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.