Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree ( Vernicia fordii ). Tung oil hardens upon exposure to air (through polymerization ), and the resulting coating is transparent and has a deep, almost wet look.
Where did Tung oil come from?
The tung oil tree originates in southern China and was cultivated there for tung oil, but the date of cultivation remains unknown. The earliest references for Chinese use of tung oil are in the writings of Confucius (551 – 479 BCE) around 500 to 479 BC.
Does tung oil dries faster than linseed?
The oil dries quicker than linseed with less oxygen incorporation. Tung oil is mainly exported from China to other countries in the Far East or the United States ( Ucciani, 1995 ). Nonfood uses include paints, coatings, varnishes, resins, and sealers.
What is tung oil finish?
"Tung oil finish" is often used by paint and varnish manufacturers as a generic name for any wood-finishing product that contains the real tung oil or provides a finish that resembles the finish obtained with tung oil. The word "tung" is etymologically derived from the Chinese 桐 tóng.