What is the best technique for using Wax?
Use wax at room temperature. If your wax is too cold, application will be difficult as the wax is at its ideal workability at room temp.
You may use a rag to apply wax but the preferred method is using a round natural bristle brush for application. This will make quick work of waxing while creating more uniform coverage.
Swirl your natural bristle brush in the wax a few times until you can just barely see the wax on the tips of the bristles. A little goes a long way so save your elbow grease and cut out buffing time later.
You may wax in circles or with the grain but work in small sections by applying the wax and buffing off with a lint-free cloth. An old t-shirt will do but if you are waxing a piece painted in black, use a dark t-shirt, and use a white t-shirt on whites. This will help eliminate visible lint from showing up in your wax finish.
To buff off, wipe the wax off until it no longer feels tacky. Move on to the next small section and continue until you have waxed all painted areas. The wax will continue to cure to its strongest finish over the period of 2 weeks to 30 days depending on the environment and relative humidity.
You may use your piece while you are waiting for it to cure, just know, that it is at its strongest protective quality after the waxes and oils are able to re-harden within the paint.
You may layer waxes of different shades to create your desired look. Remember, wax is last! Since wax is a barrier product, you will not be able to polyurethane over wax. Should you decide to paint over a waxed finish, lightly sand and clean well to remove wax build-up.
How does Wax compliment Chalk Synthesis Paint?
Wise Owl Furniture wax is a solvent-free natural wax. It is very easy to apply and preserves the desirable matte finish of the Chalk Synthesis Paint.
Wise Owl Furniture Wax comes in many colours and can be layered for effect. Clear wax will not change the paint except to richen the colour back to its original colour after sanding.
Does Wax need to be reapplied?
Wax will need to be reapplied every now and then depending on the use of the piece. It is not ideal for high-use & high-traffic use wear.
Wax is not recommended for pieces such as kitchen cabinets and tabletops. Surfaces with heavy wear may need further protection such as our Matte Varnish topcoat. Wax is not intended for outdoor use. It cannot withstand rain and heat. Always remember, if you use wax, it should always be the last step. You should not try to apply our Matte Varnish over wax. The barrier properties of the wax will keep the finish from properly adhering. If you desire to paint over or refinish a waxed surface, clean well to remove residual oils and then reapply your finish.
When is Wax not suitable to use?
A wax finish is not recommended for pieces such as kitchen cabinets and tabletops. Surfaces with heavy wear may need further protection such as Wise Owl's Matte Varnish topcoat.
Additionally, Wax is not intended for outdoor use. It cannot withstand rain and heat.
Finally, always remember, if you use wax, it should always be the last step. You should not try to apply our Matte Varnish over wax. The barrier properties of the wax will keep the finish from properly adhering. If you desire to paint over or refinish a waxed surface, clean well to remove residual oils and then reapply your finish.
Can Varnish or Paint be applied over Wax?
You should not try to apply varnish or paint over wax. The barrier properties of the wax will keep the finish from properly adhering. If you desire to paint over or refinish a waxed surface, clean well to remove residual oils and then reapply your finish.
