Tung Oil
What is Tung Oil
Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree. Tung oil hardens upon exposure to air (through polymerization), and the resulting coating is transparent and has a deep, almost wet look. Used mostly for finishing and protecting wood, after numerous coats, the finish can even look plastic-like. Related drying oils include linseed, safflower, poppy, and soybean oils. Raw tung oil tends to dry to a fine, wrinkled finish; this property was used to make wrinkle finishes, usually by adding excess cobalt drier. To prevent wrinkling, the oil is heated to gas-proof it (also known as "boiled").
Advantages of Tung Oil
Ease the protection of your wooden deck
When linseed oil and solvents are added to the abrasive oil, it becomes very easy to apply because it penetrate well the wood of your deck. In addition, the abrasive oil forms an impermeable layer while allowing the wood to breathe. The application is easy and spread the layer evenly is just as easy. Tung oil thus gives the external finishing products certain flexibility.
Enrich the finish of its wooden deck
When it comes to exterior wood oil, whether tung oil or linseed oil, these oils all have the property of enhancing the grain of the wood. An added benefit of tung oil is that it does not yellow and will therefore keep the colour of your wooden deck more stable over time.
Tenacious against many things
Tung oil is used in many outdoor finishing products. Once polymerized, this oil has fascinating qualities. When the surface of your wooden patio has been well prepared by high-quality sanding, the oil molecules do not just bind to each other, but also bind directly to your exterior flooring. Well-maintained, the tung oil layer can resist water, other aggressive products like alcohol, acetone and, to some extent chlorine from your outdoor pool. Flexible, it adjusts to the expansion and contraction of your wooden deck during winter. Moreover, tung oil does not rancid and does not rot.
Why Choose US
Our Factory
Wangmo County Tonghong Trading Co., Ltd , established in 2010, is an international trading company integrating R & D, production, sales and consignment. Our company from the establishment up to now, has an area of more than 900 acres of factories and planting base, the laboratory is also beginning to take shape at the present stage.
Our Product
At present, it specializes in the import and export business of tung oil and its related by-products. Also, the company has dealt in agricultural and sideline products such as oil tea seeds, camellia oil and linseed oil since 2015.
Our Certificate
Our management system has passed ISO9001 international certification. We also have a lot of patented production equipment.
Our Service
Our professional staff will follow up in time. We will carefully understand the needs of customers to provide customers with intimate service.
How to Apply Tung Oil
Using tung oil as a finish requires several applications. It's time consuming and requires a good deal of patience. For furniture items, it's best done by someone experienced with finishing wood.
When deciding to apply tung oil, if you're adding it to an older piece of wood furniture, the old finish should be removed before applying the tung oil.
How much tung oil you will need depends on how porous the surface is. Wood will absorb a lot of oil and needs several coats. Sanding is not needed between application of coats. Here are steps to follow when applying tung oil in addition to any package instructions.
Clean the surface and remove any grease, dust, dirt, debris, etc.
If necessary, remove any existing finish (tung oil can be applied to a clean surface or over another coat of tung oil).
If thinning the oil is needed, thin the oil for easier application and quicker drying time (follow all product package instructions for thinning). Citrus solvent or odorless mineral spirits are eco-friendly thinner options. Highly absorbent surfaces like weathered wood will not need thinning.
Apply first layer of oil using a foam brush or soft lint free rag. Apply generously as the goal is for the oil to saturate and absorb. Apply evenly.
Once first coat is absorbed, apply a second coat.
Wait 40 minutes between applications of oil and continue with coats until the majority of the surface maintains a glossy look for at least 40 minutes, likely indicating the wood has been saturated.
The number of coats needed can vary, with decorative items requiring up to four coats and surfaces that will be used a lot (walked on, handled etc.) taking five coats or more.
Once the wood won't absorb any more oil, take a rag to wipe off any excess oil that's pooled or puddled.
