Tung Oil and Wax Finish

2014

Finishing wood can take days and even weeks, but there are a few natural and easy wood finishes that Ben Light recommends as alternatives. Today, he brings us: Tung Oil and Wax.

Step 1
Gather the materials: Tung oil, furniture wax, a bunch of clean rags (cut up T-shirts work great), rubber gloves

Step 2
Make sure the wood surface is clean and dust free.

Step 3
While wearing gloves, apply Tung oil to a clean rag. Be generous with the amount on the first coat. Rub the oil all over the piece. Read the manufacturer's instructions for any other particular tips/techniques on disposing of the used rags.

Step 4
Let the oil dry for 5 - 20 minutes, then with another clean rag rub the wood piece again. Let piece sit for 8 hours to let the oil fully dry.

Step 5
You can repeat steps 3 and 4 as many times as you like. I usually apply 3 coats of oil.

Step 6
With a clean rag, apply the wax. Rub the wax all over the piece.

Step 7
Let wax dry for 5 to 20 minutes, then buff out the wax with a clean rag.

Step 8
Repeat steps 6 and 7 as many times as you like. I typically do this 3 times.

Originally appeared in the Apartment Therapy blog.