Decades ago, before the advent of EPA rules, water-based varnishes etc, I got into wood working and loved it. At the time the finish of choice was an alkyd-based varnish: multiple coats, dust problems etc. Waxing a good varnish finish was an anethma. The only exception was wax on shellac for pteces that would take litle or no handling and no water or alcohol. Now that I’ve retired and want to get back into it, I find Pros and very advanced woodworkers using wax or some combination with wax on their best pieces. What hapened? Is it a function of the new varnishes or what? The reason for the interdiction of wax on varnish was that a good varnish finish just needs a dusting and/or a good rubing with a soft cloth and that wax would eventually cloud the surface and was difficult to remove effectively. Please advise
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It is true that wax adds little or nothing to a finish except to make it a little smoother. It adds no protection. It also can be a dust collector and is the start of an endless cycle of periodic renewal.
The only place I use wax is if I use it as part of a rub out process. I will sometimes apply a paste wax with either 4/0 steel wool or a gray scotchbrite pad to lessen the gloss.
Clearly, a properly applied and finish varnish or poly varnish finish needs no wax.
Thank you for your message--I needed that
Nat
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