Waxing Wood - Seven House Cleaning Steps For a Perfect Finish
WAXING WOOD
MATERIALS - Liquid wax, Clean rags (or brush or 0000 grade steel wool), Soft cloth and Buffing machine or fine steel wool pads or polishing pads (optional).
STEP ONE
Using a soft cloth, brush, or steel wool pad (which will not damage the surface of the finish), apply wax directly to the surface of the wood using light, circular motions. Apply sparingly, using just enough to coat the wood. Wax should be applied going against the grain. You can apply wax in hard-to-reach areas (like spindles, carved areas, and etc.) using cut-up rags, specialty pads, foam paint brushes, or smaller pieces of 0000 grade steel wool.
STEP TWO
Allow waxed wood to set naturally. Wax should remain on furniture or other wood for a minimum of 5-7 minutes. Many waxes can remain on wood for up to 75-minutes, if need be.
STEP THREE
Buff wood using a clean, soft cloth. On carved or detailed areas of furniture, you may need to use furniture brush or similar object to buff the area.
STEP FOUR
Apply a second coat of wax with a soft, clean rag, this time working with the grain of the wood. Again, use circular motions and apply only a thin layer of wax, making sure all areas are covered equally.
STEP FIVE
Allow wax to set for 60-75 minutes.
STEP SIX
Buff wood with a clean rag (or similar object previously mentioned). Once buffing is done, allow wood to sit overnight.
STEP SEVEN
Using a clean rag, buff wood once more, paying special attention to corners, hard-to-reach areas and blemishes.
Note: The more layers of wax that are applied and buffed, the more glossy your furniture’s finish will become. Many feel that 3-coats is a sufficient amount of wax to protect tables, cupboards, desks, and bedroom furniture. You may wish to coat chairs (and other furniture which receives heavy use) a fourth time.
TIPS AND TRICKS
NEVER pour wood wax directly on to wood. Always use a clean rag.
MINOR blemishes, cracks, and crevices in wood can be repaired with soft wax filler sticks.
CRACKS in dark woods can be covered by first applying a colored/pigmented wax, followed by a coating of clear wax.
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