Wax Finishes

Wax Finishes for Wood and Furniture

Wax finishes are available in a wide range of formulations for finishing, maintaining and enhancing suitable wooden surfaces. Our range includes traditional furniture wax, beeswax polish, hard wax oil, liming wax, patinating wax and wax-effect protective finishes for furniture, flooring, doors and other interior woodwork.

Whether you are restoring antique furniture, finishing bare timber or maintaining an existing finish, choosing the right type of wax depends on the surface, the existing finish and the level of protection required.

Furniture Wax and Beeswax Polish

Traditional furniture wax and beeswax polish are popular choices for maintaining and finishing wooden furniture. They can enhance the appearance of the timber and produce a soft or polished sheen depending on the product and application.

Our range includes Priory Polishes Finishing Bees Wax, Fiddes Supreme Wax Polish, Briwax, Mylands Wax Polish and Antiquax Original Wax Polish, among other traditional furniture waxes.

Hard Wax Oil

Hard wax oil combines oils and waxes to create a protective finish for suitable timber. It is available in clear and coloured formulations and can be used on applications such as furniture and wooden flooring, depending on the individual product.

Our range includes Osmo Polyx Oil and Fiddes Hard Wax Oil, including tinted finishes for adding colour as well as clear options.

Wax Finishes for Bare Wood

Some wax products can be applied to bare wood, while others are intended primarily for maintaining an existing finish. Fiddes Supreme Wax, for example, is described as suitable for bare wood as well as interior furniture and woodwork.

For bare timber where greater resistance to everyday wear or moisture is required, a suitable hard wax oil may be more appropriate than a traditional paste wax. Always check the individual product instructions before application.

Coloured Wood Wax

Coloured waxes can be used to enhance the colour of timber or introduce a decorative finish. They are available in a variety of shades, from natural wood colours through to darker and more specialised finishes.

Coloured furniture wax can also be useful for certain restoration and touch-up work where the aim is to blend a repaired area with the surrounding finish.

Liming Wax and White Wax Finishes

Liming wax is used to create a traditional whitewashed or limed appearance, particularly on open-grained woods such as oak. The wax works within the open grain to create a contrasting effect that emphasises the natural grain of the timber.

Our range includes Liberon Liming Wax, Fiddes Supreme Liming Wax and Mylands Liming Wax for suitable decorative and restoration projects.

Patinating and Decorative Wax

Specialist waxes can also be used to create decorative or aged effects. Our range includes products such as Liberon Black Patinating Wax, Liberon Verdigris Wax and Chestnut Rainbow Wax for suitable decorative finishing and restoration work.

Wax Finish Varnish

A wax-effect varnish provides an alternative where you want the appearance and feel of a wax finish with the properties of a protective varnish. Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish, for example, combines a wax-like finish with a more durable varnish coating and is available in Satin and Dead Flat finishes.

Wax Finishes for Antique Furniture

Traditional wax finishes are widely used when maintaining and restoring antique and period furniture. Where an existing finish is sound, a suitable furniture wax can help maintain its appearance without completely refinishing the piece.

For furniture with a build-up of old wax, dirt or polish, cleaning and preparation may be necessary before applying a fresh wax finish.

Choosing the Right Wax Finish

The most suitable wax finish depends on the surface, the existing finish and the result you want to achieve. Traditional furniture wax is suited to many furniture-finishing applications, while hard wax oil may be more appropriate where a more durable finish is required on suitable bare timber.

For decorative effects, liming wax, coloured wax and patinating wax provide different options. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that the product is suitable for your particular surface and application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is wax polish used for?

Wax polish is used to finish, maintain and enhance suitable wooden surfaces, particularly furniture and other interior woodwork. It can add a sheen to the surface and help maintain the appearance of an existing finish. Wax polish is available in paste, liquid and other formulations.

Can you put wax polish on bare wood?

Yes, some wax products can be applied to bare wood. Fiddes Supreme Wax, for example, is suitable for certain bare wood applications. If you require a more durable finish for untreated timber, a suitable hard wax oil may be a better option. Always check the individual product instructions before application.

What is the difference between furniture wax and hard wax oil?

Furniture wax is generally used to finish and maintain suitable wooden furniture and existing finishes, while hard wax oil combines oil and wax to provide a more durable finish for suitable bare timber. Hard wax oils are commonly used on applications such as wooden floors and furniture.

Can you apply wax to wood that already has a finish?

Yes, wax can be applied over some existing finishes, provided the surface is clean and suitable for waxing. If there is a build-up of old wax, polish or dirt, the surface may need to be cleaned with a suitable polish reviver before applying a fresh wax finish.

How do you apply wax polish to wood?

Apply a suitable wax polish in a thin, even coat using an appropriate cloth or applicator. Allow the product to dry or settle according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then buff the surface to produce the desired sheen. Several thin coats may be preferable to applying a heavy layer of wax.

Can you use wax on wooden floors?

Some wax products are suitable for maintaining and protecting existing wooden floor finishes. For bare timber flooring, a hard wax oil may be more appropriate where a more durable finish is required. Always check that the particular product is suitable for flooring before use.

What is liming wax used for?

Liming wax is used to create a decorative limed or whitewashed effect on suitable timber. It is particularly associated with open-grained woods such as oak, where the wax can create contrast within the grain. The result depends on the wood and the preparation of the surface.

Can coloured wax be used to restore furniture?

Yes. Coloured furniture wax can be useful for enhancing the colour of wood and carrying out certain localised restoration or finishing work. It can also help blend minor variations in colour or disguise small marks on suitable existing finishes.

What is the difference between wax polish and wax finish?

Wax polish generally refers to a wax-based product used to finish, maintain or enhance a surface, while wax finish is a broader term that can include furniture wax, coloured wax, hard wax oil and other finishes containing or creating a wax-like finish. Always check the intended application of the individual product.

How do you remove old wax from furniture before applying a new finish?

Old wax and accumulated polish can usually be removed using a suitable furniture cleaner or polish reviver, depending on the existing finish. The surface should be clean and dry before applying a new wax. Test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first, particularly when working on antique furniture.