Frequently Asked Questions

According to Merriam Webster, tung oil is “a pale yellow pungent drying oil obtained from the seeds of tung trees and used chiefly in quick-drying varnishes and paints and as a waterproofing agent.”

There are two ways of classifying oils. Some are considered drying and others are considered non-drying. Essentially, drying oils, like tung oil, go through a polymerization process over time and transform from an oil to a solid. Non-drying oils, like mineral oil, never go through a polymerization process and are always in a liquid or somewhat liquid state. Click here to learn more about this difference.

Pure Tung Oil is just that, 100% pure tung oil cold-pressed from the seed of the tung tree. Tung Oil Finish is typically a finish that contains pure tung oil but also has other ingredients such as thinners, varnishes, and metallic driers. Pure Tung Oil absorbs into the wood whereas tung oil finishes build on the surface of the wood. Pure Tung Oil produces a rich and matte finish on the wood whereas Tung Oil Finishes create a glossy sheen on the surface.

Yes! Pure Tung Oil is labeled as food contact safe by the FDA. You can see this classification by clicking here.

Fortunately, no! Pure Tung Oil, being a drying oil, does not go rancid. Rather than decomposing like non-drying oils, pure tung oil goes through a polymerization (hardening) process and permanently transforms from an oil to a solid.

Tung oil is pressed from the seeds of the tung tree. Tung trees can be found all over the world, but the largest groves that produce enough oil to be sold are mainly located in China and South America. Fun fact, tung tree’s used to be grown here in the United States, Florida to be specific, but were unfortunately wiped out due to hurricanes, blights, and other natural factors. We source our pure tung oil from China (Chinawood Oil) due to the higher quality and better color of tung oil that the Chinese tung tree groves provide.

Tung Oil can be used on every type of wood species! From pine to pressure treated, cedar to oak, or ipe and black locust. The main factor in the use of tung oil on wood is absorption, that’s why we often recommend thinning the pure tung oil to increase absorption.

This is a great question and is often case-specific. Most of the time we do recommend thinning pure tung oil with a solvent. This is to aid its absorption into the wood. New woods and hardwoods almost always need pure tung oil to be thinned. Very dry old woods, end grain, or some softwoods can use pure tung oil at full strength without thinning. We always recommend testing to ensure the proper absorption. Click here to view a useful graphic to help you determine if your wood requires thinning the pure tung oil.

Pure Tung Oil gives most woods an amber, honey tone. Our Dark Tung Oil gives more warm brown, coffee tones to wood. You can use a water-based stain on the wood before sealing with tung oil. Alternatively, you can mix an oil-based stain into the tung oil then apply to create your own custom color. Another option is to paint a wood surface with Real Milk Paint® and then apply tung oil overtop.

Not at all! Pure Tung Oil provides all the protection your wood surface will need. But, if you want to topcoat wax or poly to create a different look, that option is still available but not necessary.

Yes! Pure tung oil is a great exterior finish as it absorbs deep into the wood and provides protection from the inside out. Because tung oil is not on the surface, it won’t crack, blister, or peel over time and exposure to the elements. Also, tung oil is flexible so it expands and contracts with the wood through the seasons. Plus, it’s easy to maintain!

Not much! However, there are a few distinct characteristics that separate these two drying oils. If you want to read more, take a look at this in-depth article.

Glad you asked! Pure Tung Oil can be used to seal any porous surface including concrete (for example, concrete countertops), brick, unglazed tile, etc.

Linseed oil and tung oil have many similarities as well as pros and cons on each side. For the most in-depth comparison of these two drying oils, take a look at this article about this very subject.

No, we do not recommend or encourage using a wood conditioner on the surface while using the Dark Tung Oil or Dark Half. Wood conditioners tend to fill in the pore structure of the wood and would prevent proper absorption of the oil. It’s also important to note that Dark Tung Oil and Dark Half are not stains. They do change the color of the wood but they highlight the natural grain structure rather than mask it like a stain. We recommend flooding the wood surface with a solvent prior to applying either oil to aid an even spreading of the oil for the first coat.