Is Tung Oil Food Safe? The Detailed Answer 

Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Ernest Godia

The natural allure of tung oil as a wood finish is undeniable. Its deep penetration, water resistance, and beautiful, natural luster make it a popular choice for finishing various wood surfaces, from cutting boards to children’s toys. But the lingering question is: is Tung oil food safe?

Tung oil is generally considered food-safe when fully cured. Once it’s fully dried and polymerized, it forms a hard, waterproof finish that is non-toxic. 

However, it’s essential to ensure the tung oil has completely cured before using any surface that has been treated with it for food-contact purposes.

Read along for an in-depth lowdown on food-safe tung oil and how to pick tung oil finishes. 

What is Tung Oil?

Tung oil, also known as China wood oil, is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the tung tree, native to China and other parts of East Asia. It’s a drying oil, meaning it hardens upon exposure to air through a process called polymerization. 

This hardening property makes Tung oil valuable for various uses, particularly in finishing and protecting wood.

Key Characteristics of Tung Oil

• It is highly water-resistant: The resulting coating from tung oil is very resistant to water, making it ideal for protecting wood exposed to the elements, such as boat decks, outdoor furniture, and flooring.
• It is durable and hard once cured: Once cured, tung oil forms a hard and durable finish resistant to scratches and abrasions.
• It is a penetrating oil. Unlike some other finishes, tung oil penetrates deep into the wood, providing long-lasting protection from within.
• Tung oil is natural and non-toxic: Tung oil is a natural product and is considered safe for use around food and children, making it a good choice for finishing cutting boards, toys, and furniture.
• It forms a beautiful finish: Tung oil enhances the natural beauty of wood, bringing out its grain and leaving a warm, slightly golden hue.
• It is a drying oil: Tung oil hardens upon exposure to air through a process called polymerization, resulting in a durable and water-resistant finish.
• It is transparent: Tung oil creates a clear finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain.
• Tung oil has a deep, wet look: The cured oil gives the wood a rich, almost wet appearance.
• Tung oil is food-safe: Once cured, tung oil is safe for use on food surfaces like cutting boards and countertops.

Is Tung Oil Food Safe on Wood?

Yes, pure tung oil is labeled as food contact safe by the FDA. Once fully cured, tung oil forms a hard, water-resistant barrier that protects the wood and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into your food, giving it the food-safe classification. 

Therefore, bowls, spoons, salad servers, and even butcher blocks finished with pure tung oil are generally safe for humans. 

However, notice that tung oil must be fully cured to become food-safe tung oil, even in its purest form. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid using wood surfaces treated with tung oil for food-related purposes until the finish has completely cured.

The curing process can take several days to several weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and curing times to ensure safety.

Common Uses of Food-Safe Tung Oil

While tung oil provides an excellent finish on wood surfaces, wood finishing is not its only use. Tung oil is a versatile and effective natural finish that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Here is a more detailed list of its common applications. 

• Wood Finishing: 

Tung oil is a popular choice for finishing furniture, cabinets, floors, countertops, and other wooden surfaces. It can be applied pure or mixed with other oils and solvents to achieve different finishes.

• Boat building: 

Due to its excellent water resistance, tung oil has been used for centuries to protect boats from the harsh marine environment.

• Metal finishing: 

Tung oil can also be used to protect and beautify metal surfaces, such as tools and outdoor furniture.

• Concrete and stone finishing: 

Tung oil can be used to seal and protect concrete and stone surfaces, giving them a natural, wet look.

How many coats of tung oil do you need to apply for a professional finish?

Generally, 3 coats of full-strength tung oil are considered a good starting point for most woods to achieve a professional-looking finish. However, most projects require four to six coats of tung oil to achieve the desired protection and durability. 

As a rule of thumb, the more coats you apply, the darker and glossier the finish will become, and the more protected the wood surfaces will be.

Tips for achieving a professional finish with tung oil

Thin the first coat: Mixing the first coat with 50% mineral spirits helps it penetrate the wood deeper and achieve a smoother finish.

Sand between coats: Use fine-grit sandpaper (320 or higher) to remove any raised grain between coats for a smoother surface.

Wipe off excess oil: After applying each coat, wipe off any excess oil with a rag to prevent a sticky finish.

Buff the final coat: After the final coat is fully cured, buff it with a soft cloth to enhance the shine and smoothness.

Allow sufficient drying time: Give each coat enough time to dry completely before applying the next, usually 24-48 hours.

Tips for using food-safe tung oil

• Use caution when applying around food. Avoid getting tung oil on your food or cooking surfaces.
• Reapply tung oil periodically. Depending on how often you use your butcher block or cutting board, you may need to reapply tung oil every few months or so.
• Store tung oil properly. Store tung oil in a cool, dark place, away from heat and flames.

Types of Tung Oil—How to Pick Tung Oil Finishes 

Three main types of tung oil finishes exist. This guide will examine these three types of tung oi finishes to help you pick the perfect one for your wood finishing project.

1. Pure Tung Oil

The unadulterated champion, pure tung oil penetrates deeply into the wood, creating a hard, water-resistant barrier that enhances the wood’s natural grain and beauty. 

It’s completely food-safe when fully cured, making it ideal for cutting boards, bowls, and butcher blocks. However, pure tung oil dries slowly (think weeks, not hours) and requires numerous coats for optimal protection.

2. Tung Oil/Varnish Blends

Seeking a balance between natural beauty and practicality? Look no further than Tung oil/varnish blends. 

These hybrids offer faster drying times (think days, not weeks) and higher build, creating a more polished and durable finish. However, the presence of varnish compromises the finish’s food safety, making it unsuitable for direct food contact.

3. Polymerized Tung Oil

This pre-polymerized oil is the speed demon of the bunch. Chemically treated to accelerate drying, polymerized tung oil dries within hours, often requiring just one or two coats to achieve the desired protection. 

Polymerized tung oil offers excellent water resistance and durability but comes at a cost: the natural look and deep penetration of pure tung oil are sacrificed. Additionally, some polymerized tung oils contain additives that may not be food-safe.

Choosing the right tung oil finish depends on your project’s needs and priorities:

1. For maximum natural beauty and food safety, Pure tung oil reigns supreme but be prepared for a lengthy application process.
2. For a balance of natural look, durability, and faster drying, Tung oil/varnish blends are a great compromise.
3. For speed and convenience: Polymerized tung oil delivers, but be mindful of the potential downsides like reduced natural look and potential food safety concerns.

Meanwhile, remember to always test any tung oil finish on a scrap piece of wood first to ensure compatibility with the wood and the desired outcome.

Factors To Consider When Choosing the Right Tung Oil Finish

Here are the specific factors to consider when choosing the right tung oil finish for your project:

• Desired finish: Do you want a natural, matte look, a high gloss, or something in between?
• Project type: Is it for furniture, flooring, countertops, or a food-contact surface?
• Drying time: How long can you wait for the finish to dry?
• Durability: How much wear and tear will the finish need to withstand?
• Budget: Pure tung oil is the most expensive option, while blends and polymerized tung oil are generally more affordable.

Why Should You Use Pure Tung Oil Finish for Food-Safe Applications?

Pure tung oil is often preferred for food-safe applications because it’s derived directly from the pressed seeds of the tung tree, making it a natural and non-toxic option. Here is the list of reasons why pure tung oil finish is often preferred for food-safe applications:

1. Natural and Non-Toxic

Pure tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree. It is a natural, non-toxic substance, making it a safer choice for surfaces that come into contact with food. 

The FDA recognizes it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food contact. This means peace of mind when crafting cutting boards, salad bowls, utensils, and even children’s toys.

2. Chemical-Free

Unlike some other wood finishes that may contain additives or drying agents, pure tung oil doesn’t typically have added chemicals or drying agents that could potentially be harmful when in contact with food.

3. Hard, Durable Finish

Tung oil creates a hard and durable finish when it polymerizes, providing a protective layer on the wood surface. This makes it effective at sealing the wood and preventing the absorption of liquids, which is crucial for food-safe applications.

4. Resistance to Water and Stains

Tung oil naturally resists water, moisture, and stains. This resistance helps protect the wood from damage due to spills or exposure to liquids in a kitchen or dining setting.

5. Enhances Wood’s Natural Beauty

Tung oil enhances the natural beauty of wood by bringing out its grain and color. This aesthetic quality makes it a popular choice for finishing wooden utensils, cutting boards, and other kitchen items.

6. It is Easy to Repair

If the finish becomes damaged over time, it’s relatively easy to repair. Additional coats of tung oil can be applied to restore the protective layer without the need for extensive sanding or stripping.

Food Safe Tung Oil Alternatives

While tung oil is an excellent choice for food-safe finishes, other options exist:

1. Beeswax: Natural and food safe, but offers less water resistance than tung oil.
2. Mineral oil: Food safe but lacks the durability and waterproofing properties of tung oil.
3. Linseed oil: Food safe when boiled but can be slow to dry.

Ultimately, the best food-safe finish for your project depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like the desired level of protection, ease of application, and maintenance requirements when deciding.

Best Tung Oil For Butcher Block

For butcher blocks, you will need pure tung oil products classified as food grade and safe for use on food-handling wood surfaces. We have done the legwork and assembled the best tung oil products for use on butcher blocks. 

