{"id":17696,"date":"2021-09-23T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-23T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=17696"},"modified":"2025-04-24T10:58:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T14:58:58","slug":"things-to-know-about-tung-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/things-to-know-about-tung-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"Things To Know About Tung Oil"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are lots of things to know about tung oil. Part of the beauty of having wood furniture is the natural beauty of the wood<\/a>. Sure, solid wood offers durability and support, but wood looks beautiful, showcasing a unique grain pattern from the tree it came from. Bringing out that beauty is the job of the stain and finish, and those familiar with woodworking know that the finish can make or break a piece of solid wood furniture. So, here\u2019s where tung oil comes in. It\u2019s another option for finishing wood<\/a>, protecting it and bringing out the natural beauty. But how? Is it safe? What is it used on? Ah yes, there are things to know about tung oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is tung oil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tung oil came on the scene thousands of years ago, with its origins in ancient China. Also known as China wood oil, it\u2019s a natural drying oil that comes from tung tree nuts, specifically the seeds inside the nuts. The nuts are pressed to extract the oil. When exposed to air, tung oil will harden, creating a transparent, almost wet look. It resists water and does not drastically darken with age.  Tung oil is an environmentally friendly product, containing no metals, additives or distillates, and it was used for centuries to create a water resistant finish for boats and other wood objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is tung oil used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tung oil is used as a finish to help protect wood. Woodworkers use it to create a hand-rubbed finish. It is used on wood furniture, boat decks, flooring, unfinished wood, weathered wood, concrete floors, countertops, stone, bamboo, brick, cabinetry, musical instruments and wood toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tung oil does not just sit on the surface of the wood. It permeates deep into the fibers of the wood and becomes part of it, and once it cures or dries, it creates a lovely non-oily finish. When used as a finish for wood furniture, it slowly cures to reveal a golden honey colored tint. Pure tung oil will not discolor over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does tung oil compare to stain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both tung oil and stain help enhance the look of the wood\u2019s natural characteristics, and they both provide protection. Tung oil is not the best choice for furniture that will see heavy use, but it will bring out the natural beauty and texture of the wood grain. Stain enhances the color and tones of the wood in addition to accentuating the wood grain. Stains will need a topcoat of varnish for added protection.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Amish Jefferson Contemporary Trestle Dining Table<\/a> with linseed oil finish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tung oil characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tung oil is loved for the fact that it\u2019s \u201cgreen,\u201d and all natural, containing no VOCs. It offers a natural look and won\u2019t create a glossy one, and it won\u2019t darken or mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n