Dark Half Oil
$32.99 – $149.99
Dark Half enhances wood grain with a warm, aged patina. This ready-to-use blend combines our Dark Tung Oil with natural, food-grade Citrus Solvent or Pine Solvent, making it easy to apply and deeply absorb into your surface without additional thinning.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Instant aged look
- Pre-thinned for convenience
- Natural ingredients
- Excellent penetration
- Low-maintenance finish
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Discover the Beauty of Dark Half Tung Oil
Dark Half Tung Oil is a pre-mixed blend of our Dark Tung Oil and natural Citrus Solvent™ (or Pine Solvent) — ready to use straight from the bottle. It delivers the same rich, dark finish as our traditional dark tung oil, but without the need for thinning or mixing.
The deep color comes from a naturally occurring resinous hydrocarbon that’s completely non-carcinogenic and free of PCBs. Once applied, Dark Half Oil penetrates deep into the wood pores, building a warm, antique patina that’s both water- and alkali-resistant.
Key Benefits
- Instant aged look: Adds depth and character to wood grain for an antique-style finish.
- Ready-to-use blend: No need to dilute; already pre-thinned for optimal absorption.
- Durable protection: Resistant to water, alkali, acids, and general wear.
- Eco-friendly formula: Made with food-contact-safe, plant-derived Citrus Solvent™.
- Flexible and breathable finish: Won’t peel, crack, or blister when applied correctly.
- Natural polymerization: Cures by oxidation, not evaporation, for a lasting seal.
- Long shelf life: Stays fresh without going rancid or darkening over time.
- Mix and match: Compatible with other RMP Finishes oils, including Pure Tung Oil, Half & Half, and Outdoor Defense Oil.
Suitable Uses
Use Dark Half Tung Oil on any raw or unfinished wood where you want a rich tone and long-lasting protection:
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Wood countertops and butcher blocks
- Flooring and paneling
- Decorative beams and trim
- Crafts, cutting boards, and turned wood projects
This finish penetrates deeply, consolidating in the wood fibers while leaving a natural matte appearance that highlights the beauty of your grain.
Packaging
Dark Half Oil is packaged in fully recyclable, BPA- and phthalate-free HDPE bottles, available in multiple sizes to fit your project needs. The packaging preserves freshness by minimizing air exposure, ensuring maximum shelf life and performance.
1. Preparation
For best results, apply Dark Half Tung Oil in temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and porous. Test by sprinkling water — if it beads, sand or strip until it absorbs.
- Sand lightly (no higher than 220 grit) to keep the pores open.
- If stripping is required, use Soy Gel: Paint and Urethane Stripper.
- Avoid wood conditioners and oil-based stains — they block absorption. Use water- or alcohol-based stains instead if you want added color.
- For dense woods like teak or ipe, thin Dark Half further (up to 2 parts Citrus Solvent™: 1 part oil).
- If you prefer a solvent-free option, try Hemp Oil.
2. Application
Remember this simple rule: Apply – Absorb – Repeat – Remove.
- Apply generously with a brush, rag, roller, or pump sprayer.
- Let it absorb for up to 40 minutes, then apply another coat.
- Repeat until the wood no longer absorbs oil (a light puddle means it’s saturated).
- Wipe off all excess oil with a clean cloth.
- Hang oily rags outdoors to dry — never pile or seal them.
- Let the surface rest overnight, then apply 1–2 more coats the next day for a rich, even finish.
3. Curing
- Keep the area warm and well-ventilated for best results.
- Avoid placing heavy items or letting liquids pool on the surface during the first 7–15 days.
- Gently wipe off any fresh oil that seeps to the surface as it cures.
Specific tips:
- Countertops & butcher blocks: Keep dry for the first week; use wax paper near sinks when in use.
- Floors: Walk only in socks or with cloths underfoot; avoid rugs and dirty shoes for two weeks.
- Outdoor projects: Avoid direct sun or freezing temps; apply when dry weather is expected for at least a week.
4. Maintenance
A tung oil finish is simple to maintain. Clean with mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or acids.
When the finish looks dry or dull:
- Mix a 2:1 ratio of Citrus Solvent™ or Pine Solvent to Dark Half Tung Oil.
- Wipe on a thin coat with a clean cloth.
- Remove any excess and let it cure for 24 hours.
- Hang rags to dry before disposal.
Outdoor or high-use surfaces may need more frequent touch-ups.
