In this step, you’ll want to use the double boiler method, which includes floating a saucepan with the ingredients in another pan half-filled with water. The technique is safer since it does not highly interfere with the integrity of the ingredients. Step 2 Beeswax can be quite difficult to remove completely. You can use a strong solvent like mineral spirits or turpentine to strip the wax, although these are strong chemicals that can be unpleasant to work with. Unfortunately, this also makes the wax attract dust and dirt, so you will need to clean and polish waxed surfaces more regularly. When to use beeswax and when to use polyurethane? Beeswax has different grades and also comes in different forms and types. It has four grades: p harmaceutical / cosmetic grade, general use/industrial grade, organic and raw.

Heat the double boiler/pans on medium heat until the beeswax is melted. Stirring it will help speed things up but don’t be tempted to turn your heat up too high. There’s a chance that boiling water will splash into your oils. After the previous set, you’ll now heat on a medium level until all the beeswax has melted. If you want the heating process to be a bit faster, consider stirring the ingredients rather than increasing the heat level. Doing this will help prevent boiling water from splashing into your components. Step 3 Place both the beeswax and the olive oil into a double boiler such as demonstrated in the image below. You can make a double boiler by floating a saucepan inside another pan filled with hot water. You want your oils heated indirectly and evenly in this way because it’s safer for you and helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients. If you’re familiar with any type of wax, you’ll know that running your nails over a waxed surface can leave a scratch. Although beeswax designed to finish wood has been treated to harden somewhat, this is still unavoidable.The entire process will only take at least 30 minutes of your time, then allow the end product to cool for a couple of hours. The best part is that you can use it immediately after it cools. The two ingredients combine to form a semi-hard wax ideal for most woods since they can restore the beautiful sheen on the wood surface. Beeswax is an excellent wood finish when you need something that is non-toxic, food-safe and doesn’t need to be highly waterproof or durable. Beeswax or beeswax polish for wood, when applied to wood gives it a natural shine, absorbs itself in the wood fibers, and also seals it. The sealing means that the wood repels any additional moisture whether it be from water, another polish, or chemical. After adding the thinner, it’s time to do the mixing. You can use an electric burner to boil a pot of water, then place the beeswax in a stainless bowl and immerse the bowl in the water. The method helps to melt the wax slowly. For the best results, consider mixing the beeswax, thinner, and oil with a ratio of 2:1:1. Finally, beeswax isn’t as durable as other finishes like polyurethane. Beeswax may offer some water and scratch resistance, but it’s not as effective as other options you’ll find in the market. It also doesn’t last long and is prone to heat damage.

Consider reapplying the wax after some time