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My apologies if this topic has appeared before. Today is the first time I have been on this board, however as Arnold said “I’ll be back” .
I have purchased a new table with a solid oak (not veneer) top. It will be used as a kitchen table and homework center for three teenage children. It will have a manufacturer applied polyurethane finish (not lacquer).
I would like to know the pro’s and con’s of applying a wax to the top. The salesman said that it is not necessary with polyurethane, but if it would add protection, and not cause any problems, why not ? I wax my car, why not wax the table? Also any recommendations as to techniques and brands would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob B
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Replies
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Bob,
The trouble with waxing this finish will come if you ever need to re-coat -- all traces of the wax will have to be removed first. I'd leave it 'as is' and re-coat when necessary to keep it looking good.
If you really want a wax finish, then don't have the poly finish applied.
*I think Ian meant if you ever have to recoat with polyurethane you'll have to remove all traces of wax. If you ever have to revarnish the piece you'll most likely need to use a chemical stripper as well as do some sanding so there's frightfully little chance any wax would remain. But if it did, it would foul up the new varnish.To your orginal question:If you care to wax the poly, althought it is not really necessary, you can try Briwax, Fiddes, Minwax, or Johnson's paste wax in a can (there are many others too). Successive waxings will never result in buildup as long as you buff very thoroughly after applying a spare, thin coat.Fortuitously enough, if you go back to the Fine Woodworking home page you'll find an article giving recipes for your own 'home brew' wax if you care to go that route.
*Wax will serve to give you a pleasing gloss finish and you can reapply when it becomes dull/worn. The poly will provide all the protection for the table top you need. Wax or furniture polish is for cosmetic purposes over a film finish.
*I recommend strongly not using BriWax on any varnish or poly varnish surface if the surface is less than one year aged. BriWax contains toluene as its solvent which works well in removing dirt and cleaning up old surfaces. It's primarily a restoration product and very good at that role.Paste waxes are very easily and completely removed by mineral spirits or naphtha. I frequently freshen an old poly surface this way with no problems. As was said reapplication of wax will dissolve the wax already on the surface however, it is best to periodically remove the old wax with mineral spirits or the dirt in the surface wax becomes gooey.As to wax, it's only real value is tactile. It makes the surface feel nicer. Polyurethane is added to varnish to make it more scratch resistant and heat resistant so wax is not required for this purpose.
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