Mineral oil vs Tung Oil

[Radek Kowalski]

I have used both with great results. I used tung oil for a little box several weeks back, mineral oil for a cutting board. With the price of Mineral oil so low, could I use it for more then just cutting boards? Its waterproof, I like that aspect of that.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks for your time.

[Jim Becker]

Mineral Oil is not "waterproof". (Neither is Tung Oil) But when fresh it will help more water run off the cutting board. However, mineral oil does not dry, so you'll not likely be happy with it on other types of projects outside of things like salad bowls and more cutting boards.

Pure tung oil (if the container says "tung oil finish" it's not likely tung oil or does not even contain any tung oil...it's a wiping varnish with an attractive marketing name) is a trying oil, although it takes substantial time to fully cure.

[Howard Acheson]

I agree with Jim, neither mineral oil or pure, 100% tung oil is a very good finish. Both are short term treatments. Neither have any real water or water vapor resistance. The faux "tung oil finishes" are actually a better, more protective finish. These products contain no real tung oil but are mixed with some varnish. The varnish component adds some protection and durablility.