Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Jan 18, 2023 02:51pm | #1

   Alcohol dissolves wax. Give it a good clean, don't skimp on changing rags. I would not apply shellac on top of paste wax.

1. 
   john_c2 | Jan 18, 2023 03:14pm | #3

   If you want to use Arm-R-Seal, strip the wax, and skip the shellac.

2. 
   bilyo | Jan 18, 2023 03:01pm | #2

   Assuming you are talking about regular paste wax and not the finishing products that include wax, you would be best advised to thoroughly wash the work piece with mineral spirits (paint thinner) to dissolve and wash away the wax. It may take more than one application. Then lightly sand the surface with 220 grit and apply a coat of dewaxed shellac (Zinnser's Seal Coat). Then apply what ever finish you like.

3. 
   user-7539732 | Jan 18, 2023 03:46pm | #4

   Thanks Guys, I was told once (at woodcraft) that nothing removes wax once applied, of the two mentioned does Mineral Spirits work better than Alcohol or visa-versa?

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   user-7627473 | Jan 18, 2023 07:00pm | #5

   I use mineral spirits to remove wax as a general rule

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   stevieray | Jan 19, 2023 05:58am | #7

   Mineral spirits dissolves wax very well. It is useful in thinning wax for application, and if flooded on and mopped up will remove most. I've removed wax from non-bare-wood surfaces with no trouble, for instance when I want to apply another coat of finish after years of wear, but I believe you are right to be concerned about getting all the way back with no wax at all that will interfere with adhesion. You probably will have to do the mineral spirits and then sand substantially.

3. 
   richeytgr | Jan 19, 2023 11:03am | #9

   Note to self: don’t listen to woodcraft.

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   user-7539732 | Jan 19, 2023 11:39pm | #10

   "Apparently" But just now I recall I was actually at a Rockler Store ! LOL

4. 
   bilyo | Jan 18, 2023 08:12pm | #6

   I don't know, but a google search may tell you.

5. 
   JerryC2023 | Jan 19, 2023 06:12am | #8

   Generally speaking, mineral spirits and naphtha are active solvents for wax. Both are aliphatic hydrocarbons. You could add a few aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene or xylene. Now the next question is what kind of wax. I assuming any paste wax normally applied to a piece of wood furniture which includes bees wax and carnauba wax. Any wax which has silicone in it such as a wax designed for automotive painted surfaces cannot be cleaned with ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is not an active solvent for silicone. That is why shellac flakes dissolved in denatured ethyl alcohol is a great barrier coat when sprayed on. It locks in the contamination.

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   user-7539732 | Jan 19, 2023 11:47pm | #11

   I believe it was Naphtha I was trying to remember a trusted "Tuber" had proclaimed took wax off, I had not felt Mineral Spirits would work so didn't give it a try, Thanks Jerry. Really Appreciated !