Danish oil or Tung oil

Last updated on November 18th, 2022 at 11:16 am

What is Tung oil?

Tung Oil is a hard-wearing, naturally produced oil collected from the seed of the tung tree. Because it contains no additives, it is non-toxic and suitable to use in various situations and on several things.

In addition to being water-resistant, it aids in the prevention of wood drying and deterioration. It’s perfect for protecting bare and unpainted wood, preventing it from marking and staining over time.

These characteristics make Tung Oil an excellent choice for food surfaces, including kitchen worktops, culinary utensils, children’s furniture, and toys, and even outdoor wood-like decking. 

Although Pure Tung Oil is simple to apply with a foam brush or lint-free cloth, it takes longer to dry (24 hours) than other oils because it is a natural oil with no thinners or drying agents. And this is crucial to remember when oiling outside wood, such as decking.

It settles to a natural, matt finish and can be used to highlight the inherent beauty of the grain on all types of wood, both hardwood, and softwood.

Main characteristics of tung oil

1. All-natural, non-toxic, and completely safe to use
2. Water and food stains are not a problem.
3. Aids in the prevention of wood drying and degradation.
4. Dries to a matt, natural finish
5. A 24-hour drying time is required.
6. Coverage per liter: 20m2.
7. Coats to bare wood: 3 coats
8. Time to re-coat: After the previous coat has dried.
9. Maintenance: Once a year, or when the surface appears to be ‘drying.’
10. Use a Foam Brush or a Lint-Free Cloth to apply the product.

What is Danish Oil

Like Tung oil, Danish oil is a type of wood finish that is made from all natural ingredients. It is a combination of vegetable oils, urethane, and waxes that are applied to the wood surface. Danish oil penetrates the wood and provides a hardwearing finish while enriching the color and bringing out the natural beauty of the wood.

Danish oil is easy to use and can be applied with a foam brush or lint-free cloth. It dries to a satin finish and does not require a sealer. Danish oil should be reapplied every year or when the surface appears to be drying. One disadvantage of Danish oil is that it can yellow over time.

Danish oil main features

1. Allow 4-6 hours for drying.
2. Coverage per litre: 20m2.
3. Dries to a satin finish
4. Can yellow over time
5. Coverage per liter: 20m2.
6. Coats: Apply three coats of paint to bare wood.
7. Time to re-coat: After the previous coat has dried.
8. Upkeep: Once a year, or when signs of ‘drying’ appear.
9. Use a Foam Brush or a Cloth to apply the product.

Danish oil main characteristics

1. Allow 4-6 hours for drying.
2. Coverage per litre: 20m2.
3. Coats: Apply three coats of paint to bare wood.
4. Time to re-coat: After the previous coat has dried.
5. Upkeep: Once a year, or when signs of ‘drying’ appear.
6. Use a Foam Brush or a Cloth to apply the product.

Danish oil vs tung oil

Danish oil is a sort of oil used to finish various types of wood and is a combination of varnish and oil. In contrast to Danish oil, which contains multiple ingredients such as varnish, oil, and sometimes thinner, tung oil is a 100% natural product. The points of comparison are listed below.

Waterproofing Tung oil and Danish oil are both water-resistant. Keep in mind that this does not imply that the item is waterproof. If you’re deciding between Danish oil, teak oil, and tung oil, remember that Danish oil is more durable and water-resistant than teak oil. On the other hand, Tung oil is the water-resistant leader, providing a coat that is practically waterproof compared to the other alternatives.

Application Time

Because of its composition, Danish oil dries faster than tung oil. As a result, it can be convenient for someone working on a project that requires swift completion. To properly penetrate and saturate your wood product, use multiple layers of tung oil. The process will take several days because you will need to apply numerous coats of tung oil to the project before being well-finished and ready. 

You’ll also have to wait for it to cure in between coats. It can take up to 24 hours for a single layer of tung oil to cure, and occasionally even longer. Some manufacturers suggest waiting 48 hours or longer.

On the other hand, Danish oil requires significantly fewer coats because it penetrates the wood more readily. It also cures considerably more quickly than tung oil. A coat of Danish oil can dry in an hour or even half an hour, relying on the project and the kind of Danish oil used; but, depending on the project and the Danish sort of oil used, it could take much longer. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the container’s label containing the oil.

Durability

Danish oil is renowned for not being as long-lasting or durable as tung oil. As previously stated, tung oil requires a significant amount of work to apply, but the effort is well worth it. Tung oil forms a strong bond between its particles and the wood. It generates a more complex, more durable product due to its hardening impact within the wood. 

Tung oil also develops a thin protective coating once the wood is wet. Water, dents, corrosive fluids, scratches, and other types of damage are all protected by this layer. It’s not invincible, but it’s a highly long-lasting finish.

Your tung oil project will last far longer, withstand impact and weather better, and be much more durable than a piece coated with Danish oil. Finally, you may decide that taking the extra time to coat and dry your boat or other project is worthwhile.

Appearance

If you’re deciding between tung oil, Danish oil, and linseed oil, keep in mind that while linseed oil cures quickly like Danish oil, it darkens dramatically with time. Tung oil may be a better option if you want an oil finish that maintains a consistent hue.

Tung oil provides a lovely, natural finish that lets you see and appreciate the wood’s original color and texture. On the other hand, Danish oil is preferred by some woodworkers because it comes blended with varnish, and so makes a thin film that accentuates the grain and color of the wood nicely. Both options will produce an appealing surface, but tung oil works better for a more rustic appearance, whereas Danish oil creates a more professional, completed look.

Food Safety

If you’re working on a project containing or near food, you should research which type of oil is ideal for that application. Tung oil is a food-safe material in its natural state. It may not be as safe once diluted with chemicals or mineral spirits, depending on the components employed; nonetheless, it will still be of higher food-grade quality than Danish oil. Because Danish oil contains varnish, it is not suitable for consumption. So, if you’re building a set of wooden bowls for serving food, you’d be better off soaking and sealing the wood with tung oil.

Choosing between danish oil or Tung oil.

Danish Oil is recommended because it is simple to use, dries rapidly, and provides excellent protection against liquid stains and spills. If you like the look of other oils, Tung Oil is a good alternative because it aids the natural beauty of the wood while also protecting it from water and stains.

Varnish combines oil with a resin to create a long-lasting mixture that hardens when dry. Both oils can give your woodwork a finish, but there are some significant differences between tung oil and Danish oil in terms of upkeep and longevity, as well as the amount of time spent completing the item. Because of the oil and varnish blend, a Danish oil treatment will last for many years. And this allows Danish oil to be applied shorter and with fewer coats than tung oil.

Tung oil is a maintenance application that you should apply to woodwork at least once a month to retain a level of protection and luster. Tung oil is ideal to use in numerous coats, and it takes longer to apply because each coat should soak into the wood and dry for 24 to 48 hours.

As a result, while deciding between Danish oil and tung oil, careful woodworkers choose wood finishes that are acceptable for a specific wood object, considering the amount of contact the item will receive over its lifetime. Tung oil may be a preferable option for wood products that frequently come into contact with people’s hands. Danish oil may be a preferable option for wood goods that are more decorative than functional.