Linseed Oil vs. Tung Oil: Which Should You Choose?

Trying to choose the right oil for your wood project? It’s not always clear-cut, especially when comparing linseed oil vs. tung oil. I’ve had the same question pop up when working on furniture or restoring old wood.

In this guide, I’ll explain what each oil is and help you determine which one is best suited for your job. You’ll see where each oil works best, inside or out, old wood or new.

If you’re wondering which one offers better protection, costs less, or dries faster, keep reading. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to use and why. Let’s get into it and make your project easier.

What Are Linseed Oil And Tung Oil?

These oils are both used to protect and finish wood. They come from natural sources. Both soak into the wood and provide a protective layer.

Linseed Oil

Linseed oil comes from flax seeds. People have used it on wood for a long time. It goes deep into the wood and gives it a smooth, soft finish.

There are two kinds:

• Raw Linseed Oil: This type is pure. It has no added chemicals. But it dries very slowly. Sometimes it stays sticky for days or even weeks.
• Boiled Linseed Oil: Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not cooked. It has added drying agents. This makes it dry faster than raw linseed oil.

I use boiled linseed oil when I don’t want to wait forever. It’s also less expensive than tung oil, which is a nice benefit if you’re on a budget.

Tung Oil

Tung oil comes from the nuts of the tung tree. It’s been used for hundreds of years, too. When it soaks into the wood, it hardens and creates a strong layer.

There are two types:

• Pure Tung Oil: This is 100% natural. It dries slowly but makes a tough, water-resistant finish. It doesn’t get dark over time like linseed oil.
• Polymerized Tung Oil: This type is heated to dry more quickly. It’s easier to apply and doesn’t take as long to cure.

If you want a strong finish and don’t mind waiting a little, tung oil is a great choice. It also handles water better than linseed oil.

Linseed Oil vs. Tung Oil: Key Differences

Feature	Linseed Oil	Tung Oil
Water Resistance	Low	High
Drying Time	Slow	Moderate
Durability	Softer	Firmer
Color Change	Darkens Over Time	Stays Clearer
UV Resistance	Low	Moderate

Linseed Oil vs. Tung Oil: How To Apply

• Prepare the Workspace: Ensure you’re in a dry area with good airflow. Proper ventilation will help with comfort during application.
• Sand the Wood: Lightly sand the wood to allow the oil to absorb more effectively. This step helps ensure a smooth, even finish.
• Remove Dust: Use a dry cloth to wipe away any dust from sanding. A clean surface is crucial for a smooth application.
• Apply the Oil: For both oils, use a cloth or soft brush and apply the oil evenly in the direction of the wood grain. Tung oil tends to dry faster, so be mindful of this when applying. Linseed oil may take a bit longer to absorb.
• Wipe Off Excess Oil: If you notice any puddles or glossy areas after a few minutes, wipe them off with a clean cloth to avoid unevenness.
• Wait for the Oil to Dry: For tung oil, allow the first coat to dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat. Repeat this process for 3-5 coats. For linseed oil, wait 2-3 days between coats to allow proper drying.
• Final Curing: After the last coat, let the wood sit for several days or longer. The curing time will depend on the type of oil used and the thickness of the coats. The longer it cures, the better the finish will be.

Maintaining Oiled Wood Like a Pro

After applying oil to your wood, regular maintenance is necessary to preserve its appearance. Periodically check, clean, and refresh the oil to keep it looking great and protected. Here’s how to do it:

• Dust it regularly using a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This keeps dirt and grit from scratching the surface or dulling the finish.
• Keep it dry by wiping up any water or spills right away. Oiled wood isn’t waterproof, so letting moisture sit can cause stains or damage.
• Re-oil the item once or twice a year, depending on its frequency of use. If the wood starts to look dull or feels dry to the touch, it’s time for a light coat.
• Apply a maintenance coat by cleaning the surface first, then rubbing in a thin layer of oil. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, then wipe off the excess and allow it to dry completely.
• Fix sticky or blotchy spots by lightly sanding the area with fine sandpaper, wiping off dust, and applying a new thin coat of oil. These spots typically occur when earlier coats didn’t dry sufficiently.
• Keep oily rags safe by laying them flat to dry outdoors before disposing of them. Never leave them bunched up; they can catch fire.

By following these simple steps, your oiled wood will stay strong, smooth, and beautiful for years.

Linseed vs. Tung Oil: Smell, Storage, and Finish Comparison

• Smell During Application: Boiled linseed oil has a stronger odor, while tung oil has a lighter, more manageable scent. Good airflow in the space will make both easier to work with.
• Storage and Shelf Life: Both oils are sensitive to air and light. To prevent thickening or hardening, store them in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed. A temperature-controlled, dark location is ideal for maintaining their quality.
• Finish, Look and Feel: Tung oil dries to a natural, matte finish, while linseed oil gives a soft, glossy sheen with a warm tone. Choose based on your preference for a flat or slightly glossy finish.

Environmental Considerations

Tung oil is more eco-friendly than linseed oil, especially in its pure form. It typically contains fewer chemicals and lacks synthetic additives, making it safer for the environment.

Linseed oil, particularly boiled linseed oil, often includes drying agents and chemicals that can contribute to air pollution during application and disposal.

For an environmentally conscious option, pure tung oil is the better choice, offering a natural finish with minimal impact on the environment.

Safety Tips For Handling Oils

Rags soaked in linseed or tung oil can be extremely dangerous if not disposed of properly. These rags can heat up and potentially catch fire on their own due to a chemical reaction known as spontaneous combustion.

To prevent this, never throw away oil-soaked rags immediately. Always lay them flat on a non-flammable surface, such as concrete, outdoors, where they can dry completely.

Once the rags are dry, you can safely dispose of them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. This simple step ensures your safety and prevents accidental fires from occurring.

When to Use Tung Oil vs. Linseed Oil

Both tung oil and linseed oil offer unique benefits depending on your project’s needs.

When to Use Tung Oil

Tung oil is durable and water-resistant, making it perfect for wood exposed to heavy use or moisture. Use tung oil for:

• Outdoor Furniture: Tables, chairs, and benches are exposed to the elements.
• Kitchen Tools: Cutting boards, wooden spoons, and salad bowls.
• Doors and Trim: Wood that is frequently touched.
• Wood Floors: For a non-glossy, protective finish.

Tung oil dries in about a day between coats. Apply 3-5 coats for the best protection, and allow up to a month for full curing.

When to Use Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is ideal for indoor items that are not heavily used. Use linseed oil for:

• Decorative Pieces: Picture frames, wall art, and signs.
• Shelves and Bookcases: Lightly used furniture.
• Cabinet Doors: Doors that are not frequently touched.
• Antique Furniture: Gentle restoration for old pieces.

Linseed oil takes longer to dry, especially raw linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil dries faster but still slower than tung oil. It darkens over time, which may affect the wood’s appearance.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen the difference between linseed oil vs. tung oil, you can feel more confident picking the right one. If you’re working indoors and need a cost-effective and readily available option, linseed oil is a suitable choice.

However, if your project will be exposed to water or heavy use, tung oil is a better choice because it dries faster and holds up longer. Consider where and how the wood will be used, and then choose the option that best suits your needs.

Keep this in mind for your next project, and if you’d like more simple tips like this, be sure to check out my other blogs. There’s plenty more to learn.