by Doug Wilson, Coatings Consultant and Procurer of Fine Wood Finishes
At PaintSource, we often receive inquiries from horse farm clients about the suitability of Tung Oil-based products for waterproofing and enhancing the natural beauty of barn wood. One common question is whether pure Tung Oil is toxic or harmful to horses.
Understanding Tung Oil and Its Effects on Horses
Pure Tung Oil, when ingested in significant amounts, can be toxic to horses, particularly if they consume the nuts of the Tung Tree. However, when used as a component in wood finishes for equine structures, Tung Oil is generally safe. It’s also important to note that the Tung Oil used in products like Waterlox is processed from the nut by steam extraction. This method is believed to further reduce the likelihood of the oil provoking an adverse reaction. Despite this, we do not recommend applying pure Tung Oil to surfaces where horses are likely to chew, as even small amounts ingested could pose a risk, albeit minimal.
Waterlox, a polymerized Tung Oil finish combined with a resin, is a popular choice for waterproofing and beautifying various surfaces within horse barns, including stalls, walls, and wood ceilings. Unlike polyurethane, which can form a film on the wood that may peel or flake—potentially leading to ingestion by horses—Waterlox penetrates the wood and cures into a hard, durable finish making it the best choce of Wood finishes for wood stalls and walls in equine structures and horse barns.
Safety Considerations for Horse Barns
Once fully cured, Waterlox typically forms an inert, non-toxic coating within the wood’s surface. This curing process significantly reduces the risk of any harmful substances being released. In fact, Waterlox is commonly used on wood countertops and even wooden bowls, and it is classified as a “food-safe” surface.
However, for horses that crib or chew on wood, there remains a possibility of ingesting small amounts of any finish present within the wood. In such cases, several factors should be considered:
Curing Time: Allow 24 to 48 hours for the finish to fully cure before allowing horses access to the treated area. This reduces the risk of exposure to uncured tung oil.
Quantity Ingested: While the finish is generally safe, ingesting large amounts could be harmful.
Specific Formulation: Different Tung Oil-based products may vary in their levels of toxicity.
Waterlox has been the finish of choice among our equine industry clients in Lexington and across the country for many years.
Individual Sensitivity: Some horses may be more sensitive to certain substances than others.
To date, we have not encountered any adverse reactions in the horse barn applications we’ve managed.
If you have concerns about the effects of ingesting dried and cured finishes, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available upon request.
Consult with an Expert
We’re here to assist with any questions you may have about wood finishes for your equine structures. To get personalized advice for your project, our coatings specialists are available during working hours at 859-225-0981 to discuss your options.
PaintSource was founded in 1999 Versailles, Near Lexington, KY – The Horse Capital of the World).
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