How to Restore Tung Oil Finish to Wood

Tung oil finish leaves a clear, natural look on your wood surfaces. You can stain the wood before using the clear finish if you desire. Wear and tear over the years sometimes makes it necessary to refinish furniture to restore the shine and luster. Restoring the tung oil finish on your wood items is not difficult, although it does take patience and time. It leaves a beautiful, water-resistant surface; therefore, it works for outdoor furnishings as well.

Feather duster
Soft, lint-free cleaning cloths
Paint thinner
Wood stain (optional)
Tung oil
Sandpaper (very fine-grit, 220 to 240)

Instructions

- 1
  Dust the wood furniture with a feather dust or soft cleaning cloth.
- 2
  Clean the surface of the wood with a soft, lint-free cleaning cloth and paint thinner. Pour a small amount onto the cloth and rub it in a circular motion over the wood. Reapply the paint thinner to the cloth once it starts to lose moisture.
- 3
  Apply a wood stain, if there is one on the wood already and the areas are worn. Spread it on and allow it to dry according to the package directions.
- 4
  Rub a thin layer of tung oil onto the wood surface. Spread it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow it to dry thoroughly for two or three days.
- 5
  Sand the wood surface with a very fine-grit sandpaper (220- to 240-grit). Rub the wood lightly with the grain of the wood to remove any bubbling or uneven spots in order to obtain a beautiful sheen. Repeat the method until you have five to seven coats of tung oil for the most attractive looking shine and durable finish. Allow each thin layer to dry thoroughly and sand between the coats.

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