Can you seal tung oil?

Asked by: Jomega Travers

Yes! You can seal tung oil with polyurethane. Tung oil is a penetrative drying oildrying oilA drying oil is an oil that hardens to a tough, solid film after a period of exposure to air, at room temperature. The oil hardens through a chemical reaction in which the components crosslink (and hence, polymerize) by the action of oxygen (not through the evaporation of water or other solvents).

Does tung oil need a sealer?

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

What finish can be applied 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.

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.

Will tung oil waterproof?

There are many reasons why people love tung oil for their projects, and one of the most popular is its flexible, durable, food safe, and protective waterproof finish that doesn’t mold, darken or go rancid.

How do you seal wood with tung oil?

No need to dilute the second coat simply wipe the pure tung oil over the wood in a nice even cord you will notice that it doesn't soak in as much of this.

Can I put polyurethane 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.)

How long does it take for tung oil to cure?

While there are many advantages to using it, pure tung oil takes two to three days to harden, and needs at least five coats. Oil/varnish blends and wiping varnishes are faster-drying, more practical options, but such terms rarely appear on labels. For help picking a finish, see below.

Can I put water based varnish over tung oil?

Yes. Apply a thin coat of de-waxed shellac in between. It is the universal in-between coat. Veni Vidi Vendi Vente!

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.

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.

Will tung oil harden wood?

As a finishing oil, Tung oil hardens to a tough coat as long as it’s exposed to air. The components of Tung oil crosslink with atmospheric oxygen and polymerize to make a hard, water-resistant film. In this process, Tung oil absorbs 12% of atmospheric oxygen to form waterproof skin on the wooden surfaces.

Will tung oil prevent cracking?

The oil has properties that allow it to penetrate deep into the wood to offer penetration protection not found in other products. Using the oil will help to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood so you do not experience the splitting and cracking that is so common and can cause damage.

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.

How do you seal wood so it doesn’t crack?

You can keep the wood from splitting when drying by applying a sealant or stabilizer, using a salt paste, applying varnish, applying paintable wax, or applying boiled linseed oil.