Next the process of curing (drying and hardening) begins. Let this happen at room temperature. Curing will occur faster in warmer temperatures. This is a lengthy process for tung oil. It can take a week to get started and take up to 30 days to fully cure. Monitor the piece the first 10 days, wiping off any excess oil that collects. No additional sealer is needed as the tung oil naturally seals and offers waterproof protection.

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.
Tung oil does not just sit on the surface of the wood. It permeates deep into the fibers of the wood and becomes part of it, and once it cures or dries, it creates a lovely non-oily finish. When used as a finish for wood furniture, it slowly cures to reveal a golden honey colored tint. Pure tung oil will not discolor over time.
Clean the surface
The proper application of tung oil depends on you starting with a clean and prepared surface. Before you start, make sure there's no grease, oil, dirt, dust, or other contaminants on the surface.
If necessary, start by sanding or stripping the surface to remove any coating or finish that's already there. Tung oil can only be applied to bare surfaces or over another coat of tung oil. Follow that up by cleaning the surface with trisodium phosphate. Sand the surface one more time with 150-grit sandpaper, and then vacuum well to remove all dust.
Thin the oil
A thinner will make the tung oil easier to apply, faster to dry, and will improve penetration. The only time you shouldn't thin the oil first is if you're applying it to weathered wood, concrete, old and unfinished wood floors, or other highly absorbent surfaces. To thin the oil, combine it with equal parts Citrus Solvent, mineral spirits, or Odorless Mineral Spirits before application. Do not use a mineral spirit or odorless mineral spirit marketed as “green”, “eco-friendly”, or similar verbiage. These do not mix with the tung oil and will create adverse effects on your finish. You could also choose one of our pre-thinned options, Half & Half or Dark Half, to use straight out of the bottle!
Apply a generous first layer
You can apply the oil with a natural bristle brush, a sponge brush, or a soft and lint-free rag. Apply the oil liberally to the surface. Unlike varnish, which sits on top of the wood, the goal with tung oil is to thoroughly saturate the wood cells. When you've applied the first coat, let the oil absorb.
Apply subsequent coats
After the first coat has absorbed, apply a second coat. Continue this process of applying coats, waiting 40 minutes between coats if necessary, until over 80 percent of the surface stays glossy for at least 40 minutes. This means the wood cells have been saturated and you can move to the next step. Decorative items may need two to four coats, while functional surfaces that will be handled, used, or walked on will need a minimum of three to five.
Removing unabsorbed oil from the surface
After you've applied multiple coats and the wood won't absorb any more oil, use a clean rag to wipe the surface. If there are any puddles of oil on the surface, mop them up with the rags. This is important as you don't want the tung oil to start curing on the surface.
At this point, your surface is fully saturated. However, the pure tung oil will settle inside the wood/material overnight on through the next day. To get the best finish we recommend applying one or two more coats of the oil, following the instructions previously stated, after this period of waiting. Make sure to wipe up oil that's on the surface that does not absorb. Hang oil-soaked rags separately outside to dry before disposing.
Let the oil cure for up to 30 days
From here, the oil will need a week to 10 days to start curing, and 15 days to 30 days to fully cure. Do not put the tung oiled object in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. For the first 10 days of curing, check and wipe up any tung oil that may seep to the surface. During this curing time, you can walk on floors with clean shoes, but avoid placing heavy objects on the floor or walking on it with dirty shoes. (Tip: put old rags under your shoes to walk across the surface no matter what shoes you're wearing.) There are no other sealers or protective products needed on top of your oil. It naturally seals, waterproofs, and protects your surfaces!
Cleaning your surfaces
Pure tung oil is easy to clean! For your floors or other wooden objects, just simply use hot water and standard dish soap. That's it!
Varieties of Tung Oil
Pure tung oil
Pure tung oil is incredibly thick, which makes application slow and curing times even slower. However, in its pure state, it's non-toxic and food-safe.
