Traditional Wax - How many layers?

[Tex B]

Just putting the final touches on a jarrah chest of drawers. Has three coats of brushed on Ubeaut hard shellac. Light sanding with 800g, then first coat of traditional wax applied with 0000 steel wool.

Now while I'm waiting for my arms to feel normal again, thought I'd get the experts opinions on how many coats of wax I should apply. I was thinking probably three.

What do you suggest?

Tex

[silentC]

Three is the go.

[Termite]

Three is the go.
Yep.
First one is usually disapointing.
Second one is really good.
Third one is :D :D :D :D :D

[Lignum]

Like silent and termite said three is perfect. But my advice is to skip the steel wool as its totaly unessary and will be of more harm than good. Use a slightly damp cloth and wrap a nice clean cotton cloth around it and apply your wax very sparsely in the same mannor as you would french polish. The biggest mistake people make is to apply to much wax in one go. Put it on pretending you have only a tablespoon full left just to do a big table. you say your arm is hurtin:) well to me that suggests you used way to much and had the devil of a time getting it of. Waxing should be effortless and very easy:D

[bennylaird]

An art in itself like trying to get parade shoes spit polished.

You either could or couldn't. Those who could made heaps doing them for others at rookies.

[Tex B]

Thanks guys. Three it will be.

Lignum, you're probably right about putting on too much. Guess I need more practice.

the steel wool is what the Polishers Handbook suggests, and seemed to work really well on my practice pieces. I suppose it replaces a light sanding with 1200 or so grit? Anyway it's done, but I'll remember your advice for next time.

Second coat is on. Third will have to wait until tomorrow. Back to work Monday so really want to complete the job this weekend.

Tex

[Tex B]

I'm just glad you guys didn't recommend seven or twelve coats ;)

Tex

[Lignum]

Thanks guys. Three it will be.

the steel wool is what the Polishers Handbook suggests, and seemed to work really well on my practice pieces. I suppose it replaces a light sanding with 1200 or so grit? Anyway it's done, but I'll remember your advice for next time.


Tex

Tex - When you have a great finish wether its laquer, shellac or oil you dont realy need to improve it. All you should be aiming for is protection of three or four ultra fine coats of wax.

Conservators who specialise in museum quality work would be horified at the thought of using steel wool. Whilst our furniture isnt of that quality their is no reason we cant aim for similar results using their techniques.

French polishers use mineral oil for lubrication and its the same for waxing, water, as in a "very" light damp cloth.


Try two practice boards with your favourite finish applied as good as you can get it. Use the sparsly waxed damp clean cloth method on one, and a more liberal dose with 0000 on the other. You will soon see which is best not to mention easiest:)

[Tex B]

Thanks Lignum. Good advice, and I'll take it.

Would never have thought to use a damp rag.

Tex

[Lignum]

Thanks Lignum. Good advice, and I'll take it.

Would never have thought to use a damp rag.

Tex

Tex, just be carefull how damp it is. Only "just" thats all. Its to stop the wax draging on the cloth :)