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.
Apply subsequent coatsĪfter the first coat has absorbed, apply a second coat. When you’ve applied the first coat, let the oil absorb. Unlike varnish, which sits on top of the wood, the goal with tung oil is to thoroughly saturate the wood cells. You can apply the oil with a natural bristle brush, a sponge brush, or a soft and lint-free rag. You could also choose one of our pre-thinned options, Half & Half or Dark Half, to use straight out of the bottle! 3. These do not mix with the tung oil and will create adverse effects on your finish. Do not use a mineral spirit or odorless mineral spirit marketed as “green”, “eco-friendly”, or similar verbiage. To thin the oil, combine it with equal parts Citrus Solvent, mineral spirits, or Odorless Mineral Spirits before application. 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. Thin the oilĪ thinner will make the tung oil easier to apply, faster to dry, and will improve penetration. Sand the surface one more time with 150-grit sandpaper, and then vacuum well to remove all dust. Follow that up by cleaning the surface with trisodium phosphate. Tung oil can only be applied to bare surfaces or over another coat of tung oil. If necessary, start by sanding or stripping the surface to remove any coating or finish that’s already there. Before you start, make sure there’s no grease, oil, dirt, dust, or other contaminants on the surface. The proper application of tung oil depends on you starting with a clean and prepared surface. Easy-to-Follow Steps for Applying Tung Oil to Your Projects 1.
To cover a 400-square-foot area, for instance, you would need a little over 2 gallons each of oil and solvent (for thinning) or 5 gallons of our pre-thinned options. Depending on how porous the surface is, you could need up to 5 coats. If you’re wondering if it’s the right wood oil for your project, it probably is! How Much Do You Need for Your Project?Ī gallon of tung oil will cover 400 square feet of surface. Tung oil is a favorite for finishing wood floors, cabinetry, decks, siding, furniture, guitars and other musical instruments, handmade toys, and more. For instance, tung oil has been used with fantastic results to finish wood, bamboo, concrete, stone, brick, and even metal surfaces. The only difference with dark tung oil is that we’ve added a non-carcinogenic and PCB-free resinous hydrocarbon that gives the oil a darker and richer finish.Ĭarpenters, woodworkers, crafters, and hobbyist alike all love tung oil, and over the years they’ve used it as a beautiful and protective finish on a wide number of projects and surfaces.
Difference Between Pure and Dark Tung OilĪs the name suggests, the pure tung oil is free of additives and distillates, meaning it doesn’t create a glossy or heavy finish. From an aesthetic standpoint, tung oil also cures to a beautiful matte finish that adds depth to woodgrain, producing an antique-style finish on any surface. On a practical note, tung oil also dries faster than other oils, making it easier and less time-consuming to apply. 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.
If you want to know more about tung oil and how to use it, then you’ve come to the right place! Top Benefits of Using Tung Oil as a Finish On top of producing a beautiful and protective finish, tung oil is also a popular choice for projects because it is versatile, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. Pure Tung oil is an excellent alternative to other drying oils, such as walnut, linseed and soy. The oil has been used for centuries as a water-resistant finish for boats and other wooden objects, as well as to finish stone. 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.