For The Love of Wax!

I love, love, love antiquing wax (dark wax) and how my pieces look after they are finished. Antiquing wax gives furniture a patina, a look of age and authenticity.  It brings the wood to life after years of wear and tear and just looks old. And, dark wax is excellent for highlighting not only the paint color but the wood tone as well.

So, here’s the Thing…

I like to work with a variety of paint lines.  At present, my shelves are stocked with Annie Sloan, FAT and Country Chic Chalk Paints as well as Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. But, there is always a project calling out for a latex so I keep a variety of Benjamin Moore samples on hand.

Tips before we get started with wax: 

On most occasions I like to finish a project with dark wax. When I first started painting furniture - many moons ago, I would do exactly as the experts in this field suggested.....however, following the rules has never been my strong point, so I played around with all the paints, waxes, products and techniques until I found my groove, my ways to work with the products and express my own creativity. And, yes, occasionally I still break the rules!

Many of us are timid when it comes to dark wax.  Let's just put that fear to rest and go for it!  Once you see the difference dark wax makes, I can pretty much guarantee 99% of your pieces will be completed in this fashion.  Is there a place for pieces finished in clear wax only, absolutely!  However, taking that final step and adding the dark wax you are giving your piece life, it enhances everything.

This project:

This may be a good place to say - A LITTLE WAX GOES A LONG WAY!  Those little jars are small - and expensive. Go easy on the application and really spread it around using all that is on your brush - if you don't most of the wax will end up on your rag when you wipe it down - and that makes for an expensive project. Seriously, in this case, less is more!

Before waxing, wipe down the surface to remove any dust or lint.  I like to use Tack Cloth found at my local Home Hardware store.  Unlike cotton rags, the Tack Cloth picks up even the smallest of particles and leaves your project completely lint free.

A great little Bass River chair

I painted this piece with two coats of "Paris Grey" Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to get good coverage and then I distress using 100 grit sanding block and fine steel wool.  I like to work with both as it varies the distressing and gives a more worn-over-time authentic appearance.  

Painted, clear wax and distressed

WORKING WITH ANTIQUING WAX (DARK WAX):

To apply the antique wax, I use a large wax brush, which is a great investment if you plan to do a lot of refinishing. If you are just starting out you can use a bushy paint brush. I use the large wax brush as it is either round or oval and the hairs are densely packed making it easier to get full coverage and into all the chipped and worn parts - the details.

Waxing does take muscle power!  Rub right into the wood, in a circular motion.  Move the wax around being sure to get into all of the nooks, crannies, crevices, scratches and dents. 

Dark wax application

After completing a small part of the project, take a cotton rag or a microfiber cloth and wipe off the excess.  I then go over my projects with fine steel wool to further distress and buff. The piece should feel totally dry to the touch. If it feels tacky or sticky you still have too much wax on the furniture and need to go back and remove the excess. Once your piece has been completely waxed and buffed you can add the hardware, or in this case - send it for caning.

Buffed and ready for caning

So, before we go any further, let's just take a look at this chair with clear wax and then with the dark wax application.  As you can see, the clear wax is lovely and you could leave your chair and be very happy with it.  But, look what the extra step of adding the dark wax does to the paint color and wood grain.  In my opinion, this vintage chair deserves the extra step.

The paint and wax take approximately 30 days to cure to the point of it being as durable as any other piece of furniture in your home.  However, if you do decide to use your piece right away, be gentle and don't leave it where it will be exposed to scratches, dents or water stains.

Here is the completed little Bass River chair.

Love this little chair!

What have you been working on?  Do you have questions on working with antiquing wax?  Share your techniques! Leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

"Keep Calm and Wax On!" 

Until Next time - Live Simply

- Mary Elizabeth