"Why do I need a Wax Brush?"
"What if I used too much Wax?"'
"Is there a trick to buffing?"
"What is the best way to apply Dark Wax?"
"How do I take care of a piece of furniture I've finished with Wax?"
There are typically a number of questions regarding Furniture Wax.
For newbies and experienced furniture upcyclers alike there
is such variety and flexibility in these beautiful products
that the learning continues whether it's your first time using Wax or you're an old pro!
For example, I only recently learned that distressing by sanding with wax is a possibility!
And did you know that you can buff a waxed piece using a clean Wax Brush?!
Many of you may already know this, but hopefully you will find other useful tips here...
Let's get started!
clay, chalk and lime dry matt and chalky to the touch.
Furniture Wax brings Chalk Paint to life
and is an ideal product to protect and seal the finish.
Although the technique of waxing is simple, practice and time are fantastic teachers.
Workshops do a great deal to clarify,
but if you are unable to attend a Workshop I cover the basics here.
Once your painted piece is dry, "paint" on Wax using a Wax Brush.
The reasons to use a Wax Brush are many:
You use significantly less wax; it's purpose-designed to
grab and evenly spread the wax on to the surface;
you can easily reach into corners and detailed areas;
and it speeds the process and makes application quicker and easier.
At For The Love we carry two quality Wax Brushes
by Miss Mustard Seed designed specifically for waxing :
Absolutely, just use clean, lint-free rags like T-shirts or sheets.
With the application of Furniture Wax, you will see the difference immediately
in the paint which will not change in colour, but intensifies and comes to life.
With Furniture Wax, a little goes a long way.
You don't want to go too thick, it's just wasted.
If you've accidentally applied too thick of a coat, wipe it back with a clean cloth.
Apply a thin, even coat (some compare it to applying hand lotion).
Also, you do not have to be overly careful as the buffing process and
additional coats will fill in any missed spots.
Depending on weather, the surface and a few other unknowns,
allow the Wax to penetrate the paint.
This can happen right away, in an hour, or overnight.
Wait to see absorption and once
the "wet look" is mostly dissipated, go ahead and buff.
When buffing, you do not have to rub extensively or hard,
just enough to wipe away any excess and lightly buff the wax into the paint surface.
Develop a polishing style that works for you.
Some prefer a circular motion, others back and forth.
After the first coat of wax, let the piece tell you if it wants more.
I look for a lovely, warm sheen and a smooth surface.
If you are wanting more shine, or a smoother finish, repeat the above steps —
the more coats, the more shine you will have.
You can add more wax even months later if you change your mind.
You can also use Chalk Paint to repaint or repair the surface if needed.
No sanding or prep necessary, just paint!
This finish takes 30 days to cure during which you may use the piece gently.
After the 30 days, your piece is fully cured and ready to go!
Now onto Antiquing Wax...
Clear Wax and Antiquing Wax work best as a team.
When using Dark Wax it's best to first coat your piece with Clear Wax.
This sets a base, starts the protection process and makes the Antiquing Wax easy to apply.
Dark Wax has the potential to stain the paint when applied directly,
but when coated with Clear Wax first, it glides on allowing
easy manoeuvrability to accent the areas you want.
Brush the Dark Wax over the entire piece for an allover aged effect
or you can target areas you want to highlight.
See the beautiful results and how it authentically "ages"
the Chalk Paint finish in the examples below:
adding or removing Dark Wax as necessary.
Once you achieve the look you want, allow the Dark Wax to sit (I prefer overnight )
then give it a quick polish to complete the job!
A gorgeous client of mine Sarah
sent me a short video of herself using the Dark Wax over Autentico Chalk Paint in White Cliff:
You can find her on instagram.com/peasnbeans3
it's as simple as using a bit of Clear Wax to pull
the Dark Wax back to the desired finish —or you can clean it off completely
as this quick video demonstrates:
If needed, use a damp cloth to clean.
Depending on use and/or preference, you can add a coat of Clear Wax
on occasion for further protection and care.
For more photos of waxed projects,
jump over to www.pinterest.com/FTLCreations
and visit the board: Wax On, Wax Off
Sada