To improve the durability and the finish of the wood, you need high-quality oils. There are plenty of them, but two of the most popular oils used for treehouse construction are Tung oil and linseed. Here we have compared Tung Oil vs Linseed Oil for several different aspects so that you can gauge which is better for your requirements.
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Our Verdict
If I were to choose between Linseed Oil and Tung Oil (see the comparison between dansih vs tung oil as well). I will go to Linseed Oil. Because increased water resistance given by Tung Oil is too little to compensate. Linseed Oil requires fewer coats and requires fewer days to cure as compared to Tung Oil.
Tung Oil Vs Linseed Oil: Comparison
- Linseed Oil is yellow than Tung Oil and turns orange over some time.
- Tung Oil requires 2-3 days to cure. Whereas Linseed Oil cures overnight in a warm room with excess oil wiped off
- Linseed Oil requires 2-3 coats, whereas Tung Oil requires five-plus coats.
- Linseed Oil is less water-resistant as compared to Tung Oil
Tung Oil Vs Linseed Oil: What Is it?
Tung Oil
The word Tung is derived from Chinese wood ‘tong’. It is also called as China wood oil, lumbang oil, tungmeal, etc. It is a drying oil. It is obtained by pressing the nut seed of the Tung tree. Tung Oil hardens when exposed to air. Tung Oil soaks into the wood and gives a wet and shiny look. It is used for coating wood and protecting it from weathering.
This oil is originated in china about 400 BC. Major countries producing Tung Oil are China, Argentina, Paraguay, and the united states. Tung Oil proves to be an excellent alternative to the other drying oils such as Linseed Oil, soy, and walnut. Paint Thinner, when added to Tung Oil, makes it dry faster. Tung Oil alone takes it very long to dry.
Properties of Tung Oil
- The density of the Tung Oil is 0.937 g/ml in their standard stateroom at 25 degree Celsius.
- The Refractive index is 1.52 at 20 degrees Celsius.
- Flashpoint > 110 degrees Celsius.
- Storage temp – 2-8 degrees Celsius.
- Soluble in ether, carbon disulfide
- Combustible – it is combustible when exposed to heat
- Kinematic viscosity – 9.8 mm2/s
- Acid value – 0.59 mg KOH/g
- Cold filter plugging point – -11 degree Celsius
Composition
The composition of fatty acid of Tung Oil.
- The composition of Alpha-eleostearic acid is most with 82.0%.
- Linoleic acid-8.5%
- Oleic acid – 4.0%
- Palmitic acid – 5.5%
Risk statements include
- Toxic by ingestion.
- Ingestion causes nausea, cramps, tenesmus, and thirst.
- Large doses can cause fever, respiratory effects.
- It is combustible when it is subjected to flame or heat.
- Can react with oxidizing materials
The Process Of Application Of Tung Oil
Dilute the first coat. It should be diluted with mineral spirit. Close the lid of the Tung Oil bottle. Make sure to squeeze the air bubble out so that the Tung Oil doesn’t go bad. Stir the mixture, so it’s not milky. After that, you need a lint-free cloth or tee-shirt piece. Dip the cloth into the mixture and apply it on the wooden surface it immediately soaks in.
Keep it for some time. Wipe out the excess oil. Add some more Tung Oil to the diluted Tung Oil to make the mixture a little bit thick. Apply another coat to the wooden surface. Wipe out the extra oil. The final coat applies pure Tung Oil to the wooden surface. Again wipe out the excess oil. The next day it will sweat some of the oil out. Wipe it off the oil. The last step is curing. And it’s done.
Uses Of Tung Oil
- It is useful in the manufacturing of varnishes, paints, linoleum, resins, synthetic leather, etc.
- It is also used in coating containers for food, medicines, and beverages—insulating wires, metallic surfaces, etc.
- Applications are – furniture, antiques, woodwork, cabinets, and doors paneling accessories.
Features Of Tung Oil
- Natural stain and finish cleaner – Tung oil gives a natural stain finish to the surface and provides a good shine
- Forms a low gloss, hand-rubbed, durable finish – the durability of the material increases considerably when applied and cured correctly.
- Cleans to a natural, brilliant shine.
- Water-resistance finish – Tung oil protects the material from weathering, moisture, damp, environmental factors like sun, air, wind, and rain. And gives a water-resistant finish.
- Nontoxic and food safe – It can be applied on a surface that comes in contact with food.
- Insect resistance – it protects the wood from the attack of insects, termites, etc.
Brands manufacturing Tung Oil
Chemie Range Delhi
- Grade – industrial
- Unit pack size – 200kg
- Form – liquid
- Cost – 550/kg
- Packaging type – drum Formby
About This Item
- The product is easy to use
- The product is highly durable
- Penetrates and protects the wood
- Resists water, alkali, acid.
- Use on new and restored surfaces.
Minwax Tung Oil
- Dry time – 5-10 minutes before buffing
- Provides natural, hand-rubbed finish.
- Easy to maintain.
- Resists water, mildew, alkali.
- Recommended uses – furniture, antiques, woodwork, cabinets, doors paneling accessories.
Watco Tung Oil
- Dries in 24 hours and covers up to 200 sq ft per quart.
