There is no doubt that you will have an effective product for finishing and protecting wood whether you go with Danish oil or Tung oil. But, when it comes to buying them, you need to know what sets them apart to ensure you make the right pick.
Danish and Tung oils will differ in various aspects from the number of coats that you will need when applying them to other things like the ease of application and durability. Below we look at these differences in more detail.
In this post:
Overall Findings
Danish Oil | Tung Oil |
|---|---|
|
|
Danish Oil |
|---|
|
Tung Oil |
|---|
|
Comparison
1. Typical Applications: Danish Oil Works Best When You Want a Harder Finish
With its superior wood penetration, and the fact that it is very effective at providing protection from cracks and stains, the Danish oil will be the perfect choice for applications that require a harder and more durable finish. Also, this will be your best bet when dealing with hardwoods.
If you desire a more lustrous finish on your decorative pieces, the Danish oil will be very handy. And to make it even better, Danish oil is the better oil of this two when you want to give your piece a darker finish and some extra water resistance.
Tung oil, on the other hand, is non-toxic, food-safe and more environment-friendly. What this means is that it will be best for applications that involve food items like kitchenware and butcher blocks. Also, if you want to apply oil to wooden toys, Tung oil is perfect.
2. Drying Time: Danish Oil Cures Much Faster
Danish oil seems to have a clear edge here thanks to the inclusion of varnish in its formulation. Depending on the size and type of wood you are finishing with this oil and also other things like the weather, it can take as little as 4 hours to dry, which means that even if you are applying three coats, the piece should be dry enough and ready for use in just 12 hours.
For Tung oil, the drying time will be much longer because this natural oil takes longer to cure. You will have to give it between 2 and 3 days for the coat to dry. This means that it can take several weeks to apply and allow the required 5 coats to dry completely.
3. Composition: Natural vs. Non-Natural Oil
Although these oils are meant for similar uses, they are made from different compounds. The most obvious difference when it comes to the composition is that the Danish oil is a blend of natural and non-natural compounds, while Tung oil is all-natural oil.
Tung oil is an organic oil derived from the nuts of the Tung tree that is mostly found in China. When these nuts are compressed, they will often produce up to 20% Tung oil.
But, you have to be careful when buying Tung oil as there are many products out there that claim to be 100% Tung oil but only contain a very small amount of the oil. Also, this oil is available in modified and polymerized options.
Danish oil is made by combining either linseed or Tung oil with other solvents and resins such as varnish, synthetic resins, and mineral spirits. This oil came to be as woodworkers tried to make linseed oil easier to apply by thinning it with mineral spirits and other things like turpentine.
4. Ease of Application: Components in Danish Oil Make Application a Breeze
Danish oil will give you an easier time when it comes to the application. Unlike Tung oil, it will contain different compounds that make it easy to apply. Compounds like varnish make it thinner and hence easier to spread on the wood.
Also, Danish oil will penetrate wood well, and this makes it ideal to use even on hardwoods like mahogany and oak. And because you will only need 2 or 3 coats, you will not spend a lot of time on the job, which makes the application even more effortless.
Tung oil is thicker and can be a little tricky to apply, and this is more so for inexperienced individuals. The fact that it does not penetrate wood very well and that you will need up to 5 coats means you have a harder time with it. However, the end results will make it worth the extra effort.
5. Finish Quality: Both Are Good Enough
One of the things that these two oils seem to share is that both will deliver a good enough finish that is also protective enough and with a more pleasant look.
Danish oil provides a harder and more durable finish thanks to varnish and other solvents and resins used to make it. Also, you will need to reapply it relatively less frequently, which means it saves you time and money.
Tung oil, on the other hand, will also create a hard and durable finish, but it is a more maintenance kind of application. And this means you will need to reapply it at least once every month to maintain the protection.
Final Verdict
Both Danish and Tung oils are good enough for finishing and protecting wood, choosing between them will depend on the specific wood item you want to protect.
Tung oil is non-toxic and a food-safe oil, which means it will be the better of the two for items that will be in contact with foods like cutting boards and bowls. Also, it is a better choice if you prefer to use natural oil.
Danish oil, on the other hand, is your best buy for wood pieces that will be used for aesthetic purposes as it is not food-safe. This oil will also be the best choice for those looking for a fast-drying and deep penetrating oil.