In this article, we’ll compare tung oil vs teak oil, to help you in deciding what finish to use for the next project.
Oils have been used in wood finishes for what seems like an eternity.
In fact, it’s the most usual way to finish the wood. People have trusted oils for years because they bring out the character and shine to the wood, even more than varnish.
These oils are made from natural ingredients and are straightforward to use. Linseed oil, Danish oil, mineral oil, tung oil or teak oil, are only a few of the many types of wood oils available.
Tung Oil vs Teak Oil Characteristics
Tung Oil Benefits
- Water-resistant
- Food-safe and non-toxic
- Flexible – protects wood that is expanding
- Simple to apply
In China, it used to be used in maintaining wooden ships. Polymerized oil and modified oil are the two varieties of tung oil.
This oil penetrates the wood deeply, creating an impenetrable coating that is water-resistant. It imparts a lustrous, slightly darker appearance to the wood. It gives the wood surface a hard finish that makes it resistant to not only water, but even alcohol, dust, and a variety of acids.
Furthermore, it is simple to use and does not cause irritation while doing so. When the initial application wears out, you should reapply it. It is, above all, food-safe and non-toxic.
Tung Oil Drawbacks
- Takes a long time to dry
- Difficult to store
- Tung oil in its purest form does not penetrate the wood.
Tung oil has the downside of taking a long time to get dry, which can be inconvenient if you need to finish the work quickly.
Since pure oil has weak penetration, it doesn’t protect the wood as much and necessitates the addition of turpentine to increase penetration (see items recommended below if you don’t want to do it).
Tung oil doesn’t store well because it is susceptible to changes in light exposure and temperature, resulting in the formation of gummy-like deposits and a coating around the container’s edges.
When this occurs, the oil is effectively unusable. As a result, when you buy it, you should try to use it as soon as possible.
Teak Oil Benefits
- It’s great for thick wood
- Simple to apply with a rag or brush
- Won’t chip or crack
- Can be used for inside or outside finishes
- UV protection
Mahogany, teak, and rosewood are all thick woods that benefit from teak oil.
It gives a radiant and warm appeal as a result of its application. Wiping, spraying, or brushing methods can be used for applying it. It creates a perfect finish by penetrating deep through the pores of the wood.
Teak oil has the benefit of protecting your woodwork from the inside out, preventing cracking, chipping, and peeling. After applying teak oil, the final product has a warm and natural hand-rubbed look.
Another benefit of teak oil is that the oil can be used with a variety of woods, including rosewood and mahogany, but it performs best with thick woods.
Teak Oil Drawbacks
- May alter the original color of the wood
- Cannot glue wood once it has been applied
- Does not necessarily extend the life of the furniture
One of the drawbacks of using this oil is that it’s prone to color changes, which can detract from the natural color of wood, particularly teak wood. After a while, it could change to a silver patina from golden honey.
Teak oil also makes it impossible to glue the wood because of the thick coating it creates. It’s also unclear whether the use of teak oil really helps furniture last longer.
Best Tung And Teak Oils
1. Forby’s Low Gloss Tung Oil
2. BriWax Teak Oil
3. Star Brite Teak Oil
Tung Oil vs Teak Oil Application
Tung Oil – How To Apply
To add tung oil to wood, use a lint-free and clean cloth. Make sure the rags’ rough edges don’t come into contact with the surface of the wood. A small bit of oil should be applied to the fabric rather than the wood. Do not saturate excessively with oil, and apply by rubbing along the grain.
Apply three coats for the best results. When disposing of tung oil rags, be cautious because the solvents in the oil make them highly flammable and pose a fire hazard.
- Use a clean and lint-free cloth
- Apply oil to the rag instead of directly to the wood
- Rub along the grain
- Don’t saturate excessively – less is better
- Apply three coats in order to achieve the best results
- Rags can be quite flammable, so be cautious when discarding them.
Teak Oil Application
A lint-free rag or a brush is used to apply teak oil. Before applying it, the furniture should be dry and clean.
DIY Projects
You must think of the benefits and drawbacks of tung oil vs teak oil for your DIY ventures. Tung Oil is a good choice if you’re not in a rush since the oil takes a long time to get dry.
For outdoor furniture, such as on a bench, teak oil helps with UV protection that effectively safeguards the wood from sun damage.
Keep in mind that tung oil is sensitive to changes in temperature.
When it comes to style and aesthetics, tung oil is a better option than teak oil because it is glossier and gives a warmer look.
If the DIY project requires different types of wood, teak oil is a good choice since it can be used to finish a variety of them. After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each oil, you can decide which one to use.
Conclusion
Tung oil finish is non-toxic and can be used on applications that involve the handling of food, such as cutting boards and wooden salad bowls. One of the benefits of tung oil is that it’s water-resistant. It’s versatile because it supports the wood even if it contracts or expands.
Teak oil on the other hand is versatile and can be used both for outside and interior applications. The advantage of using it is that the oil includes UV protectants, that protect applications from sun damage. It’s also simple and convenient to use.
Here are some of the best tung and teak oils available in the market:
While choosing between tung oil vs teak oil, we hope this information helps you make a decision.
Recommended reading: Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring