Paste Wax

Wax is the easiest finish you can apply and also the least protective. Used alone, it provides almost no real protection — a wet glass or hot mug will go right through it. Where wax excels is as a topcoat over an oil finish, as a final buff on shellac, or on antique pieces where you want to maintain character without building up a film. It's fully reversible (mineral spirits removes it), smells pleasant, and gives a beautiful hand-rubbed sheen. If you're finishing a display piece or a tool handle, wax is perfect. If you're finishing a dining table, wax alone will disappoint you.

Can be applied over bare wood, but works best over a base coat of oil or shellac. The wood must be clean and free of grease, silicone, or previous incompatible finishes.

• Apply a thin coat with a soft cloth, rubbing it into the surface with circular motions.
• Let haze for 10–15 minutes.
• Buff to a sheen with a clean soft cloth.
• 2 coats is usually plenty — more wax doesn't mean more protection.
• Re-wax periodically (every 6–12 months for furniture in use).

• Applying too much — thick coats smear and are hard to buff out. Thin is better.
• Using it alone on high-use surfaces — it won't protect them.
• Putting poly on top of wax — it won't adhere. Wax is always the final step.
• Using silicone-based spray waxes — they contaminate the wood surface and make refinishing nearly impossible.