How to Apply Paste Wax Over Polyurethane

Protect your wooden pieces with a polyurethane coating and paste wax.

Paste wax is a coating used to protect wooden furniture from scratches, scuffs and moisture. Paste wax is considered old- fashioned, and many would argue that modern finishes -- lacquer, varnish or polyurethane, for example -- are more durable and easier to apply. There's still a place for the paste-wax enthusiast, though -- makers of wooden furniture are finding new uses for it. Paste wax applied over a polyurethane finish gives wood an unparalleled shine. It also fills in small scuffs and scratches, giving your furniture a smooth finish.

Things You'll Need

• Oil soap
• Water
• Rag
• Paste wax
• Lint-free soft cotton cloths

Instructions

1. Clean the surface of your wooden furniture with a mild oil soap and water. The polyurethane surface must be free of dust and dirt. Leave to dry.

2. Take a lump of wax from the paste wax can and place it in the center of the soft cloth. Knead it with both hands until it becomes soft and pliable.

3. Twist up the cloth so that it forms a ball. Wipe the ball of wax over the surface of your furniture. As the wax seeps through the cloth, it'll form a sheen on the wooden surface. Only apply wax to a small area at a time.

4. Wait for the solvent to evaporate. You'll know it's evaporated when the wax becomes hazy. Quickly wipe the wax off with a clean cloth. Buff the surface until it shines.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wait too long between applying the wax and buffing, the wax will become hard and difficult to remove. Simply apply a fresh layer of wax; the solvent it contains will soften the wax on the table, enabling you to remove it. (This is why you should only apply wax to a small area at a time.)

• Protect your wax finish by cleaning up spills quickly. Use coasters to avoid condensation.

• Dust regularly to keep your furniture clean.

• Reapply wax when you can no longer buff it to a shine.

• The solvent in the paste wax may harm surfaces that aren't cured or are coated with a water-based finish. Test a small, inconspicuous patch before applying the wax.

References

• "Wood Magazine"; Wax the Perfect Protection for Furniture?; Amy Elbert; June 1989
• AntiqueRestorers.com: How and When to Use Paste Wax