What is tung oil used for?

Asked by: Jamie Lewis

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 is the benefit to using tung oil?

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.

Is tung oil water resistant?

Among natural finishes, tung oil surpasses shellac and linseed oil in hardness, durability, and water resistance. It’s also food-safe, once cured.

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.

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.

Will tung oil waterproof 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.

Will tung oil darken 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.

How many coats of tung oil should I use?

We recommend a minimum of four coats, more coats will be required for porous or external surfaces. For best results gently rub with Ultra Fine Steel Wool (Grade 0000) between coats. Leave for a few days before use to allow the Pure Tung Oil to dry fully.

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.

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.

What finish goes over tung oil?

What finish can be applied over Tung oil? You can seal dried Tung oil with finishes like wipe-on poly or spar varnish, shellac, lacquer, and even wax –carnauba wax or beeswax.

What is the best way to apply tung oil?

Apply liberally to a lint-free cloth. And simply wipe into the wood following the direction of the grain. You should really saturate the wood with the first.