Tung oil: reviews, properties, uses

Hundreds of years ago, ancient Chinese woodworkers used tung oil extensively. They knew perfectly well that this tool not only improves the water-repellent properties of manufactured products, but also prevents putrefactive processes and tree deformation. Moreover, the oil layer applied to the wood does not darken with time, which allows obtaining high aesthetic characteristics of the surfaces. The appearance of the processed products is preserved for dozens of years.

This product was obtained by primitive pressing of the fruits of the tung tree. In those days tung was widely distributed 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, tung is often called a "Chinese tree".

History of appearance

Recall that the Chinese civilization - 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 also succeeded in the industry, which today we call chemical.

Due to the fact that tunga grew in China everywhere, its seed oil began to be used for a variety of purposes. About four millennia ago, Chinese masters noticed that tung oil is deeply absorbed in wood and quickly dries up. The resulting coating has a stable protective characteristics and is excellent against various atmospheric phenomena. That is why it was successfully used in the production of varnishes and enamels. This material was especially widely used in those areas where high protective properties of wood were required - in shipbuilding, erection of buildings and various structures.

It is known for certain that the bottom of wooden Chinese boats - "junks", processed with tung oil, never rotted and did not acquire algae and seashells.

Where is tung oil used today?

The use of this substance is actual to this day. It is used in the production of various types of fuel and in the production of synthetic resins. They etch wood 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 a part of many medicinal ointments and emetic drugs. It is used even in the production of soap.

Uniqueness of natural substance

The possibilities of the modern chemical industry are practically unlimited, but attempts by scientists to synthesize tung oil or to create an analogue of other natural oils proved to be unsuccessful. Such synthetic copies could not be reproduced, so you can safely say that this product is unique.

Properties of tung oil

Unlike other types of natural impregnations used in modern construction and woodworking, tung oil, deeply absorbed, quickly dries up. This is due to the unique chemical composition.

Unlike other types of natural technical oils, tungsten polymerizes not from the surface, but immediately over the entire thickness of the applied layer. Enamels and varnishes, which contain this substance, are resistant to aggressive environmental influences. A thin film of this coating prevents the destruction of wood and the appearance of the fungus. Tung lacquer applied to the metal surface prevents corrosion.

Advanced technology using tung oil

Comments and opinions of experts indicate the prospects of using tung oil. Today, tungsten varnishes are covered by cars, parts of submarines and ships. It is possible that in the near future, synthesized natural oils will be used in certain stages of construction of new types of technology of the future.

Description

Yellow or light brown oily viscous liquid obtained by processing fruits of the tung tree. 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, it provides stability of the treated coatings to the action of water, salts, some acids and alcohol-containing substances. Forms the finest matte polymer film, resistant to abrasion.

At what temperature should tung oil be stored?

This substance should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place. Even if freezing tung oil, it still does not lose its technical qualities. However, he is afraid of the effects of sunlight - at a storage temperature of liquid oil above + 35 ° C begins to deteriorate. Shelf life of natural impregnation - 24 months from the date of manufacture.

Methods of application

At home, tung oil is used for the treatment of wooden surfaces exposed to the constant aggressive effects of the atmospheric environment. Usually they are impregnated with wooden terraces, verandas, window frames, sometimes they are processed by wooden cutting boards, dishes, chairs, countertops and other wooden interior items. Practical application of tung oil in everyday life is available to everyone.

Before using tungsten impregnation, the wooden surface is dried and ground with fine grained emery paper. The optimum temperature for work is 18-25 ° C, while the relative humidity should be 40 to 70%.

Moving along the wood fibers, the oil is applied in excess and evenly distributed 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 a circular motion. To get a better quality saturated and shiny coating, experts recommend applying an additional layer. Complete soaking and drying is usually about 24 hours.

Because of the specific odor, as well as the risk of getting tung oil to unprepared items (some defects may appear on the painted surface), the application and drying of tungsten impregnations must take place in a specially designated area. If the temperature and the relative humidity of the air are different from those prescribed, the drying time can be significantly increased.

To maintain 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. In the rest for the person this product is absolutely harmless. If used on working tools, it is easily removed with white spirit or a brush cleaner.

Upon contact with the skin of the hands, it is easily washed off with ordinary warm water and soap. In case the oil gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of cool water.