What does a tung oil tree look like?

Asked by: Nathaniel Storey

What tree does tung oil come from?

Tung oil comes from the pressed nut of the tung tree, a native of China. The tree has heart-shaped leaves, and the Chinese word for heart is tung.

Where is tung oil found?

China

Tung oil is produced chiefly in China from the tung tree (q.v.; Aleurites fordii).

How do you harvest tung oil?

The fruits are left for a few weeks to dry and cure. Tung oil is produced by harvesting these nuts and separating the nuts from their hard outer shells. Then the transparent oil is squeezed from the seeds inside. Dried and pressed nuts yield about twenty percent oil.

Can you eat tung nuts?

While tung seeds resemble walnuts in appearance, tung seeds are extremely poisonous, even deadly, if they are eaten raw. Tung seed contains various substances that might stimulate the bowels and cause sweating. It also contains toxic chemicals, such as cyanide.

What does a tung oil finish look like?

Oil it does add a slight amber hue to light colored wood. But it doesn't darken over time or go rancid like linseed oil might. It's food safe it's water resistant. It's eco-friendly.

Does tung oil waterproof wood?

1. Waterproof Oil. Tung oil is waterproof and helps to protect furniture and other woodworks from water droplets and moisture. It works as a water-resistant coating on top of the wooden surface and prevents water molecules and moisture from going inside of the wood.

Is tung oil glossy?

Tung oil is usually sold in satin, gloss or high gloss varieties.

Will tung oil darken wood?

While dark tung oil significantly darkens the wood color. In this case, it gives a mahogany brown color. So the difference in the color of the stain is very evident for the two types of tung oil on the light-colored woods.

Can you eat tung oil tree fruit?

Unfortunately, this plant can have a very dangerous ecological impact. ALL PARTS OF THE TREE ARE POISONOUS TO HUMANS. The leaves create a skin rash much like poison-ivy and one seed can be fatal if to humans if consumed!

What is the meaning of tung?

Definitions of tung. Chinese tree bearing seeds that yield tung oil. synonyms: Aleurites fordii, tung tree, tung-oil tree. type of: angiospermous tree, flowering tree. any tree having seeds and ovules contained in the ovary.

What is tung oil used for?

Tung oil is used as a finish to help protect wood. Woodworkers use it to create a hand-rubbed finish. It is used on wood furniture, boat decks, flooring, unfinished wood, weathered wood, concrete floors, countertops, stone, bamboo, brick, cabinetry, musical instruments and wood toys.

What do you do with tung nuts?

The seeds produce oils that are used in the manufacture of lacquers, varnishes, paints, linoleum, oilcloth, resins, artificial leather, felt-base floor coverings, and greases, brake-linings and in clearing and polishing compounds. In its native range, the seedlings have been planted for thousands of years.

Where did tung originate?

China

Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii). The oil and its use are believed to have originated in ancient China and appear in the writings of Confucius from about 400 BC.

Where does pure tung oil come from?

Pure Tung oil is a drying oil that’s extracted from the seed of the tung tree, which is native to China and a few other Asian countries. The oil has been used for centuries as a water-resistant finish for boats and other wooden objects, as well as to finish stone.

What is Danish oil made from?

Danish oil is typically made from blends of Linseed oil and/or Tung oil, mineral spirits, synthetic resins and varnish to make it durable and easy to work with. Rustins Danish oil however is considered to be the ‘original’ formula.

What’s the difference between tung oil and Danish oil?

Ultimately, Danish oil and tung oil are very similar. They both produce a nice appearance, and they both provide water resistance. However, although Danish oil does dry faster, it is not quite as durable or as water-resistant as tung oil.

Why is my Danish oil sticky?

Sticky Danish Oil



Although Danish oil is the best method for maintaining your solid wooden worktops, it can become sticky if a spray disinfectant is used, especially if the oil has been freshly applied. Danish oil can also become sticky if applied incorrectly, at the wrong rate.

What are the disadvantages of Danish oil?

So, let’s discuss when it comes to wood finishing, Danish oil Advantages and Disadvantages. But that’s a quick snapshot.



Disadvantages of Danish Oil

• Need Regular Maintenance. …
• Less Durability. …
• Time Consuming. …
• Can only Apply to Bare woods. …
• Can Occur Sudden Ignition. …
• Doesn’t Smoothen the Wood Grain.

Which is best Danish oil or tung oil?

We recommend Danish Oil because it is easy to use, dries quickly and will provide excellent protection against liquid staining and spillages. If you prefer the look of other oils you could also use Tung Oil as this will better enhance the natural beauty of the wood and also provide good water/stain protection.

Can I put Danish oil over tung oil?

There are a lot of products labeled as such, but there is no “standard” that manufacturers have to adhere to in calling their products an “oil” finish. Your polymerized tung oil product over a cured Watco Danish Oil , a boiled linseed oil finish or pure tung oil finish would probably be OK.

How many coats of tung oil should I use?

While there are many advantages to using it, pure tung oil takes two to three days to harden, and needs at least five coats.

Should you sand after tung oil?

After the initial and subsequent applications you should wait 2-7 days before sanding and reapplying. Wait time is based on how quickly the surface dries. This is a factor based on temperature, humidity and thickness of the coat.

How long does it take for tung oil to cure?

between 30-45 days

How Long Does Tung Oil take to Cure? Pure Tung oil will take anywhere between 30-45 days to cure under optimal curing conditions. However, Polymerized Tung oil should be able to cure fully in approximately one week.

Does tung oil yellow wood?

Pros & Cons of Tung Oil as a Wood Finish



It’s all natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, and it doesn’t yellow as much over time as common finishes like linseed oil, nitrocellulose lacquer, or varnishes like polyurethane.

What is better linseed or tung oil?

Tung oil creates a harder, more durable finish than linseed oil. Tung oil is more water-resistant than linseed oil. Raw linseed oil takes significantly longer to cure than pure tung oil. Tung oil is generally more expensive than linseed oil.

Is tung oil toxic to dogs?

If your pet consumes any portion of this tree, contact your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary clinic right away. Vernicia fordii, commonly known as the tung tree or tung oil tree, contains dangerous saponins and glycosides. Ingestion of this plant can be lethal, and should be treated as an emergency.