However, straight tung oil is neither as hard nor as solvent-resistant as polyurethane. It’s okay to put your project in service once dry but you should refrain from heavy use until hardened. Here is a short video showing how Tung oil is applied:​. It takes five to seven coats, with a two or three day drying time between each coat to achieve that attractive and smooth sheen. Tung oil makes the wood look granular and grainy by enhancing the natural grain of wood. The Saw Guy – Saw Reviews and DIY Projects Copyright © 2020. The whole purpose of Tung Oil is to soak into the wood, not just be a surface layer finish. This is much in thanks to their non-toxicity and … Perhaps the best part is that tung oil is non-toxic. Here are a look at some of our favorite tung oils and polyurethanes available:​, http://www.woodworkdetails.com/knowledge/finishing/tung-oil, http://www.realmilkpaint.com/tips-techniques/how-to-finish-a-floor-pure-tung-oil/, http://www.silive.com/homegarden/homeimprovement/index.ssf/2009/07/the_pros_and_cons_of_lacquers.html, http://www.doityourself.com/stry/pros-and-cons-of-polyurethane-finish, http://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/water-based-vs-oil-based-polyurethane-floor-finish/view-all, http://itech.dickinson.edu/chemistry/?p=920​. And in the two years we’ve been living with these floors, we have received hundreds of questions about how … It is a mix of oil and varnish, and it isn't clear that any of the oil is tung oil.. Oiled Finishes If you’re looking for an antique & reclaimed wood flooring look, we recommend using Water … The water-based material is more expensive, so often you will pay around 10-25% more. While there are many advantages to using it, pure tung oil takes two to three days to harden, and needs … How many coats of tung oil should be used? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Leaving the wood in its natural state, however, does not mean that you should leave it unprotected. The biggest disadvantage of Tung oil is that it requires touch ups yearly but is prettier looking than polyurethane’s plastic-y appearance. I would like to finish my Eros with Tung oil, but I also want the toughness of polyutherane. Using Tung Oil and Polyurethane on Maple? Water based polyurethane is good for things that are not exposed to extreme or rigid temperatures such as picture frames, side tables, bookcases and desks etc. Copyright © 2019 by The Saw Guy – Saw Reviews and DIY Projects. http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=1269, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. It does not coat the wood in a way that polyurethane does. Polyurethane dries faster than tung oil and takes only 12 hours to cure. Kitchen table for example is a good candidate for oil based polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane has a more distinct odor and takes a longer time to dry than water-based ones. When considering tung oil versus polyurethane for wood floors, polyurethane wins the debate every time. Ask Question Asked 3 years ago. Is there anything wrong with doing this? Two of the most popular are polyurethane varnish and tung oil stain. But, on top of the initial cost, you also need to consider that you will need to redo the whole job sooner…you will probably redo them almost twice as often. Moreover surfaces on which Tung oil is applied require touch-ups yearly to maintain their sleek finish. In a nutshell, the biggest difference is on the label. It i… It also dries much faster than Tung oil. though danish oil can be made with tung oil its not common in stor bought danish. looks great and has withstood many a party. Increasing the amount of oil makes the finish flexible enough to withstand wood … Achieve your Tung Oil finish quickly and easily, with the option to burnish or wax your floor if desired, and regular maintenance coats can be applied easily without sanding. Both oil and water based versions can be applied on acrylic/latex paints. Two of the most popular finishing varnishes in the market are Tung oil and polyurethane. (Photo by Vaughn MacMillan) Myth #4 Moreover, any loose bristles will also be caught in the layer, so you have to be very careful about the quality of the brush you use to apply the finish. Your message made me curious so I did a little researching and came up with the following: in high school i made a bar, and did a coat of tong oil, this was followed by 10? Given its many advantages, it is safe to say that Tung oil is a better choice in refinishing than linseed or Danish oil and polyurethane. r/DIY: A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. The answer is they are not. If putting a layer of poly over fully cured tung oil, is it important to ensure you are using oil based poly vs a water based option? For trim and furniture I'd still use Poly because of it always getting touched and handled. Also according to him, there are companies out there that are adding several different oils, thinners and what have you and giving it an exotic name. However, tung oil penetrates wood slowly as it is 100% oil, so it has to be thinned down with thinner or mineral spirits. The Minwax Tung Oil Finish is more like Watco or for that matter Minwax Antique Oil both being oil/varnish mixes suitable for "in-the-wood" finishes, not built up films. Polyurethane would act just as an improvement on top of tung oil. A coat dries within 12 hours of application and only 2 coating of polyurethane are required to make wood