Tung Oil For Outdoor Furniture

Tung Oil for Outdoor Furniture

Tung oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the tung tree (vernicia fordii). It has been used for centuries in China and other Asian countries to protect wood from the elements. Tung oil is a drying oil, which means that it will polymerize when exposed to air, forming a hard, durable finish. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, as it will help to protect the wood from water, sunlight, and wear and tear.

Tung oil is also a very penetrating oil, which means that it will soak into the wood and provide deep protection. This is in contrast to many other finishes, which only form a surface coating. Tung oil will also not yellow over time, like many other oils. This makes it a good choice for light-colored wood.

To apply tung oil, simply apply a thin coat to the wood with a brush or cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate for 30 minutes, then wipe off any excess. You can apply additional coats as needed, but be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Tung oil can be used on new or old wood, but it is important to clean the wood thoroughly before applying the oil.

Tung oil is a safe and non-toxic finish, making it a good choice for outdoor furniture that will be used by children or pets. It is also a very durable finish, so it will last for many years with proper care.

Benefits of Tung Oil for Outdoor Furniture

There are many benefits to using tung oil for outdoor furniture, including:

It is a natural and non-toxic finish. Tung oil is extracted from the seeds of the tung tree, and it is not harmful to humans or animals.
It is a very durable finish. Tung oil will polymerize when exposed to air, forming a hard, durable finish that will protect your furniture from the elements.
It is a very penetrating oil. Tung oil will soak into the wood and provide deep protection, unlike many other finishes that only form a surface coating.
It will not yellow over time. Tung oil is a non-yellowing oil, so it will not darken your furniture over time.
It is easy to apply. Tung oil can be applied with a brush or cloth, and it is easy to work with.

How to Apply Tung Oil to Outdoor Furniture

To apply tung oil to outdoor furniture, follow these steps:

Clean the furniture. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the furniture and remove any dirt or debris.
Allow the furniture to dry completely. The furniture must be completely dry before you apply the tung oil.
Apply a thin coat of tung oil to the furniture. Use a brush or cloth to apply the oil, and be sure to work it into the wood.
Allow the oil to penetrate for 30 minutes. Do not wipe off the oil during this time.
Wipe off any excess oil. After 30 minutes, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
Allow the furniture to dry completely. Allow the furniture to dry for at least 24 hours before using it.

You can apply additional coats of tung oil as needed, but be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Care and Maintenance of Tung Oil Outdoor Furniture

To care for and maintain tung oil outdoor furniture, follow these tips:

Clean the furniture regularly. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the furniture and remove any dirt or debris.
Reapply tung oil as needed. Over time, the tung oil finish will wear off, so it is important to reapply the oil as needed. You can do this by following the steps above.
Protect the furniture from the elements. When possible, protect the furniture from the sun and rain. This will help to extend the life of the finish.