Wax polish is a classic, traditional product for maintaining wooden furniture and floors. However, the terms "wax polish," "beeswax," and "antique wax" are often used interchangeably. In this article, we explain the difference and tell you how to best use wax polish.
What is Wax Polish?
Wax polish is a mixture of beeswax and (natural) turpentine, suitable for almost all types of wood. It is used to maintain wooden furniture, floors, and other wooden surfaces: the wax nourishes the wood, provides a protective layer, and gives a beautiful, subtle shine. Wax polish comes in various shades, from clear or white to orange and brown, depending on whether you want to preserve the original wood color or achieve a deeper tone.
What is the Difference Between Wax Polish and Beeswax?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the difference is actually simple: beeswax is the pure, unprocessed raw material produced by bees, while wax polish is a ready-made mixture of beeswax with added turpentine (and sometimes carnauba wax or oil). Pure beeswax is fundamentally quite hard and difficult to process directly; by mixing it with turpentine, a softer, spreadable wax polish is created that is easy to rub into wood. You can summarize it as: all wax polish contains beeswax, but not all beeswax is wax polish.
What is the Difference Between Beeswax and Antique Wax?
"Antique wax" is often used interchangeably with wax polish, and in practice, it usually refers to the same type of product: a mixture of beeswax and turpentine. The difference lies mainly in its application and tint. Antique wax is typically a darker, tinted wax polish specifically used to give old or untreated wood a well-maintained, "antique" appearance and to conceal small scratches or imperfections. Clear or white wax polish, on the other hand, is intended to preserve the original wood color and give a soft sheen, without altering the color.
Is Beeswax Polish Good for Furniture?
Yes, wax polish has been a traditional, natural finish for wooden furniture for centuries. It nourishes the wood, protects against light dirt and moisture, and enhances the natural wood grain with a subtle shine. It is suitable for both solid wood furniture (tables, cabinets, chairs) and untreated wood, and can also be used periodically for maintenance of previously treated wood.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wax Polish?
While wax polish is a valued, natural product, there are a few points to consider:
- Requires maintenance: unlike lacquer, for example, wax polish does not provide a permanent, waterproof layer. It needs to be reapplied periodically to maintain its protective effect.
- Less suitable for wet environments: surfaces that frequently come into contact with water (such as a kitchen countertop) are less well protected with wax polish than with a waterproof lacquer coating.
- Turpentine smell: due to the turpentine, wax polish has a characteristic smell during application, which some people find unpleasant. Ensure adequate ventilation during use.
- Color difference with tinted wax: if you use a dark wax polish or antique wax on lighter wood, the color of the wood will change. Always test it first on an inconspicuous area.
- Not suitable for everyone: beeswax-based polish is not suitable for people with an allergy to bee products.
Wax Polish for Floors
Wax polish is also suitable for wooden floors, particularly untreated or previously waxed floors. Apply the wax thinly and evenly with a soft cloth, let it soak in for about half an hour, and then buff the floor with a clean, dry cloth until an even shine appears. For heavily trafficked floors, periodic re-waxing is recommended to maintain the protective layer.
How Do You Use Wax Polish?
- Ensure the wooden surface is clean and dry.
- Apply the wax polish thinly with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
- Allow the wax to soak in for approximately half an hour.
- Then buff the surface with a clean, soft cloth until an even shine appears.
Removing Wax Polish
Do you want to remove old, built-up wax polish, for example, before re-treating a piece of furniture? Use a cloth with a small amount of turpentine or white spirit, and gently rub it over the wood to dissolve the old wax layer. Work in small sections and then thoroughly dry the surface. For stubborn, thick wax layers, fine steel wool (000 or 0000) can help to loosen the wax without damaging the wood. Always test this first on an inconspicuous area as well.
Where to Buy Wax Polish?
At Honingwinkel.nl you will find wax polish in various shades, including clear, white, orange, and brown, made from real beeswax and natural turpentine. Looking for pure, unprocessed beeswax for another application, such as candle making? You'll also find that in our assortment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wax polish and beeswax? Beeswax is the pure, unprocessed raw material produced by bees. Wax polish is a ready-made mixture of beeswax with turpentine, specifically intended for wood maintenance.
What are the disadvantages of wax polish? Wax polish does not provide permanent, waterproof protection and needs to be reapplied periodically. It also has a characteristic turpentine smell during use, and tinted wax is not suitable for every wood surface without testing first.
Is wax polish good for furniture? Yes, wax polish is a traditional, natural way to nourish, protect, and give a subtle shine to wooden furniture, suitable for both treated and untreated wood.
What is the difference between wax polish and antique wax? In practice, often the same type of product; antique wax is usually a darker tinted wax polish, specifically used to give old or untreated wood a well-maintained, "antique" appearance.
Curious about our wax polish? View the full assortment at Honingwinkel.nl.