- Two light coats are recommended for the best appearance. Gloss level increases with extra coats without darkening over time.
Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil also called flaxseed oil or flax oil. It is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant, by pressing the seeds after solvent extraction Linseed Oil is obtained. Linseed Oil can polymerize into a solid form.
The use of Linseed Oil is decreased over the last few years. Due to increased availability of synthetic alkyd resins. Which has a similar function but resists yellowing.
Linseed Oil is one of the common items in the woodworker’s shop. It is an excellent oil for treating oil and leaving a smooth finish. It gives new life to the dry wood. Linseed oil is often mixed with other finishes. It is one of the main ingredients in paint. Linseed Oil, if used improperly, can spontaneously combust.
To avoid fire, always store the Linseed Oil in metal containers and can be poured in a plastic container for temporary use. Linseed Oil can also be used to protect metals from oxidation. Apply a thin coat to non-moving parts. It will protect the surface and, at the same time, beautify it. A thick coat is not suitable for moving parts as it gets gummy and can stick together.
Process Of Applying Linseed Oil
Prepare the wood for finishing. Apply the first coat of Linseed Oil with the help of a rag or paper towel depends upon the size of the work. Leave it for 15-20 mins so that the Linseed Oil penetrates the wood.
Remove the excess oil properly. After 24 or 48 hours preparing the wood for the second coat. Wipeout all the dust from the wood. Apply the second coat with the help of the sandpaper rub the wood surface. And the mixture of wood dust and Linseed Oil will make the surface smoother. There might be some dry spots that happen; repeat the process until it is smooth. Be careful and wipe out all the excess oil.
Properties Of Linseed Oil
- Drying properties – it dries relatively slow but uniform. Due to this characteristic, it is used as a drying agent in paint and other wood finishing products.
- Imparting glow – it makes the wood shiny and imparts a glow.
- Water-resistant properties – it protects the material from water. It prevents metal products from rusting and wood materials from water damage.
- Binding properties – it acts as a binding agent.
- Melting point – -24.0 degree celcius
- Boiling point > 316-degree Celcius
- Density – 0.93 g/ml at standard 25 degree celcius
- Flash point > 230 F
Risk Statements Include
- Harmful by inhalation – it can cause dizziness when inhaled.
- Harmful if swallowed – ingestion of the linseed oil in large doses has a laxative effect.
- Linseed oil, when it comes in contact with eyes, causes mild irritation.
- When linseed oil comes in contact with skin can cause dermatitis.
Benefits of Linseed Oil
- Linseed Oil also has many health benefits. It provides a good dose of protein and fiber.
- Reduces the appetite, which results in weight control.
- It has an application in cooking and skincare.
- Benefits like improved heart health, reduced inflammation, protection of the brain against aging.
- It is beneficial in treating constipation and diarrhea.
Linseed Oil also has some drawbacks.
Given the point that it has been successfully used over the past years. But in the modern world, there are many alternative products, which overcomes the drawbacks of Linseed Oil.
- When you compare Tung Oil vs Linseed Oil, it takes a longer time to dry.
- No ultraviolet light protection
- It does not provide enough resistance to abrasion
- Linseed Oil is difficult to remove from the wood.
- Linseed Oil dries slowly and shrinks upon hardening.
Composition of Linseed Oil
- The composition of The triply unsaturated a-linolenic acid is most with 51.9-55.2%
- The saturated acids
- Palmitic acid around 7%
- Stearic acid – 3.4-4.6%
- Oleic acid – 18.5-22.6%
- Linoleic acid – 14.2-17%
- Linseed Oil looks a little bit orange. It tends to change the color a bit.
Brands Manufacturing Linseed Oil
Sunnyside Linseed Oil
- Provides a natural finish.
- Extends and fortifies oil-based paints and coatings
- Apply to unfinished wood only
- Fast-drying, usually within 12-18 hours depending on conditions
- Obtained from the Seed Of The Flax Plant
- Provides Uniformly, Tough, Elastic And Glossy Film
- Dries In 12-18 Hours
Refined Linseed Oil Size: 16 oz.
- Pressed from American flax seeds
- Light and pure
- Use in moderation to thin oil colors
- 16oz
Rustins Linseed Oil Boiled, 125ml
- Linseed Oil Boiled.
- speed the drying process
- Will also waterproof wood, groundsheets and tarpaulins
- Yellow Linseed Oil
- Cost – 135/kg
- Color – yellow
- Packaging type – plastic bottle, plastic container.
- Extraction type – liquid-solid extraction
- Appearance – fluid
- Main ingredient – linseed
Final Thought
We have compared Tung Oil vs Linseed Oil for several aspects like composition, properties, etc (compare tung with danish oil as well) (compare tung with danish oil as well) . And also we have provided you the pros and cons of both the oils. You can look at your requirement and make a decision on which to buy.
HOPE'S 100% Pure Tung Oil - Editor's Choice
Summary
The word Tung is derived from Chinese wood ‘tong’. It is also called as China wood oil, lumbang oil, tungmeal, etc. It is a drying oil. It is obtained by pressing the nut seed of the Tung tree. Tung Oil hardens when exposed to air. Tung Oil soaks into the wood and gives a wet and shiny look.
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