Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Jun 16, 2021 04:09pm | #1

   Alcohol dissolves wax, heat softens it so it can be easily scraped. (think hair-dryer, not torch) A combination of the two should work. Use them depending on how thick of a buildup there is. Change out your rags more often than you want to so you're not just moving the wax around.

   If there is a film finish under the wax you can proceed to prepping for a finish once it is wax-free. If it does not have a film finish I would sand away the surface to be certain there are no waxy deposits before finishing.

2. 
   gulfstar | Jun 16, 2021 04:17pm | #2

   The go to solvent for wax is turpentine.

1. 
   john_c2 | Jun 16, 2021 06:40pm | #4

   I make my own waxes, soft, medium and hard, using a few different formulas. I use real turpentine to dissolve the raw wax.

1. 
   pcinoregon | Jun 18, 2021 03:11pm | #6

   Thanks that seems to be the consensus

3. 
   mikaol | Jun 16, 2021 05:58pm | #3

   You can get a reasonable ($20) heat gun at any big box store. Get one with adjustable heat & speed.
   Turpentine, wow. Probably the only chemical I don't keep in my shop & I use a lot of wax. Never had to remove any, though. Thanks, I never would've thought of that.
   Mikaol

4. 
   _mj_ | Jun 16, 2021 07:34pm | #5

   Downside to turps is possible soak-in and smell afterwards. I built a cabinet where I used it to wetsand shellac. It worked great, but some got into corners and there is still a smell years later.

5. 
   mikaol | Jun 18, 2021 05:33pm | #7

   A word to the wise... Thanks to you _MJ_, I learned something new today.
   Mikaol

6. 
   hoovermd | Jun 19, 2021 11:12pm | #8

   Gum Turps is amazing albeit as others have mentioned pretty stinky.

   Real Gum turpentine is distilled from wood, whereas mineral spirits turpentine is produced from petroleum.

   Turpentine is a tried and true folk remedy for parasites.. nut sure I'd be drinking it tho...

1. 
   john_c2 | Jun 20, 2021 06:52am | #9

   People do strange things with the high quality turps. Hipsters like to use it on their beards for some reason.

2. 
   flyfisher111 | Jun 30, 2021 06:55pm | #10

   Love that smell

7. 
   periodcraftsmen | Jul 01, 2021 09:02am | #11

   Mohawk offers a wax remover. Just be careful of solvent you use for it may effect the finish below it. Miners
   Spirits and steel wool works great. Just wipe away the residue once the hazing of mineral spirits occurs and smells a lot better than turpentine. Wear gloves no matter what solvent you decide to use.

8. 
   Madbum | Jul 01, 2021 12:19pm | #12

   Warm soapy water is a great start to any surface that has a build up. It won’t dissolve the wax but neither will alcohol dissolve grease or years of grime.
   So get a microfiber towel or a huck rag and really clean the surface- then proceed to denatured alcohol. IMHO turp smells so bad and lingers so long you’ll not enjoy the process at all.