Applying wax

A rather simple question. I am wondering how people go about applying paste wax to already oiled pieces?

I have always simply used a rag dipped into the paste wax, rub it into the grain, wait 15min or so and buff with a clean rag. It works great, but sometimes it seems to me like there might be a better way. I also recall reading someone mention using 0000 Steel wool for applying wax, and was wondering about the pros of that approach.

Alright, thanks for any advice and hope this isn't too simple of a question

Andrew

"Tattooed and Dusty" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

I use synthetic pads, for the reason that I have some, and have often used oak in my projects. Steel wool and oak offer potential problems...

But recycled terry towels, t-shirts, and well washed old cloth baby diapers also are favorites.

Patriarch

Patriarch, As always thanks for the comments. Makes sense, maybe I will try the steel wool on this project

"Tattooed and Dusty" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

You're welcome.

Patriarch

Patriarch wrote in news:Xns9690AD2937C3Fpatriarchatcomcastdo@216.196.97.136:

How so? (grain related? or chemical related?)

Curiously,

JT

Back in my lurking days I gave 0000 and the synthetic version a try based on Patriarch's recommendations and can heartily say it is worth a go!

Steel wool remnants + moisture = rust/black stains on the oak.

--------------------------------------------------- I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol. ---------------------------------------------------

Chemical. Tannin and steel don't get along. Add a bit of damp, and you get black spots - ferric (?) tannate.

For that matter, why steel wool? Dreadful stuff that gets dust everywhere. If you want to scratch a surface, use 400 SiC. Or use satin varnish.

everywhere.

To remove the dust nibs in your satin varnish. I find a finish to be much more "Touchable" after wax/wool. Although I have never tried it, I suspect SiC would not hold the was as well.

If I were just applying a wax on raw wood, I would just use a cloth.

-Steve

Larry Jaques wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Ok, that makes sense .. but why oak moreso than other woods?

Being dense today, JT

High concentration of tannic acid...

"George" wrote in news:42d3f0f0 snipped-for-privacy@newspeer2.tds.net:

George,

Thanks -- between your post and Larry's -- I got it.

Regards,

JT

"Knothead" wrote in news:1121181440.0098105a3552499ffd6cedb30b062857@teranews:

Just to be clear, this method predates ME by a very, very long time.

Patriarch, puzzling the wisdom of the ancients daily...

RE: Subject

Several folks have suggested using steel wool.

SFWIW, since steel rusts, if you don't get rid of 110% of the residue, you have a problem.

I use either bronze wool or any of a number of 3M pads as an alternate to steel wool.

Lew

It may be the density of tannic acid in oaks, but don't quote me on it. SWAG.

- Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't zigzag? -

I picked up a box of 20 gray (ultra fine) ScotchBrite pads from Enco for $12 last month when they were on sale. Those and a box of maroon (fine) 7447s I bought last year ought to last me awhile.

- Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't zigzag? -

Always a brush. Fairly stiff, so it buffs out well. Not a rag, as that pulls tight over the edges and rub the wax off (if not the oil and the shape of the corner too).

I also use rotary plastic "wire brushes" in a small corded drill. These are nominally abrasive (grit filled plastic) and are what I use to polish copper, they'll even brush-finish steel. On wood though, they have no visible effect at all, they're just a good wax burnisher.

Minimal wax over plain oak and very heavy power brushing

I like to put a lump of wax onto a square of T-shirt material (always white) and fold it, allowing the wax to exude through the material, so as to apply thin controlled coats.

There are those who like to glob it on and take off the excess, but my take on a wax finish is that it is best applied in thin coats and rubbed in, in stages, so as to control the look of the color and reflectivity.

Tom Watson - WoodDorker tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (email)

Steel+oak=black stains. Guess how I know.