Polymerized Tung Oil Finishing System

Available options: Classic and Deluxe

Pure polymerized tung oil and separate citrus-derived thinner, giving makers complete control over penetration, flow, and finish build from the first coat through the last.

No two woodworking projects absorb finish in exactly the same way. Dense hardwood, open grain, end grain, detailed surfaces, temperature, and application method can all change how easily an oil spreads and penetrates.

The Polymerized Tung Oil Finishing System pairs 100% pure Polymerized Tung Oil with Citrus Thinner while keeping the two products separate. This allows the maker to adjust each application instead of being locked into a single premixed formula.

Use more thinner when an early coat needs easier flow or greater penetration. Reduce or eliminate the thinner as later coats build protection closer to the surface. Polymerized Tung Oil can also be used completely undiluted when maximum solids and a fuller-bodied application are preferred.

The bottle sizes are matched to provide practical thinning capacity, but they are not intended to be automatically poured together. Mix only what the project and the individual coat require.

Why it earns a place in the shop

1. Combines a one-ingredient oil finish with separate, adjustable thinning control.
2. Allows early and later coats to be mixed differently based on wood density, absorption, and desired build.
3. Provides greater first-coat workability without permanently diluting the entire supply of oil.
4. Includes Citrus Thinner for both finish adjustment and cleanup of uncured finishing residue.

Best for: Fine furniture, tables, cabinetry, countertops, butcher blocks, cutting boards, bowls, utensils, turned pieces, musical instruments, doors, interior woodwork, and other properly prepared raw wood surfaces.

How to use

1. Begin with wood that is clean, completely dry, sanded to the desired smoothness, and free from dust or debris.
2. Pour only the amount of Polymerized Tung Oil needed for the current coat into a separate glass or solvent-resistant container.
3. If thinning is desired, add Citrus Thinner gradually and mix thoroughly after each addition. Begin conservatively; additional thinner can always be added, but it cannot be removed once mixed.
4. Apply the finish in a thin, even coat using a clean, lint-free cloth, brush, sponge, or finishing pad.
5. Allow the finish to penetrate for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe away all remaining excess. Do not leave wet areas, puddles, or heavy buildup on the surface.
6. Allow approximately 12 to 24 hours between coats under favorable conditions. Apply another coat only when the previous application feels dry rather than tacky.
7. Apply two to four thin coats depending on the wood’s porosity, intended use, and desired level of build. Later coats may require less thinner or no thinner at all.
8. Allow the final coat to cure completely before exposing the surface to moisture, food contact, or heavy use. Full cure typically requires approximately 7 to 10 days under favorable conditions and may take longer in cool, humid, or poorly ventilated environments.

Adjust the finish for the project

For greater first-coat penetration: Add Citrus Thinner incrementally until the oil spreads easily and works into the grain without excessive drag.

For dense wood or detailed surfaces: Use a modest amount of thinner to improve flow into tight areas, end grain, carvings, or complex profiles.

For later coats: Reduce the amount of Citrus Thinner as the wood absorbs less and the finish begins building closer to the surface.

For maximum solids: Apply Polymerized Tung Oil without thinner in very thin coats, wiping away all excess after the penetration period.

There is no requirement to use the same mixture for every coat. Adjust only when the behavior of the finish and the needs of the project justify it.

Choose your system

Classic: Includes 16 oz Polymerized Tung Oil and 8 oz Citrus Thinner. Designed for smaller furniture, cutting boards, bowls, turned pieces, instruments, and makers beginning with a pure tung oil finishing system.

Deluxe: Includes 32 oz Polymerized Tung Oil and 16 oz Citrus Thinner. Designed for tables, countertops, cabinetry, multiple projects, frequent finishing, and larger shop workloads.

What is included

Polymerized Tung Oil: A 100% pure, heat-treated drying oil that enriches the grain and cures within the wood to create durable, water-resistant protection.

Citrus Thinner: A high-purity, citrus-derived solvent used to adjust the oil’s working consistency and clean uncured finishing residue from compatible tools and applicators.