Tung Oil

We offer an all natural, organic, non-toxic Tung Oil finish on all our Amish handcrafted bamboo furniture. Pure Tung Oil, also called China Wood Oil, is one of the first truly "Green" finishes. The organic Tung Oil finish that we use is food safe. Southern Elegance Furniture sets the highest environmental standard from furniture construction to furniture finish.

Our pure Tung Oil finish contains zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pure Tung Oil is an all natural finishing product that provides a tough, flexible and highly water-resistant coating. We only purchase Grade 1 Pure Yellow Chinese Tung Oil that is the freshest, highest quality and free of additives and petroleum distillates.

A quality Tung Oil will offer superior color, faster drying and a long term elastic finish. Elasticity is an important factor as the oil must continue to flex with the expansion and contraction of the bamboo or wood. Tung Oil will not build a glossy or heavy finish, the oil will penetrate deeply into the bamboo to provide a protective organic matte finish. The Tung Oil that we use will not darken with age as other finishes will. We offer a natural Tung Oil as well as a Dark Raw Tung Oil. The Dark Raw Tung Oil is the same as our Pure Tung Oil except that a non-toxic naturally occurring resinous hydrocarbon has been added. There are no detectable levels of PCB and it is non-carcinogenic. Dark Tung Oil gives a dark appearance and creates more of an antique looking patina. We often thin our Tung Oil with an organic, natural Citrus Solvent which is also 100% biodegradable.

Pure Tung Oil has a nice light nutty odor instead of the strong off gassing most finishes have. Tung Oil is recommended for wood finishing and its non-toxic nature makes it particularly appropriate for kitchen tables and children's furniture. We are pleased to now be offering VOC and chemical free furniture for organic minded customers.

Tung Oil History

Our environmentally friendly Tung Oil finish comes from cold pressing of the seeds or nuts of the Tung tree. Tung trees mainly grow in the mountainous regions of China away from industrialization and pollution. Climate, soil and air quality are essential for high quality Tung Oil.

Although Tung Oil is relatively new to the Western world, it has been known for centuries to the Chinese. Tung Oil has been widely used in China for the treatment of stone and wooden structures as well as for the preservative and water repellant on wooden boats. It is said to have been introduced to the West by Marco Polo. From the 13th to the 19th century, Tung Oil had only limited use in the West. More recently, Tung Oil has gained favor over linseed oil for wood finishing because it is faster drying and does not darken as much with age.