Is Tung Oil a Good Finish That Will Last Long?

Is Tung Oil a Good Finish That Will Last Long?

Tung oil is one of the wood finishes today. It’s a natural drying oil extracted from the tung tree’s seed. For centuries, this oil has been used to finish boats and other wooden objects. But is it a good finish? You’re going to find out here.

How Good is Tung Oil as a Wood Finish?

Yes, tung oil is a good finish because it’s durable, flexible, and food safe. It also has waterproof properties that prevent mold growth. It also doesn’t go rancid. Compared with other oils, it dries faster. Thus, it makes it easier to apply because it’s less time-consuming. If you’re after its aesthetic, you are guaranteed that this oil can give your project a beautiful matte finish.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Tung Oil? Many craftsmen are opting to use this oil to finish their wood projects.

Thanks to its non-toxic, eco-friendly properties. Over time, it doesn’t go yellow. To better understand how great this oil is, let’s take a look at its pros and cons: Pros of Using Tung Oil Easy to apply Can be used to repair dents and scratches All-natural and it’s non-toxic Slightly water resistant Cons of Tung Oil as a Wood Finish Susceptible to stains, scratches, and water damage More expensive than linseed oil Needs up to 5 coats to obtain an attractive sheen.

There you have it. The pros and cons of tung oil. Use these details to help you decide whether to use it as a wood finish or opt for another product.

But many carpenters, crafters, and woodworkers love this oil and they have been using it over the years to provide their projects a great finish.

It’s also a favorite finish for wood floors, siding, furniture, guitars, decks, and more. Thus, if you’re still wondering if it’s the right finish for your project, it probably is the ideal oil.

How Much Tung Oil Do You Need?

It depends on your project. But a gallon of this oil can cover around 400 square feet of the surface. You may need up to 5 coats. However, the coats will hinge on how porous the surface is.

Cleaning the Surface This is the most vital step when applying this oil to the surface. Make sure that the surface has no dirt, dust, or oil. Otherwise, the oil won’t deeply penetrate the wood. You may need to sand or strip the surface to remove the finish or coating.

After cleaning the surface, make sure that the oil is diluted with citrus solvent or mineral spirits. Keep in mind that this oil can be sticky. To make it easier to apply to the wood, you need to add a thinner. It will make the application of this oil a lot easier and faster. It also improves penetration to the surface.

Make sure that you allow the treated surface to cure for up to 30 days.

Because this oil has natural sealant, there’s no need to apply protective products on top of it.

So, there you go. If you wish to test tung oil or want to experiment with its uses, you may buy it here.