Applying paste wax to wood is a key process that requires time and patience. You want your woodworking project to have a stunning finish and long-lasting protection, but it can be hard to decide which paste wax to use and how often to reapply it when needed.
Paste waxes give shine and protection to the wood. Well-applied paste wax protects against water, dirt, and other contaminants that can damage your project over time. It provides a protective barrier that will help your project stay dry and look great for years to come. They’re also easy to remove when you need to re-wax your table or chair.
Waxing wood furniture can be a daunting task. Finding the right paste wax for wood can be a challenge. It can be difficult to find the right type of wax for the project you’re working on. Paste waxes offer an easy-to-apply solution. They’re less messy to use than traditional waxes, and they come in a variety of colors to match any type of wood.
We have carefully selected our favorite products to offer you a curated selection of the best paste wax for woodworking:
Best Wood Paste Wax for Woodworking
SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste Wax
Pros
- Safe to use on many surfaces
- Imported Carnauba wax
- It gives shine and protection
- Cleans and protects at the same time
Cons
- Item has to be stain-free for at least 3-4 days prior to waxing.
- It may not be applicable for marble tiles.
This is an all-purpose paste wax for wood. SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste goes the extra mile for customer satisfaction. It restores wooden pieces back to their former glory while protecting them from early degradation.
From cleaning wood or metal surfaces to leather or vinyl or plastic, SC Johnson has you covered. This multi-surface paste wax for wood restores and protects your woodworking project.
It is an excellent product for trying out your antique furniture at home, or worn-out items as well. SC Johnson has formulated a premium blend that includes imported carnauba wax, a wax that comes from the carnauba palm tree. It adds shine and protection when applied to a surface.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.25 x 4.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Color | Clear |
Trewax Clear Paste Wax
Pros
- Perfect for a long-wearing finish.
- Great on fine furniture, hardwood floors, and fine grain wood
- Dries quickly and is non-slip.
Cons
- It is not food safe.
- Requires time and effort to buff.
The Brazilian Carnauba Wax restores all kinds of finishes to their original condition. The wax adds a great luster and durability that should last you a long time.
It only takes one coat to create this amazing finish that can be applied to surfaces such as hardwood floors, fine furniture, and it’s even safe for granite and marble which adds to the versatility of the product.
It is non-slip and quick-drying; the wax leaves your floor looking beautiful and feeling silky smooth – so great on granite or marble surfaces!
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 4.75 x 4.75 x 3.4 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Finish Types | Bronze |
| Included Components | Trewax Paste Wax, Clear, 12.35-Ounce |
Minwax Paste Finishing Wax
Pros
- It’s easy to apply and dries quickly.
- Can be used on furniture, antiques, woodwork that don’t require a thick coating.
- Coats and protects hardwood.
Cons
- Doesn’t give a shine or glossy finish.
Minwax Paste Finishing Wax is a revolutionary blend of carnauba and beeswax naturally derived. Its unique formula helps protect and give your favorite pieces a beautiful, polished glossy look.
To use Minwax Paste Finishing wax, just apply the paste. It is perfect for any items which don’t require coats of protective sealants. You can use it on different products from furniture, and woodwork to even antiques. The finished wax leaves your surfaces looking polished and protected. It’s an eco-friendly way to maintain the look of your special heirlooms so you can enjoy them for years.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Size | 1 lb. |
| Color | Natural |
| Material | Paste |
Lundmark Carnauba Clear Paste Wax
Pros
- Applicable for marble, terrazzo floors, wood paneling, woodwork, and cabinets.
- Multipurpose as varnish and cleaner.
- Protects the waxed item from rust.
Cons
- Clear waxes can turn white over time.
It has a unique cleaning formula built from a hard-working blend of carnauba wax and beeswax. It is infused with a special rust-treatment agent that will treat any scratches or scrapes. It also helps in removing unsightly stains and oxidization that may be present on the surface.
The purpose of Lundmark Carnauba Clear paste is to clean as well as strengthen the wood.
It is also great for use in sealants and varnishes.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Specific Uses For Product | Cleans |
| Included Components | Floor-cleaners |
Lundmark Carnauba Amber Paste Wax
Pros
- Helps preserve timber from discoloration.
- It works as a polish and a cleanser.
Cons
- For use on wooden surfaces, floors, and furniture only
Carnauba cleaning formula leaves a fortified hardened film of wax
There are many surfaces in your home that wax can be applied to. There are so many products for waxing surfaces that you don’t want to risk using the wrong product on parts of your home. This is especially important if you have wooden floors, cabinets, paneling, or any other part of your home that has wood that needs protecting.
Carnauba Wax functions as both a polish and a cleanser, combining the two is a one-in-all approach to convenient completion of your cleaning chores either inside or outside your home.
The idea is simple only reach out for a single product with which you will instantly remove residues from any surface. It will also give you a finished look on wood, marble, slate, terrazzo floors, wood paneling, woodwork cabinets, furniture and other items in your home by creating an appealing finish on them that will keep worry away.
