Tung Oil – Nature’s Most Sustainable Woodworking Oil

There are so many ways to finish off a woodworking project. Whether it is a wood countertop in your kitchen, a simple cutting board for the home or a toy for your child—the final step in creating something out of wood is always to finish it with some type of top coat. While there are plenty of different varnishes and products in the market right now, many of them are actually quite toxic.

This can be a concern, not only for the planet, but for any project that you are planning on putting around food, or children as well. The good news is, there is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to some of the different varnishes and shellacs out there. That is all-natural tung oil. Tung oil, also known as “China Wood Oil,” is a natural drying oil that has been used for centuries to preserve and treat wood. It was even used to help waterproof trade ships coming from China to the western world.

This oil is not only durable and capable of delivering a hardened surface for many woodworking projects, but it is also eco-friendly as well. Take a look at some of the outstanding sustainable features that have made tung oil a favorite product among woodworkers for hundreds of years.

• Pure tung oil has a low environmental footprint. You simply need to make sure that you are using a product that is 100% natural tung oil, not just made with tung oil.

• Tung oil is non-toxic and it doesn’t contain any VOCs. This means it is good for people and good for the planet as well.

• Tung oil has a long lifespan, meaning no need for reapplications. It is not only resistant to water but to alcohol, acetone and acids as well.

• Pure tung oil contains no solvents or metallic dryers. There is also no off-gassing with this product, which can have a huge impact to air quality.

It is important to pay close attention to what you use on your woodworking projects. With all-natural tung oil, you can easily make sure that the items you make or have in your home are truly safe, natural and non-toxic—which is something every woodworker can feel good about.