Tru oil

Types of True Oil

Various tru oil types can be applied to enhance different wooden surfaces and tools. These oils come in several compositions to suit multiple preferences and manufacturing standards.

• Oil-based varnishes

  The composition of oil-based varnishes includes polyurethane dissolved in an oil base, usually alkyd. They create a strong, thick film on the wood and provide excellent protection to the surface. Their oil stains penetration ensures the wood grain remains visible despite the thickness of the coat. Due to their durability and protective traits, they are suitable for furniture used in homes, floors, and surfaces exposed to heavy wear.

• Spar varnish

  Like oil-based varnishes, spar varnishes have an oil base, but they are made with resins that can expand and contract under-temperature changes. Therefore, they are ideal for outdoor furniture and boats as they provide a protective layer against UV rays and water.

• Propylene glycol

  Prolonged wood exposure causes it to dry and develop micro-cracks that weaken it. Propylene glycol is an essential oil applied to such woods to hydrate and protect them. It creates a thin moisture-retaining film that does not alter the wood's natural appearance. It is used frequently on wooden tools, such as musical equipment, to maintain their integrity over time.

• Linseed oil

  Linseed oil is the most popular and widely used tru oil ingredient. It is made by heating flaxseed oil and mixing it with other substances to enhance wood's protective and aesthetic properties. The resulting finish penetrates deeply, giving the wood a rich, natural hue, and forms a hard, protective surface over time. It is commonly used on firearms, musical instruments, and furniture due to its easy application and ability to bring out the wood grain.

• Tong oil

  Chinese wood oil is derived from the seeds of the Aleurites tree and is used to manufacture tru oils. It has superior water resistance and protects against environmental elements such as moisture and sun rays. Vietnamese tru oil earthly oil combination produces a finish that remains elastic over a long period, making it suitable for outdoor wood applications and items exposed to varying weather conditions.

Ingredients used to make Tru Oil

• Linseed oil

  Linseed oil is the primary ingredient of most tru oils. It is derived from flaxseed and forms a hard-wearing surface with time and exposure to air. It provides deep penetration in wood and enhances the natural grain. Its widespread use is attributed to its protective nature and ability to enrich the appearance of wooden surfaces.

• Alkyd resin

  Bleached and heated sunflower or soybean oil are the main ingredients used to manufacture alkyd resins. These resins create a more durable coating by combining with other oil ingredients. They extend the life of the varnish and improve surface quality. Due to their strong sealing and protective properties, they are frequently used in furniture, musical equipment, and firearms.

• Mineral spirits

  Also referred to as white spirit, mineral spirit is an oil-derived liquid used to dilute tru oil ingredients for easier application. It is used to thin linseed oil to enable quick wood penetration before evaporation leaves a thick protective layer. It enhances the workability of tru oil during application without affecting its long-term results.

• Tung oil

  Tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree and is included in some tru oils to provide superior water resistance. While it dries slower, it forms a stronger surface film than linseed oil, sealing wood better against moisture and stains. Its addition enriches wood color and provides a more pronounced grain visibility and an even finish.

• Varnish

  Varnish is a mixture of natural or synthetic resins, including shellac, dissolved in a volatile liquid such as alcohol or ether. When applied, it forms a hard, gloss-finish film through the evaporation of the liquid. Varnish is included in tru oil formulations to enhance protective and aesthetic functionalities, resulting in a durable and attractive finish for wood. The gloss varnish or shellac adds the gloss to firearm stock, furniture, or musical instruments finishes.

Benefits of Tru Oil

• Enhances wood natural beauty

  One of the key benefits of tru oil is that it enhances the natural wood grain without giving it an oily look. Unlike heavy paints or stains, tru oil seeps into the wood and leaves a clear, glossy finish that showcases the natural patterns and colors. Furniture, gun stocks, or musical instruments manufacturers can apply tru oil to bring out the richness of different wood species, thus improving their product's aesthetic appeal.

• Durable protective finish

  When exposed to air, tru oil resin polymerization forms a strong, durable surface that protects wood from wear. This protective coating prevents moisture, dirt, and other elements from damaging wood and extending its usability life. Its hard-wearing surface makes it ideal for application in high-use items, such as tabletops or rifle stocks, where durability is very important.

• Easy application

  Tru oil can be easily applied with a cloth or brush without professional skills. Its few required coats, compared to other finishes, make the application and production process faster and easier. Manufacturers can provide their wood products with a simple, effective protective finish without intensive labor or special equipment.

• Non-toxic

  As it is commonly used in various industries, tru oil is safe for wood finishes because it is free from harmful chemicals and solvents that emit volatile organic compounds. This feature makes it better suited for use in wooden items in homes. Therefore, manufacturers can provide an eco-friendly solution that enables wood to achieve a beautiful finish without endangering indoor quality.

• Repels water and other liquids

  As tru oil dries and forms a close-sealing surface, it makes wood highly resistant to liquid penetration. Spills on furniture or wet hands on a gun stock slide off instead of absorbing into the wood and causing damage. This aspect of tru oil makes it ideal for kitchen furniture, dining tables, or musical instruments used in sweaty hands.

Comparison between Tru Oil and other products

Several finishes can be applied to wood to protect it and enhance its natural beauty, but each product has unique properties and benefits.

• Linseed oil vs. Tru oil

  Both tru oil and linseed oil are natural wood finishes derived from flaxseed oil. Linseed oil is pure and has to be diluted before application, while Tru oil is a pre-mixed product that can be applied immediately without thinning it. Therefore, linseed oil takes longer to apply, and its protective layer is not as thick as that of Tru oil, which contains varnish that boosts its growth. Despite forming a slower curing finish, tru oil provides a stronger and more durable protective coating than linseed oil, which is more resistant to moisture and stains.

• Spar varnish vs. Tru oil

  Spar varnish is a type of varnish commonly used for outdoor applications because it contains resins that can expand and contract under varying temperatures. Like Tru oil, it provides a waterproof finish, but since it is thicker, it requires longer drying periods between coats and is harder to apply. Conversely, the indoor application of Tru oil is preferable for outdoor exposure because it is easier to apply and provides adequate protection with fewer coats.

• Shellac vs. Tru oil

  Shellac is another natural resin dissolved in alcohol. Although it gives a warm luster finish to the wood, it does not have the durability and water resistance of tru oil. Unlike shellac that requires multiple coats to build a protective layer, tru oil forms a sufficient guard with fewer applications, saving time and effort. While shellac is ideal for decorative finishes, Tru oil is more suited for protective finishes on firearms, furniture, and musical instruments.

• Polyurethane vs. Tru oil

  Polyurethane and Tru oil are synthetic and natural oil-based finishes. Polyurethane forms a thicker and stronger coat than Tru oil, leading to its use in industrial applications where a tough coat is required. Tru oil, however, is easier to apply with a more natural look and a glossy finish that beautifies wood without hiding its natural grain.

Q&A

Q1: What is tru oil good for?

A1: Tru oil is used to protect and enhance the beauty of wooden surfaces and is popularly used in woodworking, gunsmithing, and musical instrument industries.

Q2: How is Tru oil applied?

A2: Tru oil can be applied using a cloth or brush to create a thin layer that penetrates and protects the wood.

Q3: Does Tru oil go bad?

A3: There are no adverse effects as Tru oil does not go bad, though its effectiveness diminishes with age.

Q4: Can I use Tru oil on the ground?

A4: No, Tru oil is not suitable for floor finishing because it can build up over time and become slippery.

Q5: Does Tru oil cause wood to darken?

A5: Yes, Tru oil causes the wood to darken over time as layers of oil are added, giving it a richer appearance.