The Best Method and Rationale Behind Waxing Furniture
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
By Bill Primavera
When was the last time I dutifully performed one of the “man’s chores” of the house and waxed our furniture for my wife?
Actually, nothing around the house should be gender-specific, but in my house, it’s always been my end of the bargain, mainly because I’ve always enjoyed it so. And really, it hasn’t been so much a chore as a very satisfying activity because the end results are so immediate, as well as protective.
Because my earlier life was filled with the now-practically-defunct antiques business, both as a collector and business owner, I was frequently busy removing scratches and bad finishes from old pieces of furniture. Sometimes it would be basic stuff, such as smoothing a surface with Triple-O steel wool, and then applying Old English Scratch Cover. Other times it would be the whole megillah of removing an old finish down to the bare wood and starting over with stain and coating with shellac or varnish.
But whichever path I chose, I would always finish with a layer of wax, which I would gloss to a high finish.
For many years, I have purchased a product called Butchers wax for that final finish, and sometimes I would wonder why a wax would be attributed to a butcher, but before Google, like many other things, I never looked it up. Now, however, I googled it and found, simply, that it was created by a man in Boston who finished floors and his name was Charles Butcher. It had nothing to do with the trade of butchering!
Furniture wax is a finishing polish made of a combination of natural beeswax and carnauba wax. When applying wax, it is being pressed into the pores of the surface, therefore providing a filmed barrier of protection while providing a very durable finish. It dries to a smooth matte finish, and the more buffed it is, the more sheen can be achieved.
Wax can be applied with either a lint-free cloth or premium quality wax brush. I started out with using lint-free rags initially; however, I found I was using excessive amounts as it absorbed into the rag rather than onto my piece.
After a while I decided to invest in a wax brush by which I achieve more even coverage. In this way, the bristles get into intricate areas easily and avoid the wastage of wax that comes with a cloth. Wax brushes may seem expensive, but once a good quality brush is purchased, it’s a wise investment. A wax brush can be used forever for multiple uses, provided that it is cared for.
It’s best to place a spoonful of wax onto a plate rather than dipping a wax brush into the container, to prevent contamination. This also allows the user to apply and spread a small, even amount onto the brush to get an even application. Only a small amount of wax is needed on the brush tips. Waxing is not like painting; in this case, less is more. If a brush is overloaded, it will only create more wastage. If too much is applied, it will only sit on the surface as greasy excess.
Always work in small sections at a time in circular motions, moving from one section at a time to another. Once a section is completed, a clean lint-free rag can be used to wipe away excess. Do this all over a piece until the task has been completed using these steps. Let the wax dry for five to 20 minutes until it starts to settle and dry, when it’s time to buff it.
Using another clean lint-free rag, buff the wax by rubbing in a circular motion. This pushes the wax deep into the pores of the surface and also creates a soft sheen. The more the user buffs, the more sheen is created, depending on the look desired.
Once buffed, the surface should feel no longer tacky, but velvety smooth to the touch. This process may seem a bit of a drawn-out process for some, but rest assured that once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy and satisfying.
So apply a little elbow grease for happy waxing!
Bill Primavera is a realtor associated with William Raveis Real Estate and founder of Primavera Public Relations, Inc., (www.PrimaveraPR.com). To engage the services of The Home Guru to market your home for sale, call 914-522-2076 or e-mail williamjprimavera@gmail.com.
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