The teak introduced to us by the southeast Asians and the Tung tree which is found in China, are among the most suitable oils to be used for heavy-duty furniture and also for our everyday wooden utility items. Let us find out which oil is better in maintaining the beauty of our furniture for years.
The first thing that we think of after purchasing a house is decorating it. This includes an array of things like wall color, flooring type, and furniture. The most sought-after furniture is that made from wood. It is mainly due to its authentic look and durability. However, owning wooden furniture requires us to take the necessary care wherein the wooden surfaces need to be polished on a regular basis. One of the best options is the application of teak or tung oil which helps the wood maintain its texture and keep the moisture away, thus providing longevity to the furniture.
Comparison between Teak Oil and Tung Oil
Source
Though the name might make you think that teak oil is obtained from the teak tree, that isn’t the case. Teak oil is used on teakwood furniture often and hence the name. It might contain different other oils such as tung oil, linseed oil, etc. Tung oil, on the other hand, is obtained from the Tung trees which grow in China. The process of manufacturing involves extraction of the oil from the seeds of the nuts, after which it is processed to remove impurities.
Characteristics
Teak oil penetrates extremely well in wood. It gets absorbed in no time and thus it is very easy to clean the furniture. Tung oil is rather shiny and glossy in appearance with a peculiar aroma which makes it a popular choice for those who want to make their home fragrant for a while after using it for upkeep. Both the oils are highly water-resistant which means that they can be used to prevent the furniture from getting spoiled because of excessive rains or moisture. However, this would be the case if you keep the furniture outdoors. Teak and tung oils alike help protect wooden surfaces from sunrays or UV exposure and help retain the luster.
Applications
Both the oils are easily available in the market. The method of application is however different. For teak oil, all you need to do is take a soft cloth or a paintbrush and apply 2-3 coats. The drying process takes around 2-3 days. Though it is used exclusively for teak furniture, it can be used elsewhere too. For tung oil, you would have to dilute it with the help of citrus solvents. If you see it in its natural state, it has a thicker consistency like that of honey, and hence the need of dilution. When using tung oil, sandpaper needs to be rubbed after the application of each coat. If you want faster drying, then go for applying a tung oil finish.
Both these oils have their characteristic features and there are certain drawbacks which you need to know in order to decide the best. Teak oil is said to give less protection against the UV and sunrays and is expensive. Tung oil causes allergies to those who are allergic to nuts or the odor.
For durability and to increase the lifespan of wooden furniture, it is advisable to coat it with either of these oils at least once in a couple of years. This would help the wood retain its shine and remain sturdy as ever.