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I’ve had this problem a couple of times, and was reminded of it again just this morning as I tried to buff up a coat of Clapham’s beeswax on a cherry coffee table.
It seems that no matter how evenly I try to apply the wax, and how much elbow grease I put into the polishing, I can always see swirls in the surface from the application of the wax. They are nicely polished swirls, but that’s not exactly what I’m after.
Any tips on how to stop this from happening? And, as a backup question, what’s the best way to remove the wax?
Thanks in advance.
Steve Holmes
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Being unable to polish out the swirls is generally an indication of too much wax. Wax can not be built and one coat is generally enough. A second coat will sometimes get some spots you missed with the first coat but the solvents in the wax cut through the first coat.
To remove paste wax, use mineral spirits. Wipe it off with paper towels keeping a fresh face on the towel so you are not just smearing it around. Wipe the surface dry. Then do it again. Mineral spirits is the solvent in most paste waxes.
When fully dry, apply a thin coat of wax using the directions on the can. If it doesn't recommend it, I like to wipe the applied wax almost immediately with a clean cotton cloth. Not so much to polish but to remove the excess and smear it around some more. Now let it dry and buff with a soft cloth. Again, don't try to build a finish.
*Being unable to polish out the swirls is generally an indication of too much wax. A pure beeswax also can exacerbate the problem. Wax can not be built and one coat is generally enough. A second coat will sometimes get some spots you missed with the first coat but the solvents in the wax cut through the first coat.To remove paste wax, use mineral spirits. Wipe it off with paper towels keeping a fresh face on the towel so you are not just smearing it around. Wipe the surface dry. Then do it again. Mineral spirits is the solvent in most paste waxes.When fully dry, apply a thin coat of wax using the directions on the can. If it doesn't recommend it, I like to wipe the applied wax almost immediately with a clean cotton cloth. Not so much to polish but to remove the excess and smear it around some more. Now let it dry and buff with a soft cloth. Again, don't try to build a finish.
*Steve,To add what Howie advised; with most waxes it's not the amount of "elbow grease" but, the amount ofi time' to properly buff out the wax. I would also recommend that you use Kiwi shoe brushes (clean) and final buffing done with a boar bristle brush...FWIW.Dano
*Thanks for the advice, guys. I particularly like the idea of wiping the excess wax off right away.SH
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