despite being available in variances, polyurethane is more durable. It is thick and leaves a strong coating. Lacquer is thin and penetrates the wood surface. It is also durable but susceptible to scratches and discoloration after some time.

Can I varnish over oiled wood?

Compatibility. In most cases, you can safely apply varnish over an oiled piece of wood because the varnish contains oil, as well. Water-based varnishes are an exception to this rule. Look for an oil-based varnish, and read the package directions to ensure that it is compatible with an oil finish.

Can you shellac over tung oil?

Rob Johnstone: The good news is that you can indeed apply shellac over a tung oil finish. But the warning is that you will need to wait until the tung oil finish is completely cured. That will take at least a week or so to be sure.

Should you oil wood before shellac?

First, A Bit of Oil



Apply just enough to darken the wood and then wipe off any excess. When applied sparingly, the linseed oil will simply cure under the following coats of shellac and varnish. I like the way it brings out a beautiful, warm color in most woods.

Whats the difference between shellac and polyurethane?

Shellac: A natural finish derived from the lac bug, it imparts a warm tone and adds depth to grain. (Drying time: 30 mins) Polyurethane: A synthetic finish made from plastic resin and available in water- or oil-based forms. (Drying time: 2 hours for water-based and 6 hours for oil-based)

Can I mix shellac with oil?

For a home-brew finish, mix equal parts of shellac, denatured alcohol, and boiled linseed oil.

Can you mix shellac and polyurethane?

Polyurethane shouldn’t be put over shellac because shellac covers all. However, there’re cases where shellac finished woodworks buff out white marks when a splatter of water gets on it and the fix is to strip off the shellac and refinish it with poly.

Can you top coat linseed oil?

Raw linseed oil is a drying oil, and despite its short drying time, it will take between 30 to 45 days to cure and can be used as a topcoat.

Can you mix mineral spirits with shellac?

“Mineral spirits” (paint thinner) is a petroleum product and does not work with shellac at all.

What is the disadvantage of using shellac as wood finishing material?

It is fast drying, but it is not resistant to moisture, alcohol, heat, scratches, and chips. These disadvantages are serious enough so that shellac is not recommended for use as a surface finish.

What does denatured alcohol do to shellac?

In short, denatured alcohol is an unpredictable, dangerous, unhealthy, poor-quality solvent for shellac that will make your finish harder to use as well as shorten your life.