Teak Oil Vs Tung Oil Vs Linseed Oil. Which Wood Finish Is Best?
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The right oil finish can enhance the aesthetics and protect your wood pieces. But it can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with them.
Teak, tung and linseed are the three most common types of oil wood finishes. If youre unsure which to choose, allow our expert wood craftsmen will help you in this teak oil vs tung oil vs linseed oil comparison guide.
What Is Tung Oil?
Tung oil is known for its compatibility with most types of wood because it is 100% natural. It comes from the seeds of the tung tree, a Chinese native tree. After the oil has been exposed to air, it hardens giving the wood a translucent look.
Tung Oil: Uses
Tung oil can be used to finish wooden kitchen utensils such as cutting boards, salad bowls and spoons. Since tung oil is natural and non-toxic, it will not contaminate the food but protect the wood from being damaged by water or liquid food.
Tung oil is also recommended for woods that are exposed to extreme weather conditions like sunlight and rain. It is waterproof and protects the wood from cracking. It is effective to finish wood for outdoor furniture and artwork.
Pros
Tung oil extends the lifespan of the wood because, aside from being waterproof, it is also acid resistant. It brings great benefits to the wood by protecting it from damage caused by water and other liquid.
Tung oil is not harmful to the body and does not affect the food that may come in contact with it, especially when used to finish wooden utensils.
Tung oil will not change the original wood color. This is another outstanding feature of tung oils. Even though it may darken the color and enhance the wood grain when applied, it will not permanently change the wood color. The wood will still retain its original color if you remove it.
Cons
The downside of using tung oil as a wood finish is it takes a long time to dry. Pure tung oil would take two to three hours to dry.
Another huge burden is it would need three to five coats applied on the wood to achieve a perfect translucent finish, making the drying process even longer.
Tung oil cannot be stored for long periods of time. It is important to use tung oil right away, as it can thicken and harden if it is stored for a long time.
What Is Teak Oil?
Teak oil is not an oil extracted from tung, but a formulated oil. Usually, it’s a mixture of tung and pure linseed. The wood finish will depend on the brand’s formula. However, the goal is to achieve a strong matte finish.
Teak Oil: Uses
Teak oil is best for all hardwoods. Since it gives wood UV protection, it is recommended for garden furniture, windows, doors, and fencing.
Because it is not easy to chip or stick to flooring, you can use it indoors. Teak oil can also be used to enhance the wood’s color and protect it from cracking.
Pros
Teak oil can penetrate the wood if it is properly soaked. Therefore, the teak oil gives the wood a strong matte finish which works well with dense wood like Oak, Beech, Mahogany, and more.
Teak oil also stays longer and does not crack or chip easily. Teak oil protects the wood for a longer time and doesn’t need to be reapplied as often.
Another outstanding advantage of teak oil, among other oil types, is it gives UV protection to the wood. Therefore, the wood is protected from damage caused by the sun.
Cons
Since teak oil penetrates the deeper grains of the wood, it tends to alter the original color of the wood. Teak oil causes wood to permanently change its color, even if you remove it.
Teak oil’s strong finish makes it resistant to glue and other elements. Teak oil should not be used to attach wood.
Teak oil has another disadvantage: it is easy to fade. Teak oil will start to look dull after a few weeks, so it is important to apply it again if you want to keep the glossy finish.
What Is Linseed Oil?
Linseed oil, a natural oil derived from flax seeds, is an oil. It is known as a natural finish for wood, even before the discovery of modern preservatives .
Linseed Oil: Uses
Linseed oil is often used as the primer before painting on wood. Linseed oil penetrates deeper wood grains and retains wood’s natural texture for longer.
Linseed oil is suitable for home furniture such as entertainment centers, dressers, nightstands, and other furniture that are not used often and are not prone to scratches.
Pros
Linseed oil brings a beautiful finish to wood because it brings out the depth of color of the wood and enhances the natural grains. Linseed oil makes wood look more natural and appealing.
Linseed oil has another advantage: it can be applied easily using a lint-free cloth. It is easy to apply the oil on a rag, and then polish it in the same direction as the grain.
Cons
The main downside of linseed oil is the long drying process. It can take up to three weeks for pure linseed oils to dry completely and harden. On the other hand, linseed oil mixed with other drying agents may take a minimum of three days to dry.
Also, linseed oil is prone to scratches. Linseed oil is not recommended for furniture such as kitchen tables that are frequently used. It is also not recommended for flooring because the furniture or people walking on it may easily scratch and damage it.
FAQ
Is it possible to finish teak with linseed oils?
You can finish teak with linseed oils. Teak can be enhanced by a natural finish such as linseed or linseed oils.
Do you need a sealer with tung oil?
No, you do not need a sealer with tung oil because it is capable of sealing naturally and is waterproof.
How many teak oil coats should you apply?
To achieve the perfect look, you should apply two coats teak oil.
Which is the best way to finish teakwood?
Tinted oil is the best way to finish teak wood. It penetrates the grain and gives it a richer, more lustrous look.
Conclusion
Oil wood finish can protect wood from damage. Oil wood finish can enhance the wood’s color and appearance. Choosing the right oil wood finish depends on the type of wood and the purpose of your project.
You should now be able to tell the difference between teak oil and tung oil in this teak oil oil vs. linseed oils comparison. You can determine which one is right for you by comparing their pros and cons.
