Pure Tung is recommended for finishing kitchen tables, chopping blocks, cutting boards, butcher block, wood and concrete countertops, wood floors, concrete floors, refinishing wood floors, outdoor decks, outdoor furniture, wood siding, log homes (both interior and exterior), and similar uses. Its non-toxic nature makes it particularly appropriate for children’s toys and furniture. It gives good protection to wood paneling and molding.

The oil’s matte finish will do nicely on certain pieces of furniture, but if a glossy finish is preferred you will need to buff and wax the finish or use polymerized tung oil or a formulated tung oil-based product over top.

We have found tung oil to be a valuable helper in the workshop. It adheres very well to unpolished metal, and a light coat rubbed onto tool steel is an effective rust inhibitor. Wooden handles will also benefit from the occasional coat.

THINNING:  Can be thinned with Citrus Solvent for an all-natural finish. Can also be thinned with Mineral Spirits, Odorless Mineral Spirits, Paint thinner, Odorless Paint thinner. Do not use a mineral spirit or odorless mineral spirit marketed as “green”, “eco-friendly”, or similar verbiage. These do not mix with the tung oil and will create adverse effects on your finish. Typically these thinners have a milky appearance in the bottle rather than clear.

TEMPERATURE:  Should remain above freezing during and after application for a period of 10 to 15 days. If freezing temperatures do occur it is possible for the fat in the oil to rise out of the oil and deposit on the surface. The warmer the temperature the faster the oil will cure. However direct sunlight baking a surface after a “fresh” application can quickly polymerize the oil and result in a dry rubbery frosted appearance or a distinctly more glossy finish than the surrounding area.

STORING MATERIAL: Stored in moderate temperatures. Do not freeze and do not store in hot places like attics. It should also be stored out of direct sunlight like a mildly heated basement area. A mixture of Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent should be stored in the “White” Citrus Solvent container. These are treated to hold the Solvent for optimum storage.

Pure Tung Oil does not contain any additives to speed the drying process, such as heavy metallic dryers. Because of this, it can take up to 30 days to completely/thoroughly cure by its natural polymerization process. Provided below are some guidelines to follow during the curing phase.

• Pure Tung Oil cures best in warm, well-ventilated places. The warmer and more ventilated the area, the faster it will cure.
• Placing objects on the surface will “suffocate” and prevent the Pure Tung Oil from curing properly. If there is no airflow between the surface and the object, it should be removed until the curing is complete (30 days).
• During the first 15 days of curing, you can use the surface. However, you will want to avoid getting it dirty or allowing liquids to puddle on the surface during this period.
• As the Pure Tung Oil cures, its durability and resistance to liquids and dirt will also increase. The first 7-15 days is when the oil is at its freshest and weakest state. After that point, increased regular use of the surface can take place.
• As Pure Tung Oil cures, it slightly expands and may push fresh oil back to the surface. Check for oil that may be seeping to the surface and remove it, if found, with a rag.

• Do not apply or leave fresh tung oil on the surface in direct sunlight. This will flash cure it on the surface and turn it white and hazy.
• Do not sand between coats of tung oil. This is an application technique for tung oil varnishes, not pure tung oil.
• Do not use Pure Tung Oil over oil-based sealers, stains, and finishes.
• We recommend using a water-based stain to change the color of the wood before tung oil is applied (if a color other than that provided by pure tung oil is desired.) For a darker, all natural, tung oil finish check out our Dark Tung Oil and Dark Half products.
• Pure Tung Oil has not been thinned. Thinners can accelerate the drying process and greatly improve the penetration of the tung oil. In most cases, Pure Tung Oil typically does need to be thinned. We recommend using Citrus Solvent for a natural option, Odorless Mineral Spirits, or mineral spirits. Leave the thinning to us by using our Half & Half.
• Do not use a mineral spirit or odorless mineral spirit marketed as “green”, “eco-friendly”, or similar verbiage. These do not mix with the tung oil and will create adverse effects on your finish. Typically these thinners have a milky appearance in the bottle rather than clear.
• Remember by adding petroleum mineral spirits or other thinners, the oil may become toxic with these substances mixed into it, although the finish produced is not toxic because the thinners evaporate.
• The number of coats of oil to be applied will be determined by the intended use of the piece. One to two coats is enough for decorative work, paneling and molding. For surfaces that receive moderate to heavy use need a minimum of three on up to six coats for maximum protection.
• Apply till the surface reaches the saturation point. This will be evident as the surface will not absorb more oil.
• Do not get hung up on the number of coats, let the wood tell you when it has reached its maximum saturation.
• Renewal and/or maintenance coats are thinly applied with lint-free cloths (old bed sheets work well) or old t-shirt material on an as need be basis. A two parts solvent to one part tung oil mixture is recommended for maintenance coats.
• Pure Tung Oil will be in the wood up to the surface not on the wood like varnish or Polyurethane top coat. The end result is more like seasoning a cast iron pan. This product will give you a surface that will stand up to vigorous use and spills: water will bead on the surface.
• After the tung oil as completely cured (30 days) cleaning of the surface can be done using hot water and mild soap, such as dish soap. Avoid using hard chemicals or acids for cleaning.

NOTE: Keep containers tightly closed away from extreme temperature changes and open flames. As with all oils, rags, steel wool, or waste soaked with oil, may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after use, place the oil-soaked material in a sealed water-filled metal container or hang outside separately to dry.

Tung Oil is approved for food contact by the FDA. View document.

SDS Sheet