Can I Put a Buffed Wax Layer on Top of Oil/Urethane?

[DavidCBaker]

I did my first wood turning last week and I've been slowly putting three coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal "Oil & Urethane Topcoat" on it (gloss).

Before I mess up my first piece (eek), can I buff some wax onto that surface? The three coats really brought out a beautiful grain pattern, but I'd like to smooth it out a lot and I like the buffed wax look. Or I suppose I could use Watco or tung oil.

Help me out, you seasoned wood workers.

 

[Birdhunter]

When I put finish on a turned piece, I usually just use wax while turning at a high speed.

I recently did some large cherry salad bowls and a large Claro walnut salad bowl. I used General Finishes Enduro-Var applying 4 coats. I tried a top coat of wax. It didn’t look good so I removed it.

I was not trying for a gloss finish, just a protecting finish. My wife uses the walnut bowl often and it still looks great. People who bought the cherry bowls seem to like their bowls and have not heard any negative comments.

 

[DavidCBaker]

Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. I wonder how I can smooth this finish, though, without killing the moderate sheen.

 

[waho6o9]

These products may help:https://ackswoodpaste.com

 

[rmwarren]

Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. I wonder how I can smooth this finish, though, without killing the moderate sheen.

Fair warning - finishing is not my stong suit.

That said, I've used Behlen's pumice/rottenstone in a slurry with oil to buff out poly finishes with success. May be worth researching.

RMW

 

[Birdhunter]

Tung oil takes forever to cure. It. Does, in my experience, provide a tough finish.  I like Watco, but would question putting it over the finish you have already applied.

I usually buff out turnings with the white Scotch pads.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Tung oil takes forever to cure. It. Does, in my experience, provide a tough finish.  I like Watco, but would question putting it over the finish you have already applied.

I usually buff out turnings with the white Scotch pads.

Do this (above) then clean thoroughly and apply wax (all on the lathe).

You said you wanted to “smooth it out” and wax won’t do that, only an abrasive can but maybe the white Scotch pad is sufficient.

 

[DavidCBaker]

Tung oil takes forever to cure. It. Does, in my experience, provide a tough finish.  I like Watco, but would question putting it over the finish you have already applied.

I usually buff out turnings with the white Scotch pads.

Do this (above) then clean thoroughly and apply wax (all on the lathe).

You said you wanted to “smooth it out” and wax won’t do that, only an abrasive can but maybe the white Scotch pad is sufficient.

Thank you! I'll try that. I might be a little over-cautious about ruining my first turning.