Recipe: Tung Oil Paint on Wood (Interior and Exterior)

Tung Oil Varnish is a mixture of boiled Linseed Oil and Tung Oil (also known as China Wood Oil). The glossy, slightly yellowish glaze is stable under extreme weather conditions, it is resistant to wear and to abrasion. Thus, it is higly suitable as a wood floor finish. An advantage of this varnish is that it dries fast: After 8 hours, the varnish is dry; after one day, it can be painted over.

Processing

Tung Oil Varnish always needs priming with a half-oil. For the primer, mix 1 part Linseed Oil Varnish (#73100) and 1 part Shellsol® T (#70460) and apply a rich and even layer on the prepared wood surface. After about 15 minutes, take up excess primer with a lint-free cloth and sand the surface gently when dry. Consumption rate is about 100 ml/m².

For the following coats, apply the Tung Oil Varnish (#79055) directly out of the container in a thin layer. The varnish should be sanded with sandpaper in-between coats in order to make sure the upper coat bonds well with the one underneath. Consumption rate is about 70-90 ml/m². For wood protection in exterior areas, we recommend a total of 4 coats. In interior areas, 2 coats should be enough. Step 1#752: Tung Oil Varnish always needs priming with a half-oil. For the primer, mix 1 part Linseed Oil Varnish (#73100) and 1 part Shellsol® T (#70460) and apply a rich and even layer on the prepared wood surface. After about 15 minutes, take up excess primer with a lint-free cloth and sand the surface gently when dry. Consumption rate is about 100 ml/m². For the following coats, apply the Tung Oil Varnish (#79055) directly out of the container in a thin layer. The varnish should be sanded with sandpaper in-between coats in order to make sure the upper coat bonds well with the one underneath. Consumption rate is about 70-90 ml/m². For wood protection in exterior areas, we recommend a total of 4 coats. In interior areas, 2 coats should be enough.
For a glaze, tung oil varnish can be colored by either adding up to 60 grams of pigment or up to 50 milliliters of oil paint paste per liter. Step 2#141: For a glaze, tung oil varnish can be colored by either adding up to 60 grams of pigment or up to 50 milliliters of oil paint paste per liter.
Please respect the following waiting times when applying oil color:
The prime coat requires 1 day drying time. All following layers require 2 days drying time. Step 3#160: Please respect the following waiting times when applying oil color: The prime coat requires 1 day drying time. All following layers require 2 days drying time.

Ingredients

5 l Kremer Linseed Oil Varnish (#73100)
5 l Shellsol® T (#70460)
18-36 l Tung Oil Varnish (#79055)
pigment suitable for oil painting
oil paint paste

Note

Tung Oil Varnish is siccativated. It will begin to dry as soon as the container is open, so once your can of varnish is open, it should be used up quickly. If the varnish forms a skin on top, this layer has to be removed before use. If the varnish has thickened, it can be diluted, for instance by adding Pine Turpentine (#70010). The consumption information and recipes given above contain circa measures. Consumption may vary on different surfaces and depending on coat thickness and the oil paint used! Paint the oil color on dry would only and avoid dew affected areas. Warm wood which is exposed to sunlight will bring out oil color at its best. Products containing linseed oil and oil contaminated cloths dry by oxidation, which is an exothermic reaction that accelerates as the temperature of the oily substances/textiles increases. This is why we recommend that all oil contaminated cloths and rags etc. be kept in closed metal buckets. Dispose carefully.

We assume no liability for the processing instructions described above. In any case, we recommend the production and evaluation of sample surfaces.

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