Fine Woodworking article on Wax finishes

[Tinker]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] I used to use wax over varnish until I found out that once waxed, only wax could be used over wax.  I don't think oil and wax can be used over wax only. with he oil and wax however, the finish looks natural nd  the wood shows, but it is a dull fnish.

I found I had to work faster with the Arm-R-Seal than with wipe-on-poly  I like your idea of wrapping cloth over the folded paper towel.  I have been using only the paper towel folded into a two inch square.  For small area, i use one piece.  For larger area, I use two pieces.  (We get our paper towels divided into 1/2 sections or 1/2 sheets sections.) I have not observed the durability of Arm-R-Seal over Wipe-ON-Poly over a long period of time with heavy use.  I am taking the word of others about much of what I have claimed about its durability.  With Wipe-on-poly, the lighter woods, such as maple,pine and white sections of poplar seem to yellow with time.  I have not observed that yellowing with the Arm-R-Seal.  I have only been using that on projects for about a year.  some wipe-on-poly projects I have in my own house have been here for 25 years or more.  The oil and wax projects I have been able to observe for round ten years (or maybe it is about 15 years.  Time flies when one gets to be 39)
Tinker

 

[Sparktrician]

I wish that they had included Butchers Bowling Alley Wax.  It would be nice to know how this "Old Reliable" stacks up against the field. 

Funny Bowling Alley Wax Story-
I was the Mfg Engineer in a plant many years ago. My boss was an "all thrust and minimal guidance" type of guy.  I was traveling and we had an issue with some components that were sticking to their wooden carriers.  He called in a panic and I told him to just polish the carrier with Bowling Alley Wax.  He says got it and hangs up the phone.
Later that day I got a call from one of my Techs asking where to get bowling alley wax- the boss has driven to every bowling alley in town without finding any.

Funny!!!  [big grin]

 

[Stephen B]

[size=16pt]Three High Quality Australian made Wax Finishes.
[size=13pt]
Birregurra Heritage Wax Polish is available in neutral and a dark tone at many farmers markets in Sth West Victoria and in Melbourne through Port Melbourne Paint and Paper, 365 Bay St., Port Melbourne, Vic., Australia.http://www.portpaintandpaper.com.au

Two other great Aussie Wax products are made by -

Gilly Stephenson's who sell both on line and through Mitre 10, Bunnings, Just Tools, and many good paint shops.http://www.gillystephenson.com

OrganOil whose details are http://www.organoil.com.au/waxpolish/index.html
I have not used this one, but I think their HardBurnishing Oil is just fantastic [refer bottom right image].

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[Bohdan]

The most interesting aspect of Renaissence Wax for me is its museum use to prevent their swords, guns, armour etc. from rusting. I have just ordered some and I am going to try it on some tools that are particularly rust prone. Not cheap but if it works  [big grin].