5 Best Tung Oil Wood finish – Things to know about tung oil

There are a lot of different wood finishes on the market and it can be hard to decide which one is right for your project. If you’re looking for a natural finish that will protect your wood and bring out its natural beauty, tung oil is a great option. Tung oil is made from the seeds of the tung tree and has been used for centuries to protect and enhance the beauty of wood.

Tung oil penetrates deep into the wood, providing a durable finish that will resist water and dirt. It’s also easy to apply and can be buffed to a high sheen. Tung oil will darken over time, so keep that in mind when choosing a shade. If you’re looking for the best tung oil wood finish, we’ve got you covered. Obviously, you can find tung oil at most hardware stores. However, you can also find tung oil online. That’s why we put together 5 of the best tung oil reviews below.

#1. Hope’s 100% Tung Oil

If you want the best tung oil, we think that you should seriously look into Hope’s 100% Tung Oil. This is pretty much pure tung oil that is all natural with no additives. We really like that it has a nice low gloss finish that will protect your wood from just about anything from moisture to liquids. Also, this brand is wildly popular for a good reason – because it simply works the best.

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Best Tung Oil

#1. Hope’s 100% Tung Oil

When it comes to the best tung oil, we highly recommend you try out Hope’s 100% Tung Oil. This stuff is all natural with no additives and solvent free with zero VOCs. It has a nice hand-rubbed low gloss finish that does a really good job of penetrating and protecting the wood. All you need to do is to rub it on and let it settle for a bit.

This low gloss finish is quite nice to look at and gives you remarkedly durable resistance to moisture as well as all types of liquids including spilled alcoholic drinks. Furthermore, this tung oil is a golden translucent yellow in color and very thick in terms of viscosity. It is very easy to apply and doesn’t really make a mess.

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#2. Real Milk Paint Pure Tung Oil

Next up, we have the Real Milk Paint Pure Tung Oil, which is the best tung oil for those who want a flexible waterproof finish that has a really long shelf life. Perhaps its standout feature and the one that separates it from the other brands is the fact that it does not darken over time. Also, it will create an excellent waterproof finish that will also penetrate deeply.

Please also keep in mind that this tung oil does not leave a glossy or heavy finish. Instead, it is more of a penetrating sealer. And finally, just know that this pure tung oil comes from the cold pressing of seeds of the Tung tree. It contains no additives or other chemicals.

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#3. Formby Tung Oil Finish

Another great choice when it comes to the best tung oil is the Formby Tung Oil Finish. This product is pretty easy to use and gives your wood a beautiful hand-rubbed finish. Formby’s furniture workshop is a brand that has been around for a while and they definitely know a thing or two about what they are doing. It is a brand that we fully trust to deliver a great product.

We have to admit though, it is quite hard to differentiate between the brands because they all sell pretty much a commodity, which is Tung Oil. This one just seems to stand out a bit more because it absorbs beautifully, dries to a nice hard shell, and has a very forgiving finish with any bubbles instantly disappearing.

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#4. Minwax Tung Oil Finish

The Minwax Tung Oil Finish is the best tung oil for those who want an easy-to-maintain protective finish for woods that restores their richness and vitality. We really like it because it dries clear to a natural, hand-rubbed, finish that does an extraordinary job of resisting water, acid, alkali, and mildew.

Also, the dry time is very short which makes it a very easy project to set up without a mess. The coating can also be refreshed by simply applying another coat. From our experience, we really like what this does to wood as it gives it more depth and life as well as warmth. Unfortunately, we don’t think it is tough enough to handle wood outside for long periods of time.

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#5. Old Masters Tung Oil Varnish

Lastly, we have the Old Masters Tung Oil Varnish, which is a must-have if you want to get that hand-rubbed finish for fine woods. If you prefer a more natural finish that is not overly shiny, the Old Masters Tung Oil is the way to go. We also think that it holds up fairly well with liquids and doesn’t require too many coats.

Additionally, this stuff is pretty good value for your money as you get a lot of it at a pretty cheap cost compared to some of the other brands we recommended. The only thing we have to warn you about is that it can get a bit messy, so take extra caution when applying this stuff.

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FAQ – on tung oil

How many coats of tung oil should be used?

When it comes to tung oil, the general rule of thumb is to apply at least 5 coats (some apply more than this, but we feel this is too much). This ensures that the wood is properly protected from moisture and other elements.

How to apply tung oil?

To apply tung oil, start by cleaning the surface of the wood with mineral spirits or white vinegar. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of tung oil with a clean cloth, brush, soft rag to rub, a natural bristle, or foam brush. Allow the oil to penetrate for 10-15 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you have achieved the desired finish. See the below question about the length of time you need for the oil to dry out.

What is the drying time of pure tung oil?

Pure tung oil takes two to three days to harden. So if you do 5 coats, you may need 10 to 15 days. The reason is that you will need to wait two days (or three) after each coat.

How long does tung oil finish last on top of the wood?

Depending on the type of wood and the environment it is in, a tung oil finish can last anywhere from one to three years. In general, softer woods like cedar will need to be refinished more often than harder woods like oak. What we found out is that if you apply it every year, then you’ll not have to do a big job in year three. So best to do this on a yearly basis to avoid a big job.

Is Tung oil the Same as Danish Oil?

What you need to know about tung oil and Danish oil is that there are two different types of wood finishing products. Unfortunately, these are often confused with one another. While they do share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

Tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree, which is native to China and other parts of Asia. Danish oil, on the other hand, is a blend of different oils and resins. It was originally developed in Denmark in the early 1900s (that’s where the name ‘Danish oil’ comes from).

One of the main differences between tung oil and Danish oil is in their composition. Tung oil is 100% pure oil, while Danish oil contains a mixture of different oils and resins. This gives Danish oil a slightly thicker consistency than tung oil.

Another difference between these two products is in their drying time. Danish oil dries quickly, while Tung oil takes between 3 to 5 days to dry.

Now, why one would want to use Tung oil? It’s simple, the pure tung oil will provide a very nice honey finish and will protect the oil with a natural product (no chemicals), so it is environmentally friendly.

Final words

There are many different types of tung oil available on the market, each with its own unique set of benefits. Hope’s 100 Tung Oil is our selected choice for those looking for a pure tung oil option. We also like the Real Milk Paint Pure Tung Oil because of its highly eco-friendly angle.

Overall, the 5 tung oil we proposed is great. The main difference is price, the brand, and the number of liters of oil contained in a container. So depending on how much furniture you need to

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tung_oil

https://www.realmilkpaint.com/blog/tutorials-videos/beginners-guide-pure-tung-oil/ to

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