Does Tung Oil Give Hardwood Floors a Swedish Finish Color?

Definition of Tung Oil

• Tung oil is a wood oil and is drawn from the seed of the tung tree. Tung oil is a natural product that can warm the finish of hardwood. Tung oil penetrates and seals the wood protecting it from scratches and scuffs but at the same time allowing it to naturally patina and age. However, tung oil may require many coats depending upon the look you are trying to achieve and two to three days drying time between each coat. Tung oil's application process may make it the wrong choice if a fast result is required.

Polymerized Tung Oil

• Manufacturer's have developed a polymerized tung oil that has a faster drying time than natural tung oil. Polymerized oils are made using a cooking or heating process that helps shorten the drying time once the oil is applied to wood. Polymerized tung oil can make the application process faster without destroying the results of a warm, durable finish. Stains are applied to wood floors before a sealer, such as polymerized or natural tung oil, is applied or the oil can be applied directly to a prepared floor without a stain.

Definition of Swedish Finish

• A Swedish finish is a polyurethane-based refinishing product used on hardwood floors. A Swedish finish dries to a clear, amber colored, durable result and is relatively inexpensive to use. However, Swedish finishes contain formaldehyde and other chemicals, making them an extremely toxic and smelly substance to work with. The formaldehyde is released over a period of several weeks after the application. Stains are applied to the wood before applying a Swedish sealer. Because of the toxicity of the Swedish finish, many manufacturer's suggest using a professional company to assure the finish is properly applied.

Differences in Finish Color

• Tung oil is a penetrating finish that allows the wood to patina with use. On the other hand, the Swedish finish is a surface treatment that does not penetrate the wood but sits on top of it. Swedish finishes tend to give wood a more amber or yellow colored hue and depending upon the product used can add a gloss or shine to the wood. Because of the nature of each type of finish, it is unlikely you will arrive at the same finish color results with a tung oil as you would with a Swedish finish. A test sample of each type of product is useful in determining final results. However, even if the colors are the same after initial application, time may change that fact.