Minwax Tung Oil Finish: the true story.

Lowe’s didn’t have any Tung Oil or Linseed Oil. Home Depot had one can from one brand of Tung Oil and TONS of Linseed Oil. So, I got Minwax’s Tung Oil Finish for $11 and change. I bought it and went on my way.

I didn’t know what the oil would smell like, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t supposed to be toxic or toxic smelling. However, the can had a billion warning on it about ingestion and proper ventilation and it smelled horrible. So, I asssumed that this product must be Tung Oil with solvents mixed in. The solvents are actually a good thing for the first few coats in many applications. It allows the oil to penetrate deeper into the wood and quickens the drying time.

My father and I applied it liberally according to the instructions I had researched. After the first two coats were done, we went inside and washed our hands. Shortly afterwards, however, we noticed that they were sticky. Sure enough, the table was sticky too. I did some more research on this particular brand of Tung Oil and came to a horrible conclusion. I’m not sure what’s in the can that I bought, but it most likely isn’t Tung Oil at all. More than likely, it is a mixture of various vegetable oils, with various solvents, and some varnish/polyurethane.

Bastards.

At this point, I didn’t know what to do. I wanted that stuff off of my table. But, I didn’t even know how to take it off. So I read the can. The can doesn’t really say what’s in it, but it does say that touch up applications can be applied whenever needed. It also stated that it would form a protective layer on the wood and would also penetrate into the wood. Cleanup, according to the can, could be done with mineral spirits.

I didn’t want to clean the whole table and start over. I was tired, it was late, and I was losing my patience. So I decided to leave it on there. If it looks okay and feels okay in 24 hours, I’ll put on another coat and go with it. If it doesn’t, I’ll deal with cleaning it off, getting some real Tung Oil and starting over again.

I’m sure it’ll be fine. But I am very pissed that Minwax would label a product in such a misleading fashion. I have half a mind to write them a letter bitching and moaning, but what good what it do? Their stuff is already on my table. It’s already done what it’s going to do. They can’t change that.

I was looking forward to the oil finish — the soft feel of it, the maintenance of it. It’s very disappointing. Even more annoying is that I have a pretty good guess of what is in the product. And I could have made my own and known exactly what was in it for less money.

I’ll let you know how it turns out.

PLEASE NOTE: It’s unfortunate that I have to say this, but, due to all of the comments I’ve been getting, I feel it is needed. Please do not ask me questions regarding furniture finishing, or tung oil application. I know nothing about any of this. I am simply one guy who tried to use the product. I can share my one experience, and that’s it. If you’re looking for useful information, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Thanks!