Since Carnauba Wax is enriched with antioxidants that help preserve the timber from discoloration or splitting due to severe conditions such as moisture it is an all-rounder when it comes to the protection of wooden surfaces.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Specific Uses For Product | Cleans |
| Included Components | Cleaning-supplies |
Interstate WoodWorks Beeswax Paste Wood Finish and Polish
Pros
- Wax is good for any type of wood.
- It can be used on all types of furniture, including floors.
- No polishing is required.
- It is non-toxic.
Cons
- Not recommended for painted products.
- Not applicable for leather products.
Natural Bumble Bee Finishing Wax supplies all-natural beeswax, real fruit extracts, and rich oils to wood surfaces. Infused with quality ingredients, this is an amazing wood wax. It adds shine and beauty to furniture while protecting against surface damage.
Interstate Beeswax is an all-natural wood finish that can be used as a sealer and gives a fresh look to old, faded wooden surfaces. It enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing additional protection. This rustic product is perfect whether you have an old piece of furniture or other wooden items which needs a little bit of love and care.
It is powerful enough to protect highly finished woods like cherry or oak that need extra protection yet gentle enough for use on unfinished woods like pine or cedar that will darken more easily under sealers. Plus, no damage occurs to surfaces or possessions underneath because it’s non-toxic.
The naturally-derived beeswax finishes wood, sealing the surface with a smooth, uniform shine. It works for wooden toys, dinnerware, or cutlery. Whether your project requires a food-safe finish or not, this all-purpose wood conditioner will give it an added layer of protection and subtle shine.
No polishing required. Just spread it evenly with a clean, dry cloth or spoon so that it can soak in evenly.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 4.69 x 4.37 x 2.44 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 6.25 Ounces |
Howard Citrus Shield Neutral Paste Wax
Pros
- It can be used as a varnish and a protectant.
- Works best for furniture, cabinets etc.
- Protects the waxed item from stains.
- It is waterproof.
Cons
- It doesn’t give a high glossy shine.
- Mainly applicable for the raw or unfinished surface.
Citrus Shield Paste Wax blends the power of real orange oil into a premium coating of carnauba wax to polish and protect your furniture, floors, and woodwork.
Citrus Shield Paste Wax takes cleaning to a whole new level. It is made from the finest ingredients, all combined together to give you a shine whilst protecting your furniture from stains and other blemishes.
This product works wonders on almost every surface, from wood, fiberglass, and plaster to leather, tile, linoleum, and acrylic bathtubs. With this paste wax, you can create a deep, high gloss finish with just one easy application.
This product can be used on many types of wood surfaces. It works best on furniture, cabinets, paneling, and other items that are not finished.
Howard Premium Paste Wax not only provides protection but also helps enhance the natural wood grain beneath it. It contains a UV inhibitor that protects from sun fade. It goes on easily with no residue and buffs to a brilliant shine.
It repels water and provides protection with a carnauba wax barrier. This high-end formula was designed to fortify an infinite number of finishes, cabinetry, wainscoting, and antiques.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 13.6 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 2.5 inches |
| Size | 11 oz |
| Color | Neutral |
| Usage | Cleans |
Staples Carnauba Clear Paste Wax
Pros
- It brings out a brilliant gloss and shine.
- It helps protects the wood from UV rays and mold.
- It is waterproof and gives protection from moisture.
- It protects the waxed item from wear and tear.
Cons
- It takes a long time to buff.
- It is not suited well for outdoor products.
Staples Carnauba Clear Paste Wax gives you the protection and luster of a solid gold floor. It protects your surfaces from wear and tear.
Carnauba-rich formula was specially created to provide unsurpassed protection for wood, floors, and furniture. Staples Carnauba Clear Paste wax helps protect wood floors from liquids and offers a water-proof coating. It restores the original brilliance of several finishes.
With its high content of carnauba, which is known for its durability and shine. It brings out the richness and luster in any shade of wood.
Its unique formula helps protect all wood types from damage due to moisture, UV rays, or mold/mildew growth.
Carnauba wax is naturally-hard, which means that our products offer unmatched durability and shine because of the unique finish it offers. The best part? You save time by not having to polish your floor every week.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.25 x 4.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Color | Clear |
Types of Paste Wax
Beeswax
Beeswax is an animal-based that has been used as a furniture polish. It is one of the oldest types of wax that has been used for centuries. As its name implies, Beeswax comes from bees. The wax is fit for use only after it is finely grated and then dissolved in turpentine.
However, pure beeswax provides very little protection to the furniture. It is soft and becomes sticky over time, so other waxes were created to replace it.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax and is one of the most common vegetable waxes. The Carnauba wax is obtained from the leaves of the Carnauba palm tree. Carnauba wax is hard but offers the dual advantage of high shine and protection. It can also be used on furniture, as it is hardy, and it can be quite tough to buff to get that glossy look. For this reason, most commercial carnauba paste wax formula includes beeswax for easier application.
