Tung oil

Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii). As a drying oil, tung oil hardens (dries) upon exposure to air. The resulting coating is transparent and plastic-like, a property exploited in most of its applications which include wood finishing and the composition of oil paints and printing inks. When applied in many fine coats over wood, tung oil slowly cures to a satin “wetted wood” look with slight golden tint. It resists liquid water better than any other pure oil finish, though it still provides little protection against water vapor exchange or scratches. Tung oil does not darken noticeably with age and is claimed to be less susceptible to mold than linseed oil (1).

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
	Low footprint Pure tung oil has a low environmental footprint. Non pure tung oil products however may contain only a small amount of tung oil, and be mainly composed by environmentally-heavy oil-based substances.	Long distance Tung oil is mainly produced in Latin America.

	Quick Easy to apply (rub on, rub off). Very forgiving during application. Easy to re-apply if the original finish becomes worn or damaged. Non toxic Tung oil is non toxic and doesn't contain VOCs, however people with allergies often report adverse reactions to contact with (or even the odor of) tung oil. Reactions can be severe in some cases(1).	Time consuming 100% pure tung oil dries slowly. Variations like "tung oil finishes" contain additives that make it faster to dry, but can be hazardous. Polymerized tung oil is a safer and faster drying option. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Quick Acrylic paint Chalk paint Water based laquer Water based paint Difficult reuse Pure tung oil is difficult to store. Depending on temperature, and exposure to light, the surface of the oil in the container will start to form a film or there will be gummy deposits around the container's edges. Once these symptoms appear, the entire container must be discarded, since the oil will no longer be able to cure properly if applied(1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing that make it easier to reuse Beeswax Furniture wax Spray paint

	Long lifespan Waterproof (or at least highly water resistant on a well maintained surface). Resistant to alcohol. Resistant to acetone (such as nail polish or remover). Resistant to fruit acids and vegetable acids (such as orange juice). Flexible. Oil finishes continue to protect as the wood expands and contract. Non toxic There is no offgassing. It is VOC and solvents free. Pure tung oil contains no metallic dryers(1).

	Easy reuse Scratches on tung oil treated surfaces are easy to repair, making the wood product easier to go through many lives(1).	Difficult recycling Collect and seal in properly labelled drums for disposal. It is also flammable. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Easy recycling Milk paint (casein) Wood filler (putty)