Real Milk Paint Co Dark Half transitioning to RMP Finishes Dark Half. The image shows the old and new bottles side-by-side with the text: Same Product. New Look.

Dark Half Oil

$5.99 – $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

Size

1 fl oz 16 fl oz (Pint)32 fl oz (Quart)128 fl oz (Gallon)

Mix

Citrus Pine

Clear selection

UPC: 813292023363 SKU: DH Category: Finishing Oils Tags: Citrus Mix, Cutting Boards, outdoor wood oil, Pine Mix, Samples, Wood Carving Brand: RMP Finishes

Product Description

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.

How to Use Dark Half Tung Oil

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

Dark Half Oil cures naturally through oxidation, not evaporation, so full curing can take up to 30 days.

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

Properly stored, Dark Half Oil lasts for years.

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.

Hints & Tips

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.

Dark Half Wood Samples

: Cedar Raw Wood

: Cedar Pure Tung Oil

: Cedar Dark Tung Oil

: Cherry Raw Wood

: Cherry Pure Tung Oil

: Cherry Dark Tung Oil

: Mahogany Raw Wood

: Mahogany Pure Tung Oil

: Mahogany Dark Tung Oil

: Maple Raw Wood

: Maple Pure Tung Oil

: Maple Dark Tung Oil

: Oak Raw Wood

: Oak Pure Tung Oil

: Oak Dark Tung Oil

: Pine Raw Wood

: Pine Pure Tung Oil

: Pine Dark Tung Oil

: Pressure Treated Raw Wood

: Pressure Treated Pure Tung Oil

: Pressure Treated Dark Tung Oil

: Walnut Raw Wood

: Walnut Pure Tung Oil

: Walnut Dark Tung Oil

: Yellow Pine Raw Wood

: Yellow Pine Pure Tung Oil

: Yellow Pine Dark Tung Oil

Not sure which oil suits your wood type? View our Oil Thinning Infographic to find the best match by wood species and hardness.

How much oil do I need?

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.

Enter the dimensions of each surface area

Add each surface area you’re finishing, i.e. floor, walls, etc

Width

ft wide

Length

ft long

Add Area Remove Area

How Much Finishing Oil You'll Need

The calculator estimates how much oil you’ll need. The commonly recommended amount of coats for adequate protection and saturation is between 3 and 5. However, your project may absorb more or less oil as there are many variables for each project. This is intended for estimation purposes only. This calculator estimates results, and coverage per gallon may vary depending on factors like species of wood, age of wood, protection needed, etc.

Total Square Foot

sq/ft

Size/Quantity Needed for 3 Coats

8oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 5 Coats

8oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 3 Coats

16oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 5 Coats

16oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 3 Coats

32oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 5 Coats

32oz

Size/Quantity Needed for 3 Coats

Gallons

Size/Quantity Needed for 5 Coats

Gallons

Estimated Coverage per Coats:
400 sq. ft. per gallon/128oz
100 sq. ft. per 32oz
50 sq. ft. per 16oz
25 sq. ft. per 8oz

Most surfaces require Pure Tung Oil or Dark Tung Oil to be thinned. Our Half & Half, Dark Half, and Outdoor Defense Oil are pre-thinned options. Hemp Oil does not need thinning. If you do choose to thin the oil yourself at a 50/50 ratio, simply take the estimate in gallons above and divide it in half. One half will be the amount of oil needed and the other half will be solvent.
For example, if the calculator says you need 4 gallons, but you wish to thin it yourself. Then we recommend purchasing 2 gallons of the Pure or Dark Tung Oil and purchasing 2 gallons of a solvent or thinner like Citrus Solvent or Odorless Mineral Spirits.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

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.

Click here to view the Oil Thinning Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Ingredients

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

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)