Tung Oil V Polyurethane

Hello everyone

First of all I am very new to this fine forum but am thrilled that I have discovered it as there is a mile of wonderful information on here for what I am doing in renovating another house from people that have done it all before etc.


The house I am currently renovating is on the Mid North Coast of NSW 500Mtrs from the beach and it is 32 years old. I have just pulled up all the original 32 year old carpet (yuck) and charming kitchen lino as I knew that there was 100mm wide Cyprus Pine floor boards underneath. The timber is in pristine condition (apart from the usual holes etc to fill) and still with all pencil marks etc etc on it.

Now my question/s for the fine members on this forum are these, and I am sure that this question has been asked before.

I have in the past I have used both Wattly 7008 2 pac (horrid stuff) and also single pac polyurethane with good success but I do find that if they get a scratch etc its a bitch to repair and you also have paint the entire house in a single application with polyurethane. No stopping at an area and a few days later starting the next area.

This time due to circumstances I need to do smaller areas of the home (eg kitchen first) before moving onto the next area. (That's what I would like to do if possible) I have had a lot of people tell me that TUNG OIL is the ants pants and that I should give it a go. I do know that if it gets a mark etc I can simply sand that small area back and re coat and I can also do section by section with TUNG OIL.

Having never used TUNG OIL in the past what are the advantages and disadvantages of it on floors over polyurethane?

What does TUNG OIL wear like compared to polyurethane?

How long between recoats and yes I know this question is a bit like how long is a piece of string

Most TUNG OILS I seem to see in the shops now days like say Wattyl I suspect are not pure and contain some synthetic material, would this be correct? I also suspect that by them adding some synthetic material you get better wear and sealing capabilities, again would this be correct?

What brand/s would the members recommend for TUNG OIL for flooring eg: Feast and Watson, Wattyl etc

Any other information of hints you can give me re the advantages and disadvantages and the application of TUNG OIL

I thank you all in advance for any information and knowledge and help that you give me


Regards

Chris

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Originally Posted by chrise

Having never used TUNG OIL in the past what are the advantages and disadvantages of it on floors over polyurethane?

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IMHO, it's main advantages are that it can be reapplied/repaired easily and that it doesn't yellow over time as much as PolyU. Well... PURE Tung Oil doesn't. :rolleyes:

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What does TUNG OIL wear like compared to polyurethane?

How long between recoats and yes I know this question is a bit like how long is a piece of string.

Most TUNG OILS I seem to see in the shops now days like say Wattyl I suspect are not pure and contain some synthetic material, would this be correct? I also suspect that by them adding some synthetic material you get better wear and sealing capabilities, again would this be correct?

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PURE tung oil isn't as durable... but you can simply apply another coat et voila! As good as new, and as more coats go on the depth of colour of the wood is richened and enhanced. I love the stuff. You're quite right about the additives in what's loosely called "Tung Oil" nowadays. Most are actually more of a Danish Oil, with metallic hardeners or, more often, PolyU as additives. These can be more problematic to repair/reapply, 'cos of the PolyU content. I can't help but wonder with some mfr's if they're just jumping on the bandwagon by adding a touch of tung to their PolyU. :rolleyes:

And you're also right in that they're added for better durability and quicker drying times. I just wish they'd STOP mislabelling their products as TUNG OIL! :mad:

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What brand/s would the members recommend for TUNG OIL for flooring eg: Feast and Watson, Wattyl etc

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I use Feast & Watson fairly regularly but haven't been asked to do any reapplications yet. [fingers Xed it'll be OK] Personally I prefer PURE Tung Oil as a finish and it does take longer to dry, is harder to source (links are on this forum ;) ) amd is more expensive, but IMHO it's worth it. But the customer gets what the customer wants (or is willing to pay for. :rolleyes: )

As for application, one hint: use a lambswool applicator but give it a good hand-rinse in luke-warm water and let it dry first. This removes any loose micro-fibres that're otherwise like loose hairs in a paintbrush. Other than that, it's just a case of "mopping the floor." Carefully, of course.

Skew ChiDAMN thank you for a very informative reply, just a question re your usage of Feast Watson, are you refering to their China Wood Oil or their Floorseal which is a tung oil based finish.

Sorry, my bad. China Wood Oil.

G'day.
Where on the Mid North Coast.
There is an outstanding floor installer/sander/finisher at Nambucca.
D&K Brighten.
David would be the bloke to talk to as he would be the only person I would use to do my floors.

Hi Trevor

Thanks for the suggestion its appreciated but I will be doing it my self, start to finish. I live in Port Macquarie.

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Originally Posted by glock40sw

G'day.
Where on the Mid North Coast.
There is an outstanding floor installer/sander/finisher at Nambucca.
D&K Brighten.
David would be the bloke to talk to as he would be the only person I would use to do my floors.

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