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Chinese Antique Furniture Finishing-Wax |
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Wax is an ideal finish for country style furniture such as oak or pine
where the timber needs feeding. Waxing performs two main functions.
First, it moisturizes and patinizes the wood, and secondly, it adds a
protective and sweet-smelling finish. Wax is also often used over
polish, varnish, or oil finish to create an extra barrier against damage
from water, heat, and alcohol. |
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Beeswax is the most important wax to the woodworker the wax is produced
by the female worker bee and is used in various forms with other
ingredients to make it softer and easier to apply. It is the easiest of
the finishes to repair and is achieved by simply rewaxing the affected
area. It is used as a polish or a stopper on shellac finishes for repair
work and can also be obtained in a bleach form this is known as white
beeswax. |
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Carnauba wax is a yellowish hard vegetable wax and together with beeswax
is one of the two most important waxes used in woodworking, it is non
toxic and harmless to use and is derived from Palm tree. It can be
applied onto bare wood or preferably onto wood already protected by a
finish. |
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The melting point is approx 180 deg F, because of its hardness it can be
used during turning by gently holding a piece against the item being
turned this will melt the wax providing a hard finish which can if
desired be cut back with a 240 grit garnet paper. It gives a nice velvet
appearance and accentuates the natural patina of the wood This wax can
also be mixed with other softer waxes to provide a smoother polish if
required. |
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Paraffin wax is a mineral wax made from paraffin oil, it is a cheap soft
clear white wax used usually in combination with other waxes to produce
a soft polish for use on furniture and flooring. |
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Wax is the easiest of the finishes to repair and is achieved by simply
rewaxing the affected area. On antique furniture, beeswax puts a barrier
coat to protect and brighten the existing finish. A traditional beeswax
recipe to extend the life of your antiques and fine furniture. |
