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.
Throughout history, natural waxes have been used as a protective treatment to enhance the beauty and durability of wood. Ancient civilisations recognized the value of wax as a natural substance for preserving wood. Ordinary people in Ancient Greece used wax as an everyday wood preserver, as expensive resin varnishes were inaccessible to them.
- Furniture wax polish types
- How to apply wood wax
- Why choose wood wax over other protective treatments?
- Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does wax do for wood?
Wood wax helps wood to shine and protects it against moisture. Fill in and protect against small scratches and imperfections. Imbues a light fragrant scent. -
What is the best thing to wax wood with?
Beeswax-based wood polishes balance performance with aesthetic impact for a powerful all-rounder that is suitable for most indoor woodcare applications. -
Is it better to oil or wax wood?
It depends on the finish you want to achieve! Wood Wax creates a coating that sits atop wood, while oils usually penetrate into wood. Wood wax tends to leave a shine while oils tend to darken wood more. -
Does wood wax dry hard?
Wood wax dries to a physical coating, although it is not as hard as a varnish. Wood wax can be removed if needed and requires regular upkeep to maintain protection and shine. -
What are the disadvantages of wood wax?
Wood wax require regular upkeep, which isn’t for everyone. Although lots of people love giving themselves over to the calming ritual of wood wax application. -
Why would you use wax instead of varnish?
For a more subtle sheen and a softer finish that will not crack. -
Do you need to seal wood wax?
No, Beeswax Wood Polish is naturally water-resistant and has its own sealing properties. -
Does wax waterproof wood?
Yes! Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish waterproofs wood from accidental spills. Simply wipe the moisture away and the your furniture remains in perfect condition.
Types of furniture wax polish
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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)
- Rub a small amount of wax polish onto the lint-free cloth. Apply to wood with a small, circular motion. The sheen will turn from immediately glossy to slightly duller – this happens as the solvent evaporates and the wax coating dries on the wood’s surface.
- Any excess can be rubbed off before or just after it dries – but don’t wait too long! If the wax hardens fully, you may have to use white spirit to wash the wax off and start again in that section. If you leave excess wax on your furniture, your finish will be streaky. If you’re unsure about using too much, try rubbing the surface with your finger. If it smears, there is too much wax on the surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- TOP TIP: For glossier, more intense results, you can apply a second coat of wax to fill in small areas not covered by the first coat.
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.
The ability of wood wax blend wood polish to maintain the wood’s natural beauty, offer protection against various forms of damage, and environmentally friendly nature make it a versatile and effective solution. By opting for a wood wax blend, you can ensure the beauty of your wooden surfaces with less environmental impact than competing treatments.
A beeswax blend of wax acts as a protective barrier, shielding the wood from these elements. Beeswax, known for its water-repellent properties, helps prevent moisture penetration to reduce the risk of warping or rotting. Additionally, the waxes create a durable coating that guards against scratches and wear, prolonging the life of the wood.
Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish
Make your indoor wooden furniture shine with Roxil Beeswax Wood Polish. Revel in the joy of taking care of your wooden ornaments and indulge in the calming and age-old ritual of woodcare.
Our exclusive blend of waxes is meticulously crafted to produce a beautiful shine, a delicate fragrance and durable protection against everyday wear and spill damage.
Compatible with modern or antique wood, softwoods or hardwoods. 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.