Tung oil finish or varnish blend
Tung oil with additives is considered a blend. They may be mixed with resins to add durability and shine, drying agents to speed drying time, or solvents that make application easier. These products are no longer considered "non-toxic" or "food-safe."
Polymerized or tung wiping varnish
Polymerized tung oil has been heat-treated, which aids in drying. When varnish additives are added to the polymerized tung oil, it can be used as a wiping varnish, which means you can wipe it on, which is a straightforward application process.
Tung Oil Vs Linseed Oil: Major Differences
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Major Differences: Tung Oil vs. Linseed Oil |
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Pure Tung Oil |
Raw Linseed Oil |
|
|
Source |
Extracted from the nuts of the tung tree |
Extracted from flaxseeds |
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Color |
Dries clear, but will add slight color to lighter woods |
Dries slightly yellow, but will worsen over time |
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Dry/Cure Time |
Two to three days |
Several weeks |
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Water-Resistance |
High |
Low |
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Durability |
High |
Low, prone to scratching |
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Cost |
High |
Average |
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Sheen |
Matte |
Satin |
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Maintenance |
Requires regular reapplication |
Requires regular reapplication |
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Toxicity |
Non-toxic to humans and pets in pure form, once fully cured |
Non-toxic to humans and pets in pure form, once fully cured |
|
Food safety |
Food-safe in pure form, once fully cured |
Food-safe in pure form, once fully cured |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Tung Oil
Appearance
Pure tung oil has a beautiful matte finish that makes the wood more striking without drastically tinting or yellowing the wood's natural hue. Impure tung oil products may add more color to the wood. Tung oils with additives can vary in appearance and sheen.
Water Resistance
Tung oil is water resistant, preventing water molecules from seeping into the wood's grain. This is due to the curing process, during which the tung oil reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a hard protective barrier on the outside of the wood.
Lifespan
While no tung oil finish will stay in perfect condition forever, the finish on items kept inside away from sun and water exposure will last much longer than those left outside. Pay close attention to the surface's water-beading capabilities as well as the richness of the finish, and reapply once the wood looks dried and lackluster.
Care and Cleaning
Tung oil can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth. But, for more intense cleaning, water-vinegar mixtures can be used, as well as oil soaps and even some mild household cleaning products. Always ensure the products are non-bleachable and test on hidden areas before completing their application.
Durability and Maintenance
Pure tung oil creates a durable wood finish when properly applied. The finish soaks into the wood and cures to form a highly water- and scratch-resistant barrier. To maintain durability and water resistance, finished tung oil items should be cleaned and recoated regularly if they are being used regularly.
Application
Pure tung oil is easy to apply and nearly impossible to mess up. Sand the wood until smooth, remove all dust and debris, then flood the surface with the oil. As you see dry spots occur, add more oil. Once the wood no longer absorbs oil, clean the surface with a dry cloth. Allow the oil to cure for several days, then lightly sand and re-coat. Five, six, seven, or more coats can be applied.
Clean the surface thoroughly. If using water, allow the surface to dry overnight before applying your maintenance coat(s).
We recommend using The Real Milk Paint’s Half & Half blend for easy maintenance, but if buying their Pure Tung Oil & Natural Citrus Solvent separately, you will need to first make a 1:1 blend of solvent to tung oil. Thinning your pure tung oil makes it easier for the blend to penetrate the mostly sealed surface by finding any open wood fibers and/or pores.
Using a clean, lint-free rag, begin wiping on a thin coat of your blend. Ensure there is not a buildup of product before applying the next coat or you may begin to see oil “mountains” form.
After about 30 minutes, wipe off any excess mix that has not absorbed with a dry rag.
Avoid use for 24hrs to allow the thin coat(s) to dry. The maintenance coat(s) may take up to 30 days to fully cure, so we recommend avoiding heavy use or exposing the finish to puddling liquids for the first 7-14 days. Similarly, the finish should be allowed to “breathe” during the curing process so that excess oil may seep out if needed. If this occurs, simply wipe away with a clean rag.

FAQ
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