A favorite wood among DIYers for its beauty, durability and versatility, cedar makes a great choice for building outdoor furniture, crafting fences or creating planters. Cedar’s warm color and heady scent already make it a standout choice, but natural rot resistance makes it an even better option. However, cedar still requires the proper protection to withstand daily wear and exposure to the elements, leaving many wondering, “Can you use tung oil on cedar?”
Yes, you can. Tung oil benefits cedar with a natural, penetrating finish that resists water, and it’s nontoxic and food-safe for easy use on cutting boards and patio furniture alike. Cedar’s porous nature lets tung oil finishes soak in easily for deep, lasting protection. In this guide, RMP Finishes provides a step-by-step guide for applying tung oil finish on cedar using our Pure Tung Oil or premixed Half & Half blend.
Why Cedar Wood Needs Special Care
The softwood cedar has natural oils that help resist insects and rot. Combined with these features, the aromatic cedar fragrance makes it a go-to choice for lining protective closets against moth invasions. Though it looks beautiful and is easy to work with thanks to its lightweight feel, without finishing cedar wood, you risk damaging your projects.
Even durable wood needs sealing for long-term performance, and applying tung oil to cedar keeps it looking fresh while guarding against moisture, fading and weathering.
Sealing cedar wood with our finishing oils helps prevent:
- Cracking from rapid moisture changes
- Fading to a dull gray from sunlight exposure
- Absorbing stains and dirt over time
Why Choose Tung Oil for Cedar Wood Projects
Tung oil for cedar wood penetrates deep into the grain, nourishing and sealing it from within. Unlike surface coatings, tung oil moves with the wood’s natural expansion and contraction, preventing peeling and cracks. Our natural Pure Tung Oil and Half & Half blend, which combines tung oil with natural citrus solvent, offer natural finish options that are easy to use.
Using tung oil benefits cedar in the following ways:
- It enhances cedar’s natural color and grain.
- It creates a flexible, protective long-term barrier.
- It resists mold and mildew.
- It’s safe for food-contact surfaces, planters and pets.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Gather these wood finishing tools to prepare for your cedar wood project.
Must-Have Supplies
- Pure Tung Oil or Half & Half Blend
- Clean, lint-free rags or brushes
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Odorless mineral spirits (optional for prep)
- Gloves, drop cloth and stir stick
Step-by-Step: Applying Tung Oil to Cedar
Finishing cedar wood with tung oil is a simple process for beginner and experienced woodworkers alike. This guide shows you how to apply tung oil on cedar for easier project completion.
Follow these steps for the best way to finish cedar with tung oil:
- Prepare the wood. Clean the cedar surface to remove dust, dirt or old finishes before applying tung oil to cedar. Sand lightly with medium-grit sandpaper, and use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth and open the grain. Wipe away all the dust.
- Add the first coat. Using a cloth or brush, apply the tung oil finish on cedar generously along the grain. For rough or weathered cedar, Half & Half Blend speeds up the penetration process.
- Provide ample soak time. Let the oil sit for 20 to 40 minutes to deeply penetrate the grain. Add more oil if dry spots appear.
- Wipe off the excess. Remove any oil that wasn’t absorbed with a clean rag to avoid a sticky surface.
- Repeat coats. Apply two to five coats for maximum durability, allowing each to soak in before adding the next.
- Allow drying time for tung oil. Coats typically set within 40 minutes, reaching a partial cure within 7 to 10 days. Full cure times run around 30 days.
How Long Does Tung Oil Last on Cedar Wood?
Tung oil finishes endure indoor and outdoor use well. However, expectations for indoor and outdoor longevity differ greatly. For indoor projects like tung oil on cedar furniture, expect the finish to last 3 to 5 years before reapplication. Adding tung oil to a cedar fence or outdoor furniture typically requires annual reapplications to protect your belongings and help them look their best. Signs you need to reapply tung oil for outdoor cedar or indoor pieces include:
- Water no longer beads on the surface.
- The surface feels dry.
- The color of the wood starts fading.
Maintain cedar when you see these signs by cleaning the wood thoroughly and applying a fresh coat of tung oil. For larger areas, refer to our deck and porch finishing tutorial for expert advice.
Maintain your cedar naturally—get RMP Pure Tung Oil!
Tung Oil vs. Other Oils on Cedar: What’s Best?
When considering tung oil vs. other oils on cedar, the pros and cons of each point to tung oil finishes as the best choice thanks to eco-safe durability and long-lasting beauty.
| Oil Type | Pros | Cons |
| Tung oil | Deep penetration, flexible, resists mold, doesn’t yellow | Longer cure time |
| Linseed oil | Inexpensive, easy to find | Yellows over time and attracts mildew |
| Teak oil | Good for dense hardwoods | Often contains solvents and additives |
| Danish oil | Easy to apply, dries quickly | Surface-level protection, less durable outdoors |
Cedar Projects in the Off-Season: What DIYers Can Do
Working in the off-season lets you prepare projects for when warm weather returns, making the cooler months perfect for repairing and refinishing cedar benches, chests and planters. You can also use this time to prep cedar boards for spring deck or fence builds, craft indoor projects like storage boxes or shelving or make cedar gifts like planters and firewood holders.
FAQs
Can you use tung oil on cedar wood for outdoor furniture?
Yes — RMP Tung Oil penetrates cedar deeply and remains flexible and water‑resistant outdoors.
How long does tung oil take to dry on cedar?
Each coat sets in about 40 min, with partial cure times of 7 to 10 days and full cure times of up to 30 days.
What’s best way to finish cedar with tung oil?
Prepare wood, apply thin coats, repeat until saturated and wipe off excess — no sanding between coats.
Does tung oil change cedar’s color?
Yes — it enriches grain and adds a natural honey/rich tone without staining.
Is tung oil better than linseed oil for cedar?
Tung oil resists mold, doesn’t yellow or go rancid and cures longer but with a deeper, more durable finish.
Keep Your Cedar Looking Beautiful for Years
Tung oil brings out the best in cedar — rich color, deep protection and a finish that complements the wood’s natural movement. Whether you’re sealing outdoor furniture, fences or handcrafted planters, our food-safe, all-natural finishes offer enduring results. Take advantage of the off-season to start or refresh cedar projects. When you finish, share them with us — we love seeing how DIYers put RMP Finishes to work.