5. Storage
- Keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent air exchange.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from freezing or excessive heat.
- Avoid temperature extremes that may separate or prematurely cure the oil.
Avoid direct sunlight
Never apply or leave fresh Dark Half Tung Oil in full sun — it can flash cure and turn white.
No sanding between coats
Tung oil cures within the wood, not on top like varnish, so sanding isn’t needed.
Choose stains wisely
Use water-based stains before applying tung oil if you want to adjust wood color. Avoid oil-based stains and sealers.
Apply until saturated
Let the wood determine the number of coats — stop when the surface no longer absorbs oil.
No need to crunch numbers! Our handy oil calculator will help you figure out how much you need! To get started, enter the dimensions of the surface(s) you’re finishing (in feet).
For example, to finish two rooms, you would add the width and length of each floor. Enter a single floor dimension, click “add area”, then enter the next floor dimension and watch the math take place.
Don’t know which oil to use for the specific wood species you’re working with? This infographic should help answer that query! Use the guide below to locate the wood species you are working with. Then, use the color field to see which oil would be best to use for that wood species. This guide focuses mainly on common North American wood species. If your project wood is not listed, use the Janka Scale on the right-hand side to find a wood with a similar rating to yours.
Will Dark Half Tung Oil darken the wood further over time?
No. Unlike many oils, Dark Half Oil doesn’t deepen significantly once cured. Its dark tone comes from a resin additive, and once fully polymerized, the finish remains stable.
Is Dark Half safe for cutting boards and food-contact surfaces?
Yes. The formula uses food-grade Citrus Solvent™ (or Pine Solvent) and is free from harsh additives, making it suitable for food-contact surfaces once cured.
Can I apply Dark Half over an existing finish (e.g., polyurethane or shellac)?
Generally, no. Dark Half is meant for raw, bare wood surfaces. Applying it over sealed or non-porous finishes will prevent absorption and proper curing.
What happens if I put furniture or objects on it during curing?
Doing so too early can “suffocate” the surface, trapping oil moisture and interfering with the hardening (polymerization) process. For best results, keep the surface free of contact — especially in the first 1–2 weeks.
Why does my wood seem to soak up a lot more oil in some areas than others?
Wood grain, species, age, and porosity all vary across a piece. Some areas may absorb faster until they reach saturation. That’s why applying “until the surface no longer absorbs” is a better guide than a fixed coat count.
We believe in being honest with what is in our products. So, that’s why we provide the ingredients used in them so you can rest assured knowing exactly what’s in the product you purchase from us. It’s just a way we make it easier on you.
Dark Half is made of:
- Pure Tung Oil
- Resinous Hydrocarbon
- Citrus Solvent™
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Details |
| Product Name | Dark Half Tung Oil |
| Product Type | Natural wood finishing and sealing oil |
| Primary Components | Tung Oil (~40%), d-Limonene / Citrus Extractives (~48%), Proprietary Resin (~10%) |
| CAS Numbers | 8001-20-5 (Tung Oil), 94266-47-4 (Citrus Terpenes) |
| Appearance | Yellow to amber liquid |
| Odor | Mild citrus aroma |
| Finish Type | Matte, penetrating oil (non-film forming) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.838 – 0.843 at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Density | 0.937 g/cm³ at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 176 °C (348 °F) |
| Flash Point | > 43 °C (> 109 °F), Closed Cup |
| Autoignition Temperature | Approx. 237 °C (458 °F) |
| VOC Content | > 47.5% by volume |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Curing Method | Oxidation (air-dry polymerization) |
| Full Cure Time | 15 – 30 days depending on conditions |
| Recommended Application Temperature | Above 50 °F (10 °C) |
| Recommended Coats | 3 – 5 for full saturation and protection |
| Coverage per Gallon | Approx. 400 sq ft per coat (varies by porosity) |
| Food Contact Safety | Contains food-grade Citrus Solvent™; FDA GRAS 21 CFR 182.20 compliant once fully cured |
| Flammability | Flammable liquid and vapor; keep away from heat or sparks |
| Storage | Keep tightly sealed in a cool, well-ventilated place away from heat or open flame |
| Shelf Life | Multi-year stability when properly stored |
| Environmental Classification | Very toxic to aquatic life (H400, H410); prevent release into waterways |
| Packaging | BPA- and phthalate-free HDPE bottles (fully recyclable) |
Want to know more? Then take a look at our Safety Data Sheets (SDS)