Hundreds of years ago, ancient Chinese wood masters made extensive use of tung oil. They knew very well that this tool not only improves the water-repellent properties of manufactured products, but also prevents putrefactive processes and the deformation of wood. Moreover, the oil layer applied to the wood does not darken over time, which allows to obtain high aesthetic characteristics of the surfaces. The appearance of the processed products is preserved for decades.
Received this product by primitive squeezing of the fruits of the tung tree. In those days, tung was widespread in China. In Western European countries, this plant began to be cultivated only at the end of the 19th century. Since this plant came to Europe from China, the tung is often called the "Chinese tree".
Appearance story
Recall that Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world. It is this country that owns many significant inventions: paper, gunpowder, typography and much more. The Chinese people have also succeeded in the industry that we call today the chemical.
Due to the fact that tung grew everywhere in China, the oil of its seeds began to be used for a variety of purposes. About four millennia ago, Chinese craftsmen noticed that tung oil is deeply absorbed into the wood and dries quickly. The resulting coating has stable protective characteristics and perfectly resists various atmospheric phenomena. That is why it began to be successfully used in the manufacture of varnishes and enamels. This material has been especially widely used in areas where increased protective properties of wood were required - in shipbuilding, erection of buildings and various structures.
It is known for certain that the bottom of the wooden Chinese boats - "junks", treated with tung oil, never decayed and was not overgrown with algae and shells.
Where is tung oil used today?
The use of this substance is relevant to this day. It is used in the production of various types of fuel and in the production of synthetic resins. They are etched with wooden materials and fabrics, it is used in electrical engineering.
This material is widely used in the manufacture of musical instruments and expensive furniture. Tung oil is part of many medicinal ointments and emetics. It is used even in the manufacture of soap.
The uniqueness of the natural substance
The possibilities of the modern chemical industry are practically unlimited, however, scientists' attempts to synthesize tung oil or to create an analogue of it from other natural oils have been unsuccessful. We could not reproduce such synthetic copies, so we can safely say that this product is unique.
Tung Oil Properties
Unlike other types of natural impregnations used in modern construction and woodworking, tung oil, when deeply absorbed, dries quickly. This is due to the unique chemical composition.
Unlike other types of natural industrial oils, tung polymerizes not from the surface, but immediately over the entire thickness of the applied layer. Enamels and varnishes, which include this substance, are resistant to aggressive environmental influences. A thin film of such a coating prevents the destruction of wood and the appearance of fungus. Tung varnish applied to a metal surface prevents corrosion.
Advanced technology using tung oil
Reviews and expert opinions indicate the prospects for the use of tung oil. Already today, tung varnishes cover cars, parts of submarines and ships. It is possible that in the near future synthesized natural oils will be used at certain stages of the construction of new types of technology of the future.
Description
A yellow or light brown oily viscous liquid obtained by processing tung tree fruits. The smell of tung oil is specific, but not unpleasant. Such a product can be dissolved in most organic solvents. Used for technical and medical purposes. Possessing excellent impregnating abilities, ensures the resistance of the treated coatings to the effects of water, salts, certain acids and alcohol-containing substances. It forms the thinnest matte polymer film, resistant to abrasion.
At what temperature should tung oil be stored?
This substance should be stored in tightly closed packaging in a cool, dry place. Even if you freeze tung oil, it will still not lose its technical qualities. However, it is afraid of the effects of sunlight - at a storage temperature of liquid oil above + 35 ยฐ C it starts to deteriorate. Shelf life of natural impregnation is 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Application methods
At home, tung oil is used to treat wooden surfaces exposed to constant aggressive atmospheric exposure. Usually they are impregnated with wooden terraces, verandas, window frames, sometimes they are treated with wooden cutting boards, dishes, chairs, countertops and other wooden interior items. The practical use of tung oil in everyday life is available to everyone.
Before using tung impregnation, the wooden surface is dried and polished with fine-grained emery paper. The optimum temperature for work is 18-25 ยฐ C, while the relative humidity should be from 40 to 70%.
Moving along the wood fibers, the oil is applied in excess and evenly distribute it over the entire surface with a rag or brush. After waiting for the required amount of time, excess oil is removed with a napkin.
After the impregnation has completely dried, the surface should be polished with a clean, dry and soft cloth in circular motions. To get a better saturated and shiny coating, experts recommend applying an additional layer. Full absorption and drying is usually approximately 24 hours.
Due to the specific smell, as well as the risk of tung oil getting on unprepared objects (some defects may appear on the painted surface), application and drying of tung impregnations should take place in a specially designated room. If the temperature and relative humidity are different than prescribed, then the drying time may increase significantly.
To preserve the excellent protective qualities and beauty of wood, this treatment is usually carried out once a year.
Precautionary measures
Tung oil is a completely natural product. Its only drawback is a sharp unpleasant odor. For the rest, this product is absolutely harmless to humans. When it comes to working tools, it is easily removed with white spirit or brush cleaner.
If it gets on the skin of the hands, it is easily washed off with ordinary warm water and soap. If the oil gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of cool water.