Tung Oil Vs Linseed Oil

Tung oil is a combination of fatty acids - palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and eleostearic acid. It is basically extracted from from the nut of the tung tree. It is slightly golden in color and highly useful. Linseed oil, on the other hand, is made up of a combination of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and omega 3 fatty acid. it is a very commonly used oil in day to day activities. Lets find out a little more about tung oil vs linseed oil.

The main use of tung oil is in the finishing of wood products. The process of applying tung oil is easy and also does not require much time. Scratches present on the wooden furniture can be eliminated easily with a finishing touch of tung oil . If you desire to give a smooth finishing to the surface with the help of tung oil, then it is a must to have a smooth surface.

Linseed oil is yellowish in color. Very much like tung oil, linseed oil is used for giving a finishing touch to the wooden furniture. Its polymer-like properties helps it in blending with other oils. It can also be blended with solvents and resins. It is used in oil paints as a pigment binder. It is edible and hence is consumed by humans. However, excess consumption of this oil is dangerous.

Difference between Tung Oil and Linseed Oil
Tung oil vs linseed oil is a comparison which is important in case you wish to use them in your activities. It is very important to know where and how they must be used and avoid using them otherwise. The tung oil vs linseed oil comparison is explained below.

Tung Oil

• Tung oil is also referred to as wood oil and is produced from the seed kernels of the tung tree. The tung trees are mainly found in China.
• In order to get the oil, the seeds are harvested and pressed.
• This is a kind of conjugated oil. It consists of polyunsaturated fats and the double bonds of this oil are fully or partially conjugated.
• The main use of tung oil is in the the prevention of rusting. Hence, it is used in tin cans and cars for serving the above purpose. It is used in the insulation of electrical devices. Read more on tung oil uses.
• Tung oil is used for giving a shiny finishing touch to wooden furniture. It is also used outdoors because of its anti-wear and anti-resistant properties. Read more on applying a tung oil finish.
• It is derived from tree nuts and hence, some people might be allergic to it. It can lead to the darkening of amber hue which is an undesirable property.
• When applying this essential oil, apply a coat, allow it to dry completely and then apply sand between each coat. It might take days for the coating to dry.

Linseed Oil

• The seeds of flax plant are a source of linseed oil and hence, it is also referred to as flaxseed oil. Flax plants are found majorly in in Asia and central Europe.
• The flaxseeds are either grounded or pressed for releasing the oil.
• This is a kind of non-conjugated oil. It is fatty oil and and consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the double bonds of this oil are separated by minimum two single bonds.
• The usage of linseed oil is in making linoleum flooring. It is used in paints as well. As this oil is made of flax seeds, it is used as a nutritional supplement. In order to make the surf boards water resistant, they are coated with linseed oil.
• While linseed oil is used for giving a glossy look to the wood material, this oil can help in weight loss. Read more on flaxseed oil and weight loss.
• One coat of linseed oil is sufficient and it does not require sanding.
• Along with the benefits of flaxseed oil, there are a few side effects of flaxseed oil as well. This oil being combustible, poses risk of catching fire. Another drawback of linseed oil is, that it is not water proof. As time passes, its color changes to yellow.

Read more on

• Linseed Oil Uses
• Flaxseed Oil: Benefits for Women

The above information on tung oil vs linseed oil must have added to your knowledge about them. After knowing the pros and cons, you will know which oil to be appropriately used for your needs. If you are using these oils for giving a finishing touch to your wooden furniture, then make sure that you re-apply them after a year. You can use a brush, clean cotton rag or a sprayer for applying the oil.