Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I want to apply a bees wax funiture paste wax to a friends fine, antique dining table. Family piece. I'm afraid that over the years someone has used Pledge or other spray wax/cleaner. Is there something I can use to remove that before I apply the wax? Something that will not harm the finish. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Carla,the only way to remove these products is with a solvent, but you run the risk of removing more than just the spray wax or Pledge on an Antique, so you have to proceed very carefully if you decide to try it.Some knowledge of the finish that's on there is also important to try to determine to know how to proceed. Typically, though, you could just paste wax right over what's there. The act of proper paste waxing, which if done right is a fair amount of work on a big table, will amalgamate the surface temporarily during the application, and then, after drying, buffing will polish the surface to an even sheen. A spray wax, or Pledge,(which contains silicones),will mix with the paste wax and should just blend together with it. Hope that helps- post back if need be-regards- Greg

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QUESTION: Can you advise me as to the "proper" technique for the wax. What I am using is a fairly soft beeswax paste, 50/50 beeswax and mineral spirits. I was planing to use 0000 steel wool to apply, and a soft cloth to buff, with a follow up buff with another cloth. The paste polishes rather easily but leaves a pretty tough finish with a beautiful luster. Thank you so much for your help. Carla

ANSWER: Is this a home brewed wax? I would not recommend such a thing, as you're much better off with a commercially prepared wax FOR furniture like Fiddes which is available at WoodCraft.Raw Beeswax contains sugars, and other impurities that will make it sticky, hard to apply evenly, and difficult to remove completely and evenly...Wax does not leave what I would call a "tough" finish, especially on something like a dining table....after final buffing you're leaving behind a wax film that's a few microns thick and while it does produce a nice shine, won't protect very well or for very long.

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QUESTION: Yes, it is home brewed, my husband made beer for 25 years so I thought I'd brew something too. Now that you mention it, the rocking chair I used it on does have a certain amount of "stick" to it. So what do the commercial beeswax furniture polishes do to their brew to purify it? Guess I'll get some Fiddes. Is there any other brand you recommend, or is that none of my beeswax. Thanks, again, Carla

Answer
LOL, no there are many good brands, I just prefer the Fiddes, it's one of these "Old Family Recipes" from England, and is an excellent product, available in colors as well. I use the Rugger Brown, Black, Forrest Brown, Jacobean, Antique Brown,and Light waxes often when restoring Antiques. They glide on easily, and buff off cleanly.If they told us how they made it, I'm sure they'd have to kill us....lol.But there are products I swear by, and have used for over 25 years, and this is one of them.Regards- Greg