How to Make a Beeswax Wood Finish

There are many wood finishers available on the market; however beeswax is the perfect natural base ingredient for finish. Applying a beeswax finish to bare wood will help to protect it from scratches, water damage and wear and will also give it a beautiful, natural glow. Beeswax finish is easy and affordable to make at home and can be used on any type of wood.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Linseed oil
• Sauce pan
• Beeswax
• Double boiler
• Turpentine
• Soft cotton cloth
• Wool cloth

1. Bring 1 pint of linseed oil to a boil in a regular sauce pan and set aside to cool. Do not allow the linseed oil to burn, or it will add a dark color to the finish. Once boiling, remove from heat immediately.

2. Melt 1 pound of beeswax slowly in a double boiler and remove from heat. Never heat beeswax in a standard pan, as it can easily catch fire when exposed to direct heat.

3. Add the linseed oil to the melted beeswax and stir in 1 pint of turpentine. Odorless turpentine is best if you can find it.

4. Apply a light layer of the beeswax wood finish a dab at a time with a soft cotton cloth. Once dry, reapply if necessary. When finished, buff the surface with a wool cloth. It is best to apply the finish when warm, so reheat the beeswax mixture before use.

Tips & Warnings

• When refinishing wood, remove the older layers of your beeswax finish with an organic solvent, such as turpentine.

• This beeswax finish can also be used to protect, preserve and restore leather.