What is the difference between tung oil and polyurethane?

Asked by: Michael Case

Found only in nature, tung oil comes from drying and pressing the nuts of this tree. By contrast, polyurethane is a man-made polymer invented in 1937 by Otto Bayer as a replacement for rubber during WWII. Today this chemical makes its way into a stunning array of products including wood finishes, adhesives and foam.

Should I polyurethane over tung oil finish?

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.

Is tung oil finish waterproof?

Top Benefits of Using Tung Oil as a Finish



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.

Can you mix tung oil and polyurethane?

Mixing oil (often linseed or tung oil) with some varnish (polyurethane varnish, in some products) creates a finishing material with a blend of qualities. The varnish provides a higher gloss and offers more protection than oil alone.

What is tung oil best 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.

Does tung oil seal wood?

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.

How long does tung oil finish 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.

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.

Is Minwax tung oil really tung oil?

These “Tung Oil Finishes” may or may not contain some true tung oil, but most do not contain any true tung oil. Their only claim to the use of the word “tung” is that they claim to give the appearance of finish that results from true tung oil.

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.

What can I use instead of tung oil?

Boiled linseed oil cures faster than tung oil, overnight in a warm room when all the excess is wiped off, as opposed to two or three days for tung oil. (Raw linseed oil cures much slower – weeks at a minimum – so raw linseed oil will remain sticky for a long time, even with the excess wiped off).

Does tung oil stain wood?

Like linseed oil a pure tung oil finish also must be maintained. Through regular application every few months or it'll begin to look dull and dingy.

Does tung oil change the color of wood?

Pure Tung oil won’t darken wood because it has an amber tint (honey-colored). This color often makes the wood grain pop with a warm amber luster. However, dark Tung oil will darken the wood.

Will multiple coats of tung oil darken wood?

Tung oil adds a luster to the wood. It has other benefits that stain cannot give to the wood. And sadly, you cannot expect tung oil to darken the wood as much as a stain would do.

Is linseed oil better than 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.