water tight. What are your thoughts on using Tung oil vs. Poly? Tung oil makes the wood look granular and grainy by enhancing the natural grain of wood. I have recently started using TO and love how easy it is to apply. It takes approximately 7 coats of Tung oil to make your surface truly waterproof. The dust and hassle of doing this, combined with dry time, in a store or restaurant means it doesn’t happen and you end up with a really poor looking surface after a number of years. Marine Tung Oil is a special mixture of TO that withstands water and prohibits rot. thinning a tung does not make it a danish oil. For me, I prefer Formby's Tung Oil finish...but I have tried Watco danish oil, teak oil finish and several other oil finishes. On a couple of picture frames for the garage I just used 1 coat of TO and it … If you thin 100% Pure Tung Oil, with mineral spirits, or any thinner for that matter, all you would have is thinned Tung oil. Crappy brushes may shed a bristle that ends up in your table’s finish. Some examples of drying oils include tung oil, linseed oil, and walnut oil. Then realize that , Minwax Tung Oil Protective Finish is not tung oil. Let’s talk about the real difference between the two. Polyurethane varnish is one of the best finishes for a countertop -- it's durable and, when applied properly, can be just as subtle as lacquer. One coat to bring out wood color and grain, or as an ingredient in varnishs are both fine applications. Often replaced by synthetic alkyd resins (lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish) for the past several decades, linseed oil and tung oil are coming back in force lately. I have recently started using TO and love how easy it is to apply. Although the other choices have their own advantages, Tung oil is the only natural finish that can give the best results among them. Wood will retain its moisture and stay looking soft and beautiful only when coated with a protective layer of finish product. So in actuality they “cure” rather than dry. It starts to form a film of deposits around the edges of container. For surfaces that are going to be used fairly roughly, a tougher top coat is highly recommended. Viewed 3k times 1. When it comes to bringing out the natural beauty of a highly figured piece of wood, such as quilted maple or quartersawn oak, nothing beats a hand-rubbed Danish-oil finish. It will leave you with a thin coat that will maintain your polished look for long. Pure tung oil is difficult to store depending on exposure to light and temperature. Here is my source for stains and Tung Oil and you will not be disappointed with the quality. Tung oil does not "expire," but it can thicken somwhat over a long period of time. Polyurethane offers superior waterproofing and is best for high traffic areas. Tung oil forms a hard surface once cured; at the same time, it is water-proof, durable, and has a glossy finish that gives the wood a … Polyurethane may look great at first, but in very heavily used areas, like a restaurant, it can scratch off over time and must be sanded and repaired by someone who won’t screw it up. The tung oil is a bit lighter, and this difference will get more noticeable as time passes. It does not coat the wood in a way that polyurethane does. It’s also food-safe, once cured. Poly is excellent for that, lacquer is okay for that (diminishes with age as it becomes more brittle), but both tung oil finishes and linseed oil finishes (like Tru-Oil) are useless in that regard. To create a "Danish Oil" with 100% Pure Tung Oil, you would have to mix the Tung oil, varnish, and mineral spirits. The oil hardens through a chemical reaction called cross-linking, or polymerization by intaking oxygen. On the other hand, oil-based polyurethane lasts longer and is also more durable than water-based ones. Water Vs. Oil Based Polyurethane for Countertops. coats of poly on the top and 3 or so on the sides. In fact you can apply it the same way as you applied tung oil, just put a layer on and then wipe it off. Polyurethane is considered the best option for high traffic surfaces like wooden flooring. most of todays danish oil consist of blo-thinner ( ms ) and a varnish. Like you I've just started tinkering with TO after using Poly for years (Apply coat. Haven’t been tortured enough? Tung Oil does not fully cure or harden (dry all the way through) for 30-45 days. My dad made rocking chairs and other furniture to sell all over the mid west. The Formby's Tung Oil Finish and the Minwax Wipe on Poly are both varnishes with somewhat different resin that can both be allowed to build a film on … In fact, this is actually the most durable finish that can be applied by hand. Tung Oil vs. Polyurethane. I used tung oil on both and I love the results! I alway enjoy the next challenge to build to keep sharpening my working skills. Tung oil is more on the expensive side, doesn’t darken wooden surfaces and therefore is very popular amongst antique re-furnishers. Any dust particle if left on the wood will be incorporated in it forever. It is made by mixing a small amount of varnish into a larger amount of curing or penetrating oil, such as tung oil or linseed oil. A varnish basically protects the wood from destruction. » COMPARE: The Best Water Based Polyurethane. I’ve used it on a number of projects—including tables—that I built for The New Yankee Workshop and for my own use. I'm curious to hear what others say. Blends of oil and varnish are somewhat more protective and durable than oil alone. You would not have "Danish Oil", as Danish Oil is usually a mix of BLO (boiled Linseed oil), varnish, and mineral spirits. Penetrating oil lends the wood a more natural appearance than polyurethane. Here I discuss the difference, or rather the lack of difference, between different oil finishes. I believe I said last night that I did not know about Tung Oil but I researched it. If you are not concerned about yellowing of the surface, polyurethane is the best option. Tung oil creates a more natural finish and showcases details in and the grain of the wood much better. A Drying Oil is one that will harden to form a solid film after exposure to the air over time. