How to Work With Polymerized Tung Oil
Tung oil, also known as Chinawood oil, has long been used to protect and seal wood. To change tung oil into polymerized tung oil, you must heat the mixture, which alters the oil chemically. Polymerized tung oil dries faster, builds up a higher gloss and cures harder than pure tung oil. It enhances the color, depth and grain of the wood and enables you to achieve high, medium or low luster. The process is relatively easy. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 150-grit sandpaper
- 200-grit sandpaper
- Vacuum
- Polymerized tung oil
- Soft cloth
- Natural-bristle brush
- #000 steel wool
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Instructions
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Sand the surface of the wood with 150-grit sandpaper. Remove the dust with a vacuum or brush, or blow it away with an air compressor. Sand the surface again using 200-grit sandpaper.
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Apply a liberal coat of polymerized tung oil with a soft cloth or a natural-bristle brush. Leave the oil on to penetrate the surface for five to 10 minutes.
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Wipe off the excess oil with a soft cloth. Allow the surface to dry for at least eight hours; it may take as long as 24 hours. If you're working with a large area, break it down into smaller areas. Wait for the oil to penetrate, then wipe the area before you proceed. The drying time depends on the weather conditions and humidity. When the wood is no longer sticky, it has dried sufficiently.
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Buff the surface with #000 steel wool. This will give you a smooth, hard finish.
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Repeat the above steps for two or three more coats. Each coat will use less oil, but it helps protect and builds luster on the wood surface. Allow each coat to dry, and do not wipe the excess oil off between coats.
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Tips & Warnings
For surfaces left outside, apply three light coats of polymerized tung oil.
Rags used to wipe the polymerized tung oil may spontaneously catch fire. Place them into a sealed metal bucket filled with water. You may also hang them out to air dry.
Keep all materials away from fire, sparks and open flames.
Work in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves and goggles.
