Tung Oil Uses

Wood Treatment

• Tung oil is sometimes referred to as "China wood oil" and is primarily used as a wood treatment similar to linseed oil or poppy seed oils. Tung oil is classified as a "drying oil" that will evaporate after it is applied, leaving the wood surface with a protective matte finish. Pure tung oil is waterproof, flexible, non-toxic and does not darken wooden surfaces. The benefits of using tung oil over chemical treatments or linseed include its resistance to acids and wear, greater coverage area, quick absorption and dry time, and ease of application. Tung oil can be found in hardware and home improvement stores.

Traditional Uses

• Tung oil has been used by the Chinese as a wood treatment for centuries but it has had several other uses in its long history. It was used as a gasoline additive by the Chinese government during World War II. It was initially used to replace gasoline altogether but proved too sticky for engines to handle so it was used as a fuel supplement to make supplies last longer. Tung oil's sticky texture also made it a perfect additive for mortar and its waterproofing qualities made it an essential pre-latex caulk ingredient. Tung oil is also used as the binding element in Indian or Chinese ink. Tung oil also served as the oil base for paints used by early man and in the hieroglyphs of ancient civilizations.

Finish Additive

• Tung oil is used as an additive to various types of modern wood varnish. It is also added during the manufacturing process to lend its waterproofing, binding and elastic properties to chemical-based wood treatments, thus providing the best of natural and man-made qualities. To create rosin-based varnish, tung oil is heated to 292 degrees Fahrenheit until any hint of excess moisture is removed and then blended with rosin. To create varnish with a turpentine, benzine, benzol, acetone or amylacetate base, tung oil is heated to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and blended.

Applying Tung Oil to Wooden Surfaces

• Pure tung oil should be applied to a lightly sanded wooden surface that has been wiped clean of any foreign substances. Apply enough tung oil to leave the surface visibly wet with your first coat as it will seep into the wood and create a protective base. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and wipe off the extra oil with a clean cotton rag or cloth. Wait 48 hours for the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. Repeat the process until four layers are in place. The natural finish will be matte but you can achieve gloss by either polishing the coated surface or using a special tung oil-based varnish. Maintain the finish by adding a new layer once a year.