Carnauba- heavy floor waxes are mainly marketed to the flooring industry as they are quite hardy and heavy. It requires a power buff or hard labor to completely buff the floor to really shine.
Blended Wax
Blended wax is usually a combination of carnauba wax with some mineral oil or petroleum jelly, or paraffin oil to a fine, hypoallergenic blend. It is made up of an oil wax mixture, microcrystalline, and paraffin small beads.
Carnauba is derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree (also called palm wax) and is an excellent natural shine booster. While paraffin and microcrystalline wax are man-made substances and not as good at protecting your wood as carnauba, which actually sits on the surface of your furniture to protect it. It can be used on a variety of materials, from wood floors to acrylics.
Wood Paste Wax vs. Wood Oil
Waxing or oiling your wood is something you should do to maintain its appearance. But how do you decide which one to use? You want your furniture to look as good as it felt, but what are the best products for the job? Wax or Oil? This is the question.
Let’s take a look at what each has to offer.
Paste wax will stay on the surface of the wood, protecting it from dirt and stains. Since the wax acts as a top coat on the wood, it is less likely to leave blemishes too. It provides more of a protective advantage over oil.
Wood oil might not have many protective properties, as it tends to seep into the wood. Oil is much preferred if you are looking into enhancing the color of the wood. Supposedly the oil that is absorbed by the wood brings out the color.
Well, some of the waxes that we have seen contain a little bit of oil too. So, there’s no need to choose between the two. Go ahead and check out the products we have mentioned for any of your projects. It’s a win-win situation.
How to Apply Paste Wax on Wood
Waxing is a great way to protect your wood surfaces, but doing so requires care. Use these tips to make the process easier and more enjoyable. The steps below will show you how to properly apply paste wax on your woodworking projects, wood furniture, or hardwood floors.
1. Clean Surface Thoroughly
Clean the surface well to ensure that there is no dust or oil. Having dirt particles on the surface can prevent the wax from sticking well.
2. Apply with a Rag
You can use a rag to apply the wood wax onto an object. It is recommended that you start at a corner and move in a circular motion until the entire surface is covered with wax. In order to get a good finish, you have to take your time.
3. Use a Soft Brush to Apply to Carved Details
If the wood is not flat, it may be difficult to cover details or small spaces. You have to use a stiff-bristled brush or a rag and give the wood a thorough going over; a brush or toothbrush works for this. It will allow you to cover more surfaces and reach those hard-to-reach places.
4. Remove Excess Paste Wax with Wax Brush
Apply the wax to a small area of the furniture, then use the brush to spread the wax into an even layer. Remember that applying too much at one time can leave your furniture feeling sticky or greasy. After buffing out any excess wax, you will need to wait several hours before adding more wax.
After the wax has been applied to the wood, we recommend that you use a stiff brush to remove any excess paste wax. This will help keep your furniture in tip-top shape and looking like new for many years!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all paste waxes food safe?
While most paste waxes are non-toxic, many woodworkers prefer natural carnauba waxes for its food-safe properties. However, they are usually more expensive than petroleum-based waxes, although most high-grade waxes are non-toxic, with few exceptions.
While the majority of wood paste waxes are safe for cutting boards, a few of them contain potentially harmful medicinal properties that can contaminate food. Although they are most commonly found in woodwork, waxes like carnauba and paraffin are not considered safe for anything that food will come into contact with.
What color wax should you use?
Try to match the color of the wax with the wood you’re using. It is important to match the color of your finish as closely as possible with the tone and hue of the wood you’re working with. Clear waxes can sometimes turn white over time, so for pieces of dark wood furniture, they are not always the wisest choice.
If you are using a colored wax, use it on a scrap of wood first and see how it looks so you can avoid the potential pitfall of using a wax that turns out to be too light or dark for an aesthetic that works best with your piece’s design.
Can you apply a finish on top of paste wax?
The final coat of paint shouldn’t be applied until the surface is ready to accept it. The last layer to be applied should always be the paste wax.
Does paste wax need to be reapplied?
Wood, like other organic and natural materials, reacts and changes based on its environment and how it’s used. Different environments will require different frequencies of application.
It depends on the wood and its application. It depends if the wood is exposed to direct sunlight or elements such as rain. For instance, if the item is left outside it would be good to reapply once every three months, if the item is indoors, you may have to reapply once a year or two.
Outdoor furniture needs to be protected if it isn’t already sealed or varnished (depending on the finish) and needs to be re-stripped and repainted every 1-2 years; otherwise, it will eventually begin to crack and chip.
Closing Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our article about paste wax. The post was intended to help you out with a decision that you may be facing if you need a new paste wax product.
A lot of people are looking for paste wax that is lower in price, and we recommend the S C Johnson fine wood paste wax. It is made of fine wood powder. The paste wax has the advantages of having good penetration and being easy to polish, not greasy. It is popular now as it is suitable for furniture, cabinets, wooden floors, wooden tables, etc. It can be used for interior decoration.
We hope that it has been able to provide you with the information that you need to make a good decision about a new paste wax.