I’m ready to finish a project (My first) and I planned on using Tung Oil. My workshop is in the basement and currently it’s pretty cold outside(minus temperatures) and in the basement (about 40-50 F). I’m using Rockler’s 100% tung oil and I was wondering what is the lowest temperature that I can use the stuff and have it still cure. At lower temperatures will 24 hours be enough time and for the first coat (The manufacturer says to mix 50/50 with mineral spirits) be more or less temperature dependent.
Replies
aak,
You are asking for trouble. Tung oil is very slow polymerizing at "room temperature." Even slower as the temeperature goes down. 40-50 degrees is just too cold to do finishing.
Either get some kind of closed heater (an electric oil model, etc) to get the area up to at least 65-68 or bring the project into a warmer area of the house.
You might try a tent over the project made from tarpaulins to contain the heat of a small closed system space heater.
VL
Thanks for the answer. I'll probably just bring it into the house and put up with the smell of Tung Oil for a few days. It's closer to 70 degrees in the house. I want to use Tung Oil because I did a test patch and I liked the way it shows off the grain of the QS White Oak. Thanks again
Polymerized Tung Oil (boiled Tung Oil) will cure faster but has more of a high gloss. I wouldn't try either under 65 degrees.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
Why do you want to use tung oil? As has been said, it is very slow to cure (we're talking months here) has very little water or moisture protection and no durability.
What is the project?
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