Tung Oil

Tung oil is made from the seed that is found in the nut of the Tung tree. These seeds are available from the various species of the Aleurites. This is a deciduous shade tree and belongs to the Euphorbia family. This tree was originally grown in China. Perhaps, this is the reason the name ‘Tung’ is derived from the Chinese word, which represents the heart. This is probably because of the shape of the leaves of the Tung tree; which are large and heart shaped and dark green in color. The Tung tree can grow up to 40 feet in height. Tung oil is often preferred as compared to castor oil and linseed oil when it comes to the utility factor.

Facts about Tung Oil Tree:
The Tung tree lives for about 30 years. The fruits of the Tung tree grow in clusters. Each fruit have at least 4 to 5 nuts. When the Tung tree grows under conditions that are conducive to bear fruit, it can give about 2 tons of nuts, which can yield 100 gallons of Tung oil. This is possible only with proper care for the Tung oil tree. One has to ensure that the conditions are extremely favorable, as the Tung tree requires the right balance of the warm and the cool climate. The Tung tree begins to bear fruit when it enters its third year of growth.

It was in the year 1912, the American Ambassador tried to ship the Tung trees to California but met with little success. As mentioned earlier, Tung trees require favorable climatic conditions for their survival, therefore none of these Tung trees survived due to the change in the atmospheric conditions. Some of the Gulf coast areas tasted success due in the growth of the Tung trees, as they were able to provide the right climatic conditions. Tung trees are now also grown in areas of Argentina, Africa and Paraguay.

Facts and Uses about the Tung Oil:
In order to obtain the pure and raw form of Tung oil, one would have to follow a certain process. This is made from the pressed seed of the nut. The first mention of the Tung oil can be found as early as 400 B.C. Tung oil was mentioned in the writings of Confucius. The Chinese who identified the benefits and uses of this oil mainly used tung oil since the ancient days as a way to protect the masts and sails of the boats. This was also used to give a good finish to the furniture that belonged to the royal families. Tung oil was also known as China wood oil or the nut oil. Now, most Tung tree oil farms in the Southern areas of the United States and Argentina supply Tung oil all over.

The seed of the Tung tree is underneath a hard layer of the fruit. This hard layer is called endocarp layer. The oil that is processed from the seeds of the fruit is used on wood furniture for an excellent finish.

Tung oil in its purest form is water and alkali resistant. Therefore, Tung oil, when used on furniture, resists scratching and damage. This oil penetrates well and has a transparent finish giving a matte look. Tung oil is also used for paints and waterproof coatings and many professionals are known to testify about the lustrous and excellent finish it gives for wood. This amber colored oil is very high in its proportion of eleostearic acid. Tung oil gained prominence because of its commercial use in the paint industry. Besides, other oils such as the castor oil and linseed oil are known to take a longer time to dry when used on a wood surface as compared to the Tung oil. The specialty of the Tung oil remains in the fact that it can dry quickly and give a waterproof coating. This is useful in paints, varnishes and printing inks. Other oils leave an oily surface till they get completely soaked into the wood.

A word of caution would be needed in the use of Tung oil in case of those sections of people who have allergies to nuts; the nutty odor of Tung oil can give reactions and therefore should be avoided by people who suffer from such allergies. Tung oil should always be stored in an airtight container.

Tung oil is able to adhere other minerals that are porous. This is because of the excellent penetrating power of the Tung oil. It is an important ingredient that is used to apply to granite or marble, which is mainly used for the kitchen and the bathroom areas. Such areas need stain resistant materials due to the usage of chemicals and food products that cause stains. When applying Tung oil to any surface, remember to dust it properly to get rid of all the particles. The first coat of the Tung oil can be applied with a soft rag. Let it remain for at least 10 minutes so that it can soak completely. Excess Tung oil can be wiped off with a rag or a soft cloth. You have to ensure that it dries completely before two coats. The number of coats you need to apply would largely depend upon the object.

Tung oil is used for kitchen tables, chopping blocks, wood floors etc. With the long shelf life that Tung oil offers, it is not a wonder that this is the most preferred oil by many, today.