Take a look:

1. HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil—Best Food-Safe Finish for Indoor and Outdoor

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Hope’s 100% Pure Tung Oil is a favorite among professional woodworkers for its exceptional quality and durability. It’s completely food-safe and penetrates deeply into the wood, providing long-lasting protection. 

The oil is easy to use, letting you apply it easily by wiping it onto the wood surfaces and allowing it to cure at room temperature for ultimate protection. 

It offers all-in-one protection as a wood finish and sealer. Unlike other finishes that form a film on the wood’s surface, this tung oil penetrates deep into the fibers of your wood and cures to a flexible, non-oily solid. It protects your wood by becoming part of it.

However, it’s also one of the more expensive options on the market.

Pros:

• 100% pure tung oil
• Food-safe
• Deep penetration for long-lasting protection
• Highly regarded by professionals

Cons:

• More expensive than other options

2. Real Milk Paint, Pure Tung Oil—Ecofriendly Food-Safe Tung Oil

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Real Milk Paint Pure Tung Oil is another excellent choice for those who want high-quality Tung oil without breaking the bank. It’s also 100% pure and food-safe, and it comes in various sizes to suit your needs.

This pure tung oil for butcher block is extremely versatile. You can use it to complete various wood finishing projects where food safety is concerned, including cutting boards, butcher blocks, and even wood flooring. 

Since it is weather resistant, you can use the tung oil on outdoor furniture to protect it from molds and water damage. It is an excellent choice for the patio table where you rest your barbeque. 

Real Milk Paint Pure Tung Oil should be ideal if you are concerned about saving the planet. It is planet-friendly and contains zero VOCs, additives, heavy metals, or distillates. 

Pros:

• 100% pure tung oil
• Food-safe
• Available in multiple sizes
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• It may not be as durable as some other options

3. Watco Butcher Block Oil & Finish—Budget-Friendly Option 

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Watco Butcher Block Oil & Finish is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use tung oil option. It’s a pre-mixed blend of tung oil and other ingredients, so you don’t need to do any thinning or mixing. 

The product is non-toxic and has a food-safe formula. It protects interior wood surfaces, including butcher blocks, cutting boards, and salad bowls, without leaving brush marks. 

However, it’s not as pure as some of the other options on this list, and it may not provide long-lasting protection.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Pre-mixed formula

Cons:

• Not as pure as other options

FAQs about Food Safe Tung Oil

Is Tung oil food safe if put on a wooden spoon?

Yes, pure tung oil is generally considered food-safe for wood spoons once it’s completely dry and cured. However, be aware that not all tung oil products are created equal. Some tung oil finishes contain additives or thinners that may not be food-safe. Always check the label carefully and look for products labeled as “food safe” or “FDA approved.”

Additionally, tung oil needs time to cure properly. Depending on the product and the application, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days for tung oil to fully cure. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and curing times.

What are the benefits of using food-safe tung oil?

• Natural and non-toxic: Unlike some synthetic finishes, tung oil is a natural product that is free from harmful chemicals.
• Durable and water-resistant: Tung oil penetrates deep into the wood, creating a hard, water-resistant finish that protects against staining, warping, and cracking.
• Safe for food contact: Once cured, tung oil is safe for use on food-contact surfaces like butcher blocks, cutting boards, and salad bowls.
• Beautiful finish: Tung oil enhances the natural beauty of wood, bringing out the grain and giving it a warm, golden glow.

What are the drawbacks of using food-safe tung oil?

• Slow drying time: It can take several days or even weeks for tung oil to fully cure, depending on the product and the application.
• Requires multiple coats: For optimal protection, you’ll need to apply several coats of tung oil, with sanding between each coat.
• Not as easy to apply as some finishes: Tung oil can be a bit tricky to apply, especially for beginners. It’s important to apply thin coats and avoid over-applying.

How do I apply food-safe tung oil?

Step 1: Clean and sand the wood. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt, dust, and grease. Sand the wood lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections.

Step 2: Apply a thin coat of tung oil. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to apply a thin, even coat of tung oil. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.

Step 3: Let the oil dry completely. Allow the oil to dry for at least 24 hours or longer, depending on the product and the drying conditions.

Step 4: Sand lightly between coats. After the first coat is dry, sand the wood lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper.

Step 5: Apply additional coats. Apply 2-3 more coats of tung oil, following the same process as for the first coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Is Tung Oil Food Safe? Final Verdict 

Tung oil is food-safe, but you must let it dry and cure thoroughly before using the finished wood. Following these guidelines, you can safely use tung oil to protect and beautify your wooden surfaces while ensuring they remain food-safe.

With this knowledge in hand, you’re ready to embark on your food-safe tung oil finishing adventure. So, grab your brush, choose your perfect oil, and let the natural beauty of tung oil shine through on your next woodworking masterpiece!