Tung oil tree (Aleurites Fordii) is native to China and belongs to the Euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae). Oil is obtained by pressing the nuts of Tung tree.
Even if originary from China, it is currently cultivated also in other areas such as the United States, Southamerica and Africa.

From ancient times it has been used in the production of varnishes and waterproof coatings and also as a component in caulk and mortar. It is an ingredient in inks and widely used to give wood a lustrous finish.

Other vegetal oils such as castor-oil and linseed oil take longer to dry and leave an oily residue.
The property of Tung oil to dry quickly becoming a hard, glossy and waterproof coating has made of it a valuable component in the manufacture of paints, lacquers and linoleum.

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