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based. Good question. Often we are asked about "Oiled" finished hardwood floors, and if they are superior to a Polyurethane. It offers great protection, has the look of a hand-rubbed oil finish, and is … This article compares the two in terms of pros and cons, application and equipment, and maintenance and clean-up. Neither linseed oil or pure tung oil makes a satisfactory finish, in and of itself. Polyurethane on the contrary sits on the surface of the wood. Tung oil soaks into the surface of the wood and can take up to 48 hours to dry. … What are your thoughts on using Tung oil vs. Poly? So is TO something most of you would avoid using? First shot is tung oil on Southern Yellow Pine, but with dark & pure tung oil combinations. It is ideal for surfaces that will come into contact with food such as salad bowls, cutting boards and salt-pepper mills. I have used Poly but my pieces have bubbles. 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO-lpMfPe1A&feature=emb_title, Dura Seal Water Based Polyurethane Floor Finish Application (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO-lpMfPe1A&feature=emb_title), Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish, quart, Satin, Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, Half Pint, Gloss Finish, 8 Fl Oz, Minwax 33055000 Fast-Drying Polyurethane Aerosol, 11.5 ounce, Semi-Gloss, 100% Pure Tung Oil Finish Wood Stain & Natural Sealer for All Types of Wood (32 oz), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqKzUGkiue0&feature=emb_title, Woodworking : How to Apply Tung Oil to Wood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqKzUGkiue0&feature=emb_title), 23 Inspiring Pallet Beds For The Perfect DIY Project, How To Spray Polyurethane Without Making A Mess, 25 Best Homemade DIY Bird Feeders for All Kinds of Yards and Gardens, The Saw Guy – Saw Reviews and DIY Projects. Tung oil dries in a few days and can be put in moderate service. Polyurethane on the contrary sits on the surface of the wood. It is transparent as compared to the oil based version which has a slight color. Essentially, tung oil works by seeping into the wood and hardening, which, on a floor, allows the wood grain itself to take the wear of foot traffic. ​. On a couple of picture frames for the garage I just used 1 coat of TO and it seems to do the job once it dries. What are your thoughts on using Tung oil vs. Poly? Though the differences are small by comparison, tung oil is a little more protective than linseed oil, and polyurethane varnish is a little more protective and durable than varnish. Just a couple of our favorite picks, click the link to see current price. Pure tung oil vs linseed oil . It brings about the richness of wood but adds a slight yellowish tint. Unlike an oil/varnish blend, however, the ingredients are heated until they combine. most danish oils also does not have real tung oil in it. Tung Oil vs. Polyurethane on Pine OK, found the digital! For such intricate surfaces, Tung oil is considered ideal because of its characteristic of soaking in the wood. I am currently working on some oak chairs! You can do this with your kitchen table for example. Tung oil and polyurethane give a warm, natural finish. So I'm thinking of putting 1 coat of Tung oil and then a few coats of polyutherane on top. With penetrating oils, most hardwood floor repairs simply require an application of a cleaning solution and simply re-oil the problem area. I started using Tung oil at the time I built a custom bar/room for a restaurant some years back. I am getting close to completing a desk I am building. Tung oil can be applied on the wood surface using a normal piece of cloth whereas polyurethane has to be applied using a sponge or paint brush. I just refinished a round oak table and an old oak chest of drawers. It is difficult to use by itself as a finish because you have to sand tung oil after every coat, not just after the initial coat. JavaScript is disabled. I just now researched another website besides the two I searched last night. Feast Watson Tung Oil is a natural floor oil that is the low maintenance, high-end look you have dreamed of. A protective layering is vital to protect your project surface against water and environmental damage. Wait. You can apply more coats if you want the surface to look shinier. As mentioned earlier, pure tung oil is non-toxic. Click here to browse our selection of penetrating oils, including European hardening oil, tung oil, and wax. While polyurethane is a synthetic material, tung oil stain is organic and made from the pressed seed extract of the tung tree. 'Ve just started tinkering with to after using Poly for years ( apply coat maintain your polished for. 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