How to Wax Wooden Furniture: Steps for Perfect Results

Date: 19th February 2025
Categories: Barrettine, Products

Whether you're breathing new life into a treasured antique, protecting a dining table from the rigours of family mealtimes, or adding a beautiful finish to upcycled wooden furniture, selecting the right wax or finish can feel overwhelming.

With countless products available, from traditional beeswax polishes to modern hard wax oils, how do you know which will provide the perfect balance of protection and beauty for your project?

At Barrettine, we've spent over 145 years developing and perfecting woodcare solutions, and we understand the importance of choosing the right product for your specific needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about waxing wooden furniture, from preparation to maintenance, ensuring you achieve professional results that will stand the test of time.

The benefits of waxing wooden furniture

A proper wood wax finish offers multiple advantages for your furniture. The application of wax creates a robust protective barrier against moisture and daily wear while simultaneously bringing out the natural colour of the wood.

Traditional furniture wax, including natural wax products like beeswax polish, can provide a deep shine and attractive finish. However, modern alternatives like hard wax oil offer superior durability with significantly less maintenance requirements. The right wax will not only protect your furniture but also create a sheen that highlights the wood's natural beauty.

The advantages of hard wax oil

When looking for the perfect finish to apply to wooden furniture, hard wax oil is an ideal choice.

Hard wax oils penetrate deep into the wood, creating a strong bond that won't crack, peel, or flake over time. When damage occurs, spot repairs can be easily made without the need for extensive sanding. The finish maintains a natural appearance that enhances the wood grain rather than masking it.

Why choose a hard wax oil over a traditional varnish?

While varnish creates a protective layer on top of the wood, hard wax oil penetrates deeply, nourishing and protecting the timber. Hard wax oil provides superior resistance to scuffs and scratches while allowing the wood to breathe natural -  and it is also  easier to touch up compared to varnish!

Introducing Barrettine Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil

At Barrettine, we believe our Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil represents the gold standard of hard wax oils.

Carefully developed to ensure a superior formula, this product combines natural soya oils, linseed oil, and carnauba wax to create a durable finish that's both beautiful and practical.

Unlike conventional varnishes, this microporous formulation penetrates deep into the wood while creating a tough, protective surface that won't crack, peel, flake, or blister.

The finish is certified Food and Toy Safe to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3 standards, making it perfect for kitchen worktops, dining tables, and children's furniture.

Available in both matt and satin finishes, Armourflex® brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain while providing protection against stains, dirt, and daily wear. Its water-repellent properties guard against spills, while the breathable nature of the finish allows the wood to maintain its natural moisture balance.

What truly sets Armourflex® apart is its exceptional repairability - unlike traditional varnishes that require complete sanding and refinishing when damaged, Armourflex® can be spot-repaired easily, making it particularly practical for frequently used furniture pieces.

Removing old finishes

Before applying any new coating, it's crucial to remove the existing finish thoroughly. For stubborn varnish or multiple layers of old wax, Barrettine’s Paint Panther is an excellent solution.

This non-caustic gel stripper clings effectively to vertical surfaces, making it ideal for furniture restoration. The gel consistency ensures excellent coverage and prevents runs on vertical surfaces.

To use Paint Panther effectively, apply it generously to the surface, allow it to work for the recommended time, then scrape away the softened finish. The product's reduced evaporation rate boosts stripping efficiency, while its lower odour makes it more pleasant to use than traditional strippers.

Always test on a small area first and ensure good ventilation during use. Paint Panther can remove up to 1.5 square metres of coating per 500ml, depending on the number of layers and type of finish.

Guide to applying wax on wooden furniture

Achieving the perfect finish requires careful preparation and application.

Once you’ve removed any old finishes or varnishes with Paint Panther, clean and wipe down all surfaces with Barrettine White Spirit or Methylated Spirit and allow the wood to dry completely before sanding.

You can then begin sanding the wood to a smooth finish using 120-150 grit sandpaper. Intricate areas around handles, carvings, and joints may prove difficult to reach; for these challenging spaces, flexible sanding pads can be folded or curved to reach into awkward corners and grooves. Wooden dowels wrapped with sandpaper are also useful for working in curved and round details.

Remove all dust thoroughly using a vacuum and wipe down all surfaces with Barrettine White Spirit or Methylated Spirit and allow the wood to dry.

Stir Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil well before use to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed. Apply the product sparingly in the direction of the wood grain using a short-pile roller, high-quality brush, or lint-free cloth. Remove any excess with a lint-free cloth.

Allow 4 hours of drying time under normal conditions (23°C, 50% humidity). For best results, leave overnight before light use.

One layer will usually be sufficient, but if needed, lightly sand the surface and apply a second thin layer. Tight-grain hardwoods typically require less product to achieve the optimal finish.

Always work in a well-ventilated area and remember to dispose of oily cloths safely in water to prevent self-combustion.

Touching up your finish over time

One of the main advantages of Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is the ease of ongoing maintenance.

When addressing small marks or damage, begin by cleaning the affected area thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. If necessary, lightly buff with fine sandpaper to smooth any raised areas.

Apply a thin coat of oil to the damaged section using a lint-free cloth. Carefully blend the new application into the surrounding area using gentle circular motions.

Allow the repair to dry completely before resuming normal use of the furniture.

Maintenance for long-lasting results

Proper maintenance will significantly extend the life of your wood wax finish.

• Clean surfaces regularly using a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and prevent scratching.
• Never use excess moisture or steam cleaning methods, as these can compromise the protective finish.
• Remember to place furniture pads under heavy items to prevent denting and scratching.
• Address  and wipe spills immediately

Regular attention to these maintenance requirements will ensure your protective finish remains beautiful and effective for years to come, maintaining both the colour of your wood and its protective qualities. The investment in proper care will pay dividends in the longevity and appearance of your wooden furniture.

Applying wax on wooden furniture: find your local Barrettine stockist today

For the highest quality results in your wooden furniture projects, choose Barrettine's range of professional wood care products. Our extensive experience and commitment to innovation ensure you'll achieve the perfect finish every time.

Barrettine Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is available through an extensive nationwide network of stockists, including retailers such as Wickes.

If you'd like to find your nearest stockist or require expert advice on your specific project, please get in touch.

You can complete our online contact form for detailed information or speak directly with our knowledgeable team by sending your enquiry to sales@barrettine.co.uk. Our expert team will be happy to assist you with any queries about achieving the perfect wood wax finish for your furniture.