Hundreds of years ago, ancient Chinese woodworkers used tung oil extensively. They knew very well that this tool not only improves the water-repellent properties of manufactured products, but also prevents putrefactive processes and wood deformation. Moreover, the oil layer applied to the wood does not darken over time, which makes it possible to obtain high aesthetic characteristics of the surfaces. The appearance of processed products is preserved for decades.
This product was obtained by primitive pressing of the fruits of the tung tree. At that time, 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, tung is often called the "Chinese tree".
History of Appearance
Recall that the Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world. It is this country that owns many significant inventions: paper, gunpowder, printing and much more. The Chinese people also succeeded in the industry that today we call the chemical industry.
Due to the fact that tung grew throughout China, its seed oil began to be used for a variety of purposes. About four thousand years ago, Chinese craftsmen noticed that tung oil was deeply absorbed into the wood and dries quickly. The resulting coating has persistent protective characteristics and perfectly resists various atmospheric phenomena. That is why it began to be successfully used in the production of varnishes and enamels. This material was especially widely used in those areas where increased protective properties of wood were required - in shipbuilding, the construction of buildings and various structures.
It is known for certain that the bottom of Chinese wooden boats - "junks", treated with tung oil, never rotted 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 pickle 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 an ingredient in many medicinal ointments and emetics. It is even used in soap making.
The uniqueness of a natural substance
The possibilities of the modern chemical industry are almost limitless, but the attempts of scientists to synthesize tung oilor to create its analogue from other natural oils were unsuccessful. It was not possible to reproduce such synthetic copies, so we 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, being deeply absorbed, dries quickly. This is due to the unique chemical composition.
Unlike other types of natural technical oils, tung oil does not polymerize from the surface, but immediately throughout 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 the metal surface prevents corrosion.
Advanced Tung Oil Technology
Reviews and expert opinions indicate the prospects for the use of tung oil. Already today, tung varnishes are used to cover cars, parts of submarines and ships. It is quite possible that in the near future the synthesized natural oils will be used in certain stages of the construction of new types of technology of the future.
Description
Yellow or light brown oily viscous liquid obtained by processing the 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. It is used for technical and medical purposes. Possessing excellent impregnating abilities, it ensures the resistance of treated coatings to water, s alts, certain acids and alcohol-containing substances. Forms the thinnest matte polymer film, resistant to abrasion.
At what temperature should tung oil be stored?
This substance should be stored tightly closed in a cool dry place. Even if you freeze tung oil, it still will not lose its technical qualities. However, it is afraid of exposure to sunlight - at a storage temperature of liquid oil above + 35 ° C, it begins to deteriorate. The shelf life of natural impregnation is 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Uses
At home, tung oil is used to treat wooden surfaces that are constantly exposed to aggressive atmospheric conditions. Usually they impregnate wooden terraces, verandas, window frames, sometimes they process 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 impregnations, the wooden surface is dried and sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. The optimum temperature for work is 18-25˚С, while the relative humidity should be from 40 to 70%.
Moving alongwood 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 circular motions. To get a better rich 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), the application and drying of tung impregnations must take place in a specially designated room. If the temperature and relative humidity of the air differ from those prescribed, the drying time may increase significantly.
To maintain the excellent protective qualities and beauty of wood, this treatment is usually carried out once a year.
Precautions
Tung oil is a completely natural product. Its only drawback is considered a sharp unpleasant odor. Otherwise, this product is absolutely harmless to humans. If it comes into contact with working tools, it can be easily removed with white spirit or a brush cleaner.
If it gets on the skin of the hands, it is easily washed off with plain warm water and soap. If the oil gets into the eyes, immediately rinse them with plenty of cool water.
