If you’re keen on keeping your wooden furniture shining and robust, then furniture wax is your best friend. But with a sea of options out there, how does a beginner even start?
Don’t fret! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of picking the perfect wax, ensuring your pieces retain their charm for many years!
Reviews of the Top Furniture Waxes
1. Furniture Clinic Wood Polish
Since it’s a furniture wax from natural beeswax and mineral spirits, you can bet that Furniture Clinic Wood Polish has what it takes to make your wooden materials shine.
For those just starting out in the DIY world, this product is a dream come true. It glides on smoothly and, based on trials, leaves a flawless finish once dry.
Some may argue that mineral spirits carry a slightly foul scent, but this ingredient evens the wax and makes it softer. Plus, the smell will evaporate after drying. Considering its traditional formula, this wax is an excellent option for restoring antique wooden materials.
What i Like
- No chemicals are included in its formula
- Excellent for cleaning and polishing wood
- Highly rated by many woodworkers
- Smooth and long-lasting shine
- It offers a money-back guarantee
What i Don't Like
- It comes in a small container
- You’ll need to buy more to cover extensive surfaces
2. Renaissance Wax Polish
If you’re not on a tight budget, consider buying a premium product like Renaissance Wax Polish. You may not know, but restoration professionals highly recommend this polish because it can resist the acidity that often comes with wood aging.
Unlike other furniture wax options available, Renaissance does not interfere with the surface of the material. Instead, it works to enhance and bring out the natural color of the wood. By using Renaissance, you can rest assured that the original appearance of your furniture will be preserved while experiencing an enhanced and enriched wood tone.
Moreover, it blends well with different wood species and finishes, so you don’t have to worry even if you’re working with stubborn hardwood materials. You can expect it to seal well and yield a silky sheen.
What i Like
- It’s non-acidic, even with aging wood
- Durable and fade-resistant option
- It can seal any lumber specie or finish
- Suitable for outdoor materials
What i Don't Like
- It’s more expensive than other options
- Not for small-scale applications
3. WALRUS OIL Wood Wax
Only some have the budget for premium furniture polishes, so I included WALRUS OIL Wood Wax on the list. Although it’s not as expensive as others, this product is free of toxic substances like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) [1].
You’ll surely love the refreshing coconut aroma of this product. What sets it apart? It’s enriched with Vitamin E and coconut oil, not just the usual beeswax and mineral spirits. And here’s a pro tip: in just 15 minutes, you can easily wipe it off the wood with a simple rag.
What i Like
- It follows FDA regulations and standards
- No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- It leaves a pleasant coconut scent
- Strong protection against moisture
What i Don't Like
- Not as long-lasting as other options
- It may need re-application over time
4. Minwax 785004444 Paste Finishing Wax
As a product with various tones, it’s unsurprising why Minwax 785004444 Paste Finishing Wax is popular among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It’s the best furniture wax if you’re looking for a specific color within the range of natural to dark wood tones.
Give this product a go, and you’ll be impressed! It’s versatile, and you can use it on various surfaces without the fuss of adding extra protective layers. In just a quick 10 to 15 minutes, it’ll be dry and ready.
After that, you can spruce it up with a little cleaning and buffing. One coat does the trick for most surfaces, but if you’re tackling raw wood, you might want to consider a second pass.
What i Like
- Sold with different natural color tones
- No need for polyurethane coats
- Fast drying time of 10 to 15 minutes
- Easy cloth application
What i Don't Like
- It carries a slight odor
- Not the best option for kitchen materials
5. PIPIHUA Beeswax Furniture Polish
Another affordable wax I included in this list is PIPIHUA Beeswax Furniture Polish. Apart from beeswax, this product contains oils from lemon, orange, and eucalyptus. Because of this, the wax leaves a citrus-like smell (if not odorless).
Besides its eco-friendly ingredients, PIPIHUA Beeswax can enhance the aesthetics of a fading wooden surface. It can make the furniture’s tone pop and moisturize extremely dry materials.
The wax also forms a protective film over the wooden surface, preventing potential damage from external elements and maintaining its natural beauty for the longest time.
What i Like
- Eco-friendly and affordable furniture wax
- It can resist moisture and toxic elements
- It keeps the surface free from dirt
- Made from all-natural ingredients
What i Don't Like
- It doesn’t have a long-lasting shine
- Reapplication is needed over time
6. Daddy Van's Beeswax Furniture Polish
Daddy Van’s Beeswax Furniture Polish has a USDA certification, so it’s proven and tested safe for home usage. And since it’s a food-safe product, you can use it to polish things like wooden toys or baby cribs.
I’m truly impressed by its stunning matte finish, which lends a rich glow to both finished and unfinished wood. It not only seals the surface effectively but also offers top-notch protection against water damage.
And here’s the kicker: while most polishes are loaded with chemicals, this wax stands out. It’s not only safer, but it’s built to nourish and shield the wood for the long haul.
What i Like
- Suitable furniture wax for most wood types
- It’s the perfect option for wood restorations
- Made from 100% natural materials
- It offers a rich and deep finish
What i Don't Like
- Not the best furniture wax for large-scale applications
- Not the cheapest polishing wax on the market
7. Howard CS0014 Citrus Shield Paste Wax
Besides its citrus scent, Howard CS0014 made it to this list because it can yield a solid and durable finish. Considering that it includes Brazilian Carnauba ingredients, it’s only natural that it’s the hardest natural wood wax in today’s industry.
Unlike regular furniture wax, it provides UV protection. Thanks to this feature, it can protect fragile wood pieces when exposed to direct sunlight.
Its components don’t include silicone or linseed oil, so it should coat heavily torn and dry workpieces. The waterproofing it offers also works well since it contains carnauba wax.
What i Like
- Outstanding waterproof elements and UV protection
- It leaves a lovely citrus scent
- Aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting shine
- It’s also suitable for metal or concrete surfaces
What i Don't Like
- It’s not food-safe
- Not suitable for wooden kitchenware
Furniture Waxes Buyer’s Guide
Safety
Like it or not, some polishing products include volatile organic compounds and other toxic components. When inhaled, these substances can be dangerous for pets and humans.
So if possible, we suggest buying a “food-safe” or “food-grade” furniture wax. These products are safe to apply even without a protective face mask. And since they’re non-toxic, leaving them around pets and children should be okay.
Application
Although most polishing products are easy to apply, not all offer the same convenience.
In the world of waxes, if you were to seek expert advice, you’d learn that oil-based waxes are often the top choice. Why? Because they glide on smoothly and effortlessly. Plus, they’re adept at sinking deep into the wood, nourishing its very grain.
Trust me, with years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen firsthand the superior results they deliver!
You’ll also find these wax options easier to clean and fix when you encounter mistakes during applications. Most importantly, they don’t require an extensive sanding process.
Ingredients
It would help if you were mindful of the ingredient in furniture wax, primarily because it’ll determine its effectiveness, durability, and safety. For example, petroleum-based waxes yield protective finishes. However, they’re also high in VOCs, which can be toxic and dangerous.
On the other hand, you can consider ones with natural ingredients like finishing wood with beeswax and carnauba polishes. They offer excellent durability without the risk of toxic exposure.
Coverage & Size
Another big difference between sold furniture waxes in the industry is their sizes. Some will come in small containers of 200 to 500 ml, while others range from 1 pound to one gallon.
You should base your purchase on the coverage or overall size of the surface you’re trying to wax.
Cost
As mentioned, these products come in varying sizes. Because of this, their prices will differ too. Although their quality and brand name also decide their cost, waxes in more significant quantities are typically more expensive.
How Does Waxing Work? Should You Wax Wooden Furniture?
Furniture waxes usually come from a blend of paraffin, beeswax, and carnauba. These components effectively protect wooden surfaces from moisture and other harmful elements.
On top of that, these products include color enhancers that maintain a material’s natural wood grain. They come in different color variations, so woodworkers can choose which shade will blend with their workpiece.
Carnauba Wax vs. Beeswax: What are the Differences?
While beeswax comes from honeycomb production, carnauba options are the secretion of Brazilian wax palm tree leaves. The latter has a higher melting point, yielding a more solid but brittle finish.
Given that carnauba waxes aren’t widely available, you’ll notice that beeswax is slightly more affordable. But there are disadvantages of beeswax finishing as well; learn more here!
Wood Wax vs. Oil Comparison
Considering their consistencies, you should know that wood oil penetrates better than wax. Thanks to this attribute, it provides better protection against water exposure and wearing.
If you want to maintain the natural wood grain aesthetic, it’s best to opt for wood wax because it delivers a matte and satin finish. Meanwhile, oil options are more noticeable upon application.
How to Wax Your Wood Furniture
Step #1: Protect Yourself
These products include ingredients and chemicals that may irritate or harm your skin, so we urge you to wear protective gear. Use a dust mask to prevent toxic fumes from entering your eyes and nose.
Step #2: Clean the Wood Surface
Before the application, ensure the surface is dirt-free for better results. You can sand or oil the material, depending on its current condition. If the furniture has paint films, you can utilize a polish remover to smoothen the workpiece.
Step #3: Start Applying the Wax
Choose a clean cloth or a brush when applying the furniture wax. Remember to run it into the furniture’s every inch to get even results.
Step #4: Allow it to Dry
The drying time will vary per wood wax. If you want to be sure, check the product’s label or user manual. It should take a few hours before it’s dry enough to touch. After that, you can further polish the surface by cleaning it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Do You Protect Wood After Waxing?
1. Clean it Regularly
Keeping the workpiece clean is crucial if you want the wax to last long. However, we don’t encourage using wet rags over their surface because they can be damaging. The best method for these furniture pieces is dry cleaning.
If you spill liquid or any food items over its surface, you should clean them immediately before they stick to the material and cause stains.
2. Repeat Waxing
These products will keep your workpieces fresh and new, but they still need regular retouching, especially if exposed to high-traffic settings.
3. Leverage Carpets/Rugs
You can minimize regular maintenance by covering the surface with carpets or rugs. They can serve as an additional protective layer to the wax application and stand against friction.
4. Use Protectors on Your Wooden Furniture
You may not know, but aside from using the best furniture wax, you can use protectors on your workpieces instead of rugs and carpets. They can withstand the impact and friction from external elements better than other options.
Top 4 Furniture Wax Brands
SC Johnson
Although SC Johnson started as a flooring manufacturer in 1886, this company continues leading the market with essential home products like furniture pieces and polishing waxes. Their polishes are sought-after by DIYers because of their convenience and fast drying time.
Renaissance
You can count on Renaissance wood waxes to deliver durable and beautiful finishes despite being a new player in the industry. You may not know, but this manufacturer has been in the restoration business since the 1950s.
Howard Products
It’s another reputable brand serving the woodworking industry with quality products since 1969. They offer a wide range of finishes that helps woodworkers to restore and treat their projects.
Minwax
If we’re talking about extensive industry experience, Minwax has been around since 1904. Their products are trusted by the general public, mainly because they’re the manufacturers entrusted with the care of an Egyptian Monument.
See Also: Minwax vs Varathane
FAQ
Is it better to oil or wax wood?
It’s better to oil than wax wood because of its long-lasting effect. However, this method doesn’t dry as fast as wood wax.
How Long Does it Take for Wax to Dry and Cure?
Typically, it takes around half an hour for the wax to dry. It’ll turn to a dull color, but it doesn’t mean it’s wholly done drying. You should wait around 5 to 20 days to finish the curing process.
Are wood waxes made from the same components or ingredients?
No, wood waxes don’t have the same components. However, they share the same base ingredient, which is wax.
Can you use wood waxes aside from wooden surfaces?
It depends on the product’s specifications. Sometimes, waxes work well with metal, fabric, leather, and other materials. Meanwhile, some options are exclusively for wood surfaces.
Can you wax wood over varnish and vice versa?
You can apply wax over varnish, but we recommend testing the surface first to see any adverse reactions. On the other hand, you can’t apply varnish over waxed materials because it will soften the woodwork and leave a tacky finish.
my Top Pick For a Furniture Wax:
Furniture Clinic Beeswax Polish
Although Furniture Clinic Beeswax Polish didn’t come from big manufacturers, I chose it as the best furniture wax because of its natural ingredients.
The best part? It leaves behind a delightful aroma, something many polishers fall short of. Whether you’re breathing new life into an old piece or shielding it with a protective coat, this is the go-to choice for stellar results.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
