Tung and linseed oil, also known as “heavy bodied drying oils”, are used widely in paints and varnishes. They are “heavy” because they have a higher viscosity than other oils. Tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree (commonly called the Chinese nutmeg tree) while linseed oil comes from flax seed. Not only do tung & linseed oil paints provide a durable finish to wood surfaces, but they also provide excellent UV protection! In this article, we’ll take a look at what tung & linseed oil is made of, how it’s produced, how it differs from other types of paint/varnish – including clear finishes – and then discuss some of their most common uses today (including woodworking).
What is tung oil?
Tung oil, or China wood oil, is a drying oil obtained from the seeds of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii). The tree grows in China and Southeast Asia.
Tung trees are tall, with strong, thick trunks and smooth grey bark. The leaves are broadly oblong to oval, bright green on top but silver underneath when mature. The flowers are small and yellowish-white in color with five petals.
Where do we get tung-oil?
It is extracted from the seeds of the tung tree, which is native to China. The tree grows up to 30 feet and produces a seed that looks like a small nut. The seed has an outer shell and inside is a nut. When you crack open this nut, you will find two portions: one with a bitter taste and another with a sweet taste—this makes it easy to tell which part can be eaten and which should be thrown away.
The nuts are processed into tung-oil using steam distillation or solvent extraction methods (such as hexane). It is used in paints, varnishes, and wood finishes because it penetrates deeply into the surface of the wood where it creates an extremely durable finish when dry.
How to use tung oil?
It is a natural, non-toxic finish that can be applied on wood, metal, and stone. It’s easy to apply, and the process is simple:
- Clean the wood surface with soap and water
- Apply the tung-oil with a paintbrush or rag
- Let it dry for 2 hours (or overnight)
- Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth
It is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable oil made from the nuts of tung trees. It’s also a drying oil, meaning it does not contain any free fatty acids. This means it’s non-toxic and safe for you as well as the environment.
Tung oil is a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic varnishes, polyurethanes, and urethanes. It’s also resistant to water and weathering. Tung oil is a great choice for outdoor use as it has excellent stain resistance and UV protection.
It is a natural wood finish that has been used in China for over 2000 years. It is made from the nut of the tung tree and can be used to create a wide range of products, from furniture polish to linseed oil. Tung oil is a great choice if you are looking for a sustainable, renewable finish that can be applied with a brush or cloth.
Benefits of Tung Oil
Tung oil has several benefits that make it a great choice for your next project. Here are some of the most important:
Environmentally friendly: Tung oil is made from natural sources and does not contain any harmful chemicals. This means that it is safe for use-around children and pets, and doesn’t release toxic fumes when applied.
Easy application: You can apply tung oil using either a brush or cloth depending on your preferences and needs. The application process is simple and straightforward, requiring no special equipment or training so anyone can do it!
Durable finish: Tung oil creates an incredibly durable coating that will last for years without fading or cracking as other finishes can do over time; this makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens or bathrooms where heavy use may occur frequently throughout each day.
Tung oil can be applied to a variety of surfaces including wood floors (but not laminate flooring), furniture and cabinetry—basically, any surface that needs protection from moisture damage.
What is linseed oil?
Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is a natural substance that’s derived from the seeds of the Flax plant. The flaxseed contains an abundance of Vitamin E, which is believed to play a role in preventing or slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The linseed oil found on store shelves is typically used as a paint and varnish additive. This means you can apply it as part of your DIY home improvement projects by painting with it or covering wood with its protective qualities.
Where do we get linseed oil?
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the flax plant, which belongs to the family Linaceae. The name “linseed” refers to any one of several species within this genus. The word “flax” comes from Old English and means “fine, soft thread”. Flaxseed oil is obtained from the seeds of these plants.
When buying linseed/flaxseed oil you need to make sure that it is cold pressed or expeller pressed as opposed to solvent extracted or superheated pressed (HSP). Superheated pressing causes more damage than solvent extraction and causes discoloration in oils like olive oil which are sensitive to heat.
How to use linseed oil
Linseed oil is a natural, organic product that’s been used for centuries to treat wood. It’s a great way to maintain the look and feel of your wooden furniture, but it can also be used in other ways. It’s safe to apply on any type of wood, so you can apply it on anything from cabinets to fences.
Here are some tips on how you can apply linseed oil:
- Clean your wood: Linseed oil helps cleanse the wood by removing dirt, grime, and other harmful substances from it. This will keep your furniture looking new for longer.
- Stainless steel: If there are scratches or scuffs on your stainless steel sink or stovetop, try using linseed oil—it’ll make them disappear!
- Wooden floors: If you have wooden floors that are looking dull and lifeless, try using linseed oil instead of polish—it will give them back their shine without being abrasive on your feet!
- Nails and screws: If you’ve just put up some new shelves in your kitchen but don’t want to drill holes into your walls just yet (because they may end up being wrong), try linseed oil.
Health Benefits of linseed oil
Linseed oil is one of the most important oils in the world, thanks to its remarkable health benefits. It is extracted from flax seeds and has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various skin conditions. In addition, it contains many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for good health. Here are some of the most important benefits we can have :
- Reduces inflammation: Linseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation by reducing the production of prostaglandins (prostaglandins are inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling).
- Protects against cancer: Linseed oil is rich in antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells in your body and causing cancerous growths known as tumors or neoplasms. Therefore, it helps prevent certain types of cancers such as breast cancer (breast), prostate cancer (prostate) or colon cancer (colon).
- Improves heart health: Linseed oil contains vitamin E, which helps lower cholesterol levels by preventing LDL cholesterol from being absorbed by the oil.
Linseed oil is a great addition to your home. It has many benefits, from improving the quality of your skin and hair to helping you maintain a healthy diet.
The vitamins in linseed oil also help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful by maintaining elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Vitamin A helps heal wounds on your skin while Vitamin E prevents them from getting worse over time.
Linseed oil makes your hair stronger because it cleanses the scalp of impurities such as dust or dirt which may cause dandruff or other scalp conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tung oil and linseed oil are great for the environment and for your health. They are made from renewable raw materials, which means that they can be reused over and over again. Linseed oil is also a natural source of vitamins A and D as well as essential fatty acids such as omega-3s. Tung oil’s main ingredient is also found in many foods such as peanuts, soybeans, and whole grains.
Also Read:- Uses of Essential oils for health
