How to use Wax Wood Polishes

When it comes to preserving and enhancing the beauty of indoor wooden surfaces, the right protective treatment can make a world of difference – from softness to gloss and melting point. Among the many options available, wax furniture polish is a versatile and highly effective choice for interior wood polish.

Wooden surfaces are susceptible to various forms of damage, including moisture, rot and surface scratching. 

Types of Furniture Wax Polish

• Beeswax
  This all-natural wax is the most common and popular type of wood wax and is used around the world and throughout history. It produces a glossy sheen, is naturally soft and easy to work with.
• Paraffin wax
  Paraffin wax is commonly used to make candles. It is also a major component of petroleum jellies like Vaseline. Paraffin wax can be used as a solid wax wood polish, but it can be difficult to work with due to its soft and greasy texture. It is also prone to flaking once dry. It is most often used in combination with other types of wax to produce a more durable and glossy finish.
• Carnauba wax
  This type of wax (sometimes known as Brazil wax) comes from a plant that only grows in northeast Brazil. A luxury wax, carnauba wax is often used in finishing guitars, violins and other musical instruments as well as in shoe polishes, car and surfboard waxes. As a furniture polish, it is well-regarded for its high shine but can unexpectedly dye furniture yellow as it heats up. Carnauba wax is rarely used alone in a polish – it is usually mixed with other waxes to improve resilience.
• Synthetic waxes
  There are a huge number of different combinations of synthetic waxes – polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene are some of the most common types. Synthetic wax polishes are created in laboratories to mimic the properties of popular waxes and are often a little cheaper than natural waxes.

How to Apply Wood Wax

You’ll need:

• Lint-free cloth

• Microfibre cloth

• A tin of wax furniture polish (Try Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish)

3. Wait 30 minutes to allow the wax polish to dry. You may notice that the finish seems duller than when you freshly applied the wax.

4. With the microfibre cloth, buff in the direction of the wood grain to produce the desired gloss and a uniform finish across the furniture set.

5. Once the wood wax has settled, ensure you dust it regularly with a microfibre cloth to keep it clear and clean. Regular buffing will restore the shine. Reapply wood wax annually or when the surface can no longer be buffed to a shine.

Why Choose Wood Wax Over Other Protective Treatments?

Other common indoor wood treatments include:

• Varnishes (Polyurethane, Shellac-based and others)
• Oil-based treatments

Most types of varnish emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they cure. Although they are often thought of as hard-wearing, if the coating becomes cracked, it can let in and trap water damage to cause wood rot and may even allow wood-boring beetles in.

Shellac varnish, one of the most popular types worldwide, can be susceptible to damage from moisture and heat.

Oil-based treatments require frequent reapplication and often significantly darken the wood’s appearance, especially around the grain and knots. In contrast, Beeswax Polish subtly enriches the colour of wood without drastically altering its natural tone.

Beeswax is a renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the bees or their habitat. Bees create beeswax as they go about their daily lives – as long as ethical beekeeping practices are followed, no harm comes to the bees that produce it.

Additionally, the waxes create a durable coating that guards against scratches and wear, prolonging the life of the wood.

Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish

Safeguard your furniture against spills and stains, ensuring it stays pristine even in the event of an accident. Try on furniture, skirting boards, wooden ornaments, picture frames, wine racks and bedroom headboards.