Thread: Removing wax to refinish with polyurethane

Originally Posted by AndrewPatrol

What is the best way to remove wax finish?

According to Gilly's website:
This is easily removed with a lint-free cloth dipped in mineral turpentine or citrus solvent. Wipe over the waxes to soften and remove. You may need extra rags to wipe away the waxy grime.

Thanks mpot. I didn’t think they’d have a method for removing their own product.. shoulda looked.

Just a quickie here.

If the wax was on raw wood then it is very hard to remove completely with turpentine and or citrus solvent and the poly may not stay put over it. Could possibly delaminate down the track.

One of the few things that will stick to it and the wood is Shellac. Any sort will do the job but if you want a really hard finish with better resistance to marking from alcahol, water, heat, etc, then Hard Shellac is the best.

Sorry for the blatant ad but wax on raw timber can be a problem to many finishes because it's so deeply ingrained in the pores of the wood and shellac has the ability to stick to almost any surface including wax and oil.

Different kettle of fish if used over a finish where it can be easily removed with turpentine and clean rag because it isn't ingrained into the surface.

Hope this is of some help and isn't too late for the project.

Cheers - Neil

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply Neil. It’s not too late, I was going to try to remove wax tomorrow and try some Osmo finish that a friend has. Taking your advice on board I think I’ll try that in a small spot on bottom before committing. I’ll have to read up on it though. Best thing about it it’s free. Worst thing about the charcuterie is that it’s in the direct Sun on a table.
But I’m guessing you’re right and I’ll be buying some hard shellac and learning the finer art of applying. I do have your current book.
Hmmmmm.