Waxing is a traditional way of protecting wood. Beeswax was used by the Egyptians, and to this day was remains the most popular finish for oak in England. Only the introduction of French Polishing diminished it's popularity. Waxing produces a natural finish, much like oil. It is never complete, and the constant rubbing by hand continues to improve the finish, deepening it's patina over the years.
Beeswax and Carnauba wax are the most popular of furniture waxes. The two are often mixed together with turpentine, by warming, to produce hard but compliant waxes. Carnauba adds strength. Paste wax comes in colors, and can be used on dark and light woods. Dark paste wax can also be used on the final rub out procedure for many other finishes, leaving behind a dark accent in the carvings.
As with any finish, it is important to prepare the surface carefully. Apply two thin coats of shellac sanding sealer before waxing, to protect the wood and fill the pores.
Sand the wood between sealer coats and before waxing. There are many waxes on the market. We use Howards Citrus Shield Paste wax, but many others work well also.
How to Apply Wax:
Apply the wax with a soft cloth folded into layers. Pick up the wax on the cloth, and rub it liberally into the grain using a circular motion. Level off following the grain. Make sure the surface is covered evenly and thoroughly.
Leave the piece to dry for 15 minutes and then apply further coats of wax with fine 000 steel wool, rubbing with the grain. Build up the finish gradually, leaving each coat to dry overnight. Four to five coats should be enough.
For a more lustrous finish, buff the waxed surface with a dry softcloth. Do not press down to hard, as it is possible to break up the newly waxed finish.
