How to wax & polish timber furniture

Cleaning & Waxing Timber Furniture

Unless you’re an enthusiast, generally speaking furniture polishing is not at the top of the to do list for most people.

In this article I will show how, using the right products and techniques you can take the hard work out of waxing and polishing new or old furniture.

 

How to wax and polish old or new timber and veneer furniture with furniture wax paste

Take the furniture wax and a soft abrasive free polishing cloth and rub in a small amount of wax using the circular motion, along the length of the grain.

Keep spreading the wax over the complete surface and make sure that it’s spread in a thin even layer.

Never apply a thick coat.

The rule of thumb is “two thin layers are better than one thick layer,”

Then wait until the wax has dried. (Usually about 10 to 15 mins depending on room temperature)

Once the wax is dry it will make a squeaking sound when you rub your finger on the surface.

Keep in mind that the wax will take longer to dry in cooler weather.

Apply your wax, a section at a time. Eg: On a sideboard do the top first and buff off then move onto the door and then the sides etc.

When you’re applying the furniture wax use one soft non abrasive cloth and for buffing off after application use a second cloth,

When you’re buffing and removing wax from the surface always turn the cloth regularly to prevent the wax you have removed from being re-applied.

By buffing across the grain and turning your cloth regularly you will create a lovely lustre to the finished surface.

 

How to use coloured furniture waxes to fill splits as well as wax and polish old or new timber and veneer furniture with furniture wax paste

Brown Furniture Wax:  

This is used for furniture ranging in colour from light brown to dark brown.

The purpose of using the coloured wax is to enhance the colour and depth in the grain of the timber.

Additionally a brown coloured wax can also be used for filling fine splits and cracks in the timber surface, as the wax will dry to a point where it’s not hard but will still be quite firm.

Be aware brown furniture wax may change the colour of the surface

The brown wax is applied and buffed using the same instructions as above but that is the final process.

If you want to fill splits and cracks dip a cloth into the wax and take out enough to push the wax down into the split then clean off any excess and proceed to the next step.

Black Furniture Wax: 

This is used for furniture ranging in colour from dark brown to black.

As with brown wax, black wax can also be used to fill fine splits and cracks just follow the same steps and sequence to fill then polish.

It should not be used on light to medium coloured timber, as it has quite a strong pigment in it which can change the colour of the timber.

Ideal for imported Asian and distressed furniture.

Will help to cover some scratches and imperfections in the finish.

 

How to wax, seal and polish chalk painted and raw wood finishes

Using a finishing wax apply to the surface with a wax application brush or a soft cloth rub in a small amount of wax using the circular motion, along the length of the grain.

Keep spreading the wax over the complete surface and make sure that it’s spread in a thin even layer.

Never apply a thick coat.

The rule of thumb is “two thin layers are better than one thick layer,”

Then wait until the wax has dried. (Usually about 10 to 15 mins depending on room temperature)

When the wax has dried buff off excess with a non abrasive soft polishing cloth to seal and finish your item.

 

Recommended products:

AFC Furniture Wax

Apply with Pure Cotton Polishing Cloths

Use AFC Quick Polish in between 3-6 monthly applications of the Furniture Wax.

You may also be interested in our: Furniture Polishing Kit

Finishing Wax Kit

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