Applying Wax to Wood Barrow-in-Furness
Applying Wax to Wood
Wax is a good finish for natural wood as it will "feed" the wood and help to stop it drying out. It is fairly easy to apply (easier than oil) but the wood needs to be perfectly smooth and clean to achieve the best results. Wax is not as hard-wearing as oil or varnish, so may not be suitable for areas which are subjected to moisture or that are handled a lot.
Tip: Wax, like oil, will change the colour of the wood it is applied to, and is avaliable in several shades. Test the wax on a small section of the wood which is hidden from normal view before applying to the main part of the wood.
Make sure that the wood you are oiling is completely clear of any previous finish and that it is sanded smooth. It is best to sand the area with increasingly fine paper so that when you finish you are not left with scratch marks in the wood. Any scratches or imperfections may catch the wax and seem magnified. Once the surface is smooth, wipe it down with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove any impurities.
Start to apply the wax with a lint-free cloth, working first in circular motions and then wiping along the grain to ensure that the wax is evenly applied. You do not need to apply too much wax for this first coat, just concentrate on getting an even finish. Leave the wax to soak into the wood for 10-15 minutes and then apply a second coat in the same way as the first. Again, leave this to soak into the wood for a little while before buffing the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth. Once the wax is absorbed fully into the wood and stops coming off onto the cloth, you can stop buffing.