The Timeless Appeal of Tung Oil

In today’s fast-paced world of product development, it’s rare to come across something that has withstood the test of time — something that has evolved over a century yet still retains its core purpose and appeal.

The unique chemical composition of tung oil makes it ideal for creating a durable, water-resistant finish, different from traditional oils that sit on top of the wood. The original formula our family developed for use on wood flooring was created by R.L. Hawkins, Sr. in the early 1900s. His commitment to enhancing and protecting the natural properties of tung oil laid the foundation for our brand, Waterlox, to maintain tung oil in the wood floor industry for more than a century.

Tung oil penetrates deeply into wood fibers, forming a bond that enhances the wood’s natural strength and beauty without building a film on the surface of the wood. This depth of penetration ensures a finish that stands the test of time. It is important to preserve the integrity of this characteristic, while also responding to the needs of today’s consumers.

Tung oil is made from pressed seeds from the nut of the tung tree. The tung tree, native to China, is named for its heart-shaped leaves because “tung” is Chinese for “heart.” In the 14th century, Chinese merchants were noted for using tung oil to waterproof and protect wooden ships from the eroding powers of the sea. There are even mentions of tung oil appearing in the writings of Confucius in around 400 B.C.

Tung oil, which is actually a vegetable oil, is considered the best penetrating drying oil available due to its unique ability to wet the surface, allowing it to penetrate even the densest woods. Unlike linseed oil, it will not darken with age.

Tung Oil Trees

Tung oil trees grow up to 40 feet tall with smooth bark and a branchy head. Its leaves are dark green and glossy with blades 3-13 inches wide. The tung tree has flowers that range in size from 1-3 inches in diameter with petals that are white tinged with red and yellow. These fast growing trees mature to bear fruit in their third year and yield commercial quantities at four to five years of age. Maximum production occurs in the tenth to twelfth years of growth, with trees expected to be commercially productive for at least 20 years after optimum production has occurred.

In the Northern Hemisphere, tung tree nuts grow in clusters and fall to the ground from late September through November. The fruits are left for a few weeks to dry and cure. Tung oil is produced by harvesting these nuts and separating the nuts from their hard outer shells. Then the transparent oil is squeezed from the seeds inside.

Tung Oil Production in the U.S.

The first tung tree seed was brought to America from China in 1905 by a senior agricultural explorer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1912, the Bureau of Plant Industry urged growers to plant tung orchards and offered a limited number of free one-year-old trees. After acres of pine trees were cut for timber in the early 1900s, Gulf Coast farmers were looking for a sustainable cash crop for the vast vacant land. That same year, 10 trees were planted at University of Florida’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Gainesville. By 1927, there were more than 400 growers and more than 10,000 acres of tung oil trees in Alachua County, Florida and surrounding areas alone.

In 1928, L.P. Moore, nephew of the Benjamin Moore Paints founder, built the first mechanized tung oil compressing mill in the world, located in Gainesville. This began the commercial production of tung oil in America. Other mills later popped up across the south. The U.S. was a prime location for this new industry, importing 100 million pounds of Chinese tung oil in 1927, and 120 million pounds in 1933. Just prior to the outbreak of WWII, tung oil was declared a strategic item for defense use, so the government aided growers to help them to produce more and better trees. During the war, all ammunition was coated with tung oil and products containing tung oil painted all ships.

Major production of tung oil in the U.S. occurred between the late 1930s and 1972. However, because tung orchards are greatly affected by adverse weather conditions, between 1934 and 1940, frost almost totally destroyed the domestic tung nut crop. In the 1950s and 1960s, freezes wiped out commercial tung oil production in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and all of Georgia. Hurricanes Betsy (1965) and Camille (1969) dealt the final blows to the tung plantations in southern Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. By the late 1960s, many of the U.S. tung oil mills had closed due to the fact that importing tung oil from Argentina had become cheaper than producing it in the states.

The Power of Tung Oil in Modern Finishes

So, why is tung oil still widely used today, even in an era of high-tech alternatives? The answer lies in the qualities of the tung oil itself.

Tung oil is prized for its ability to protect wood surfaces while allowing the natural grain and texture to shine through. While synthetic finishes can leave a plastic-like layer on the surface, tung oil penetrates deep into the wood, offering enhanced protection without compromising the material’s character. This makes it a favorite among wood floor craftsmen and wood enthusiasts who want to preserve the organic look of the wood while ensuring its longevity.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, tung oil is also naturally water-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in environments where moisture exposure is a concern. Its durability is particularly beneficial for flooring, countertops, and other high-traffic areas. The low-maintenance nature of tung oil finishes also speaks to modern consumers who are looking for high-quality, long-lasting products that require minimal upkeep.

Educating the Consumer

Educating consumers on the benefits of tung oil is key to ensuring that this traditional finish remains a preferred choice for years to come. The longevity, durability, and beauty of tung oil are qualities that modern synthetic finishes often cannot match.

In a world full of quick fixes and shortcuts, tung oil products remain a testament to the value of slow, thoughtful craftsmanship, and enduring quality. As long as there is wood to protect and beautify, these products will continue to prove that some traditions are worth preserving.

Kellie Hawkins Schaffner is the fourth-generation president and CEO of Waterlox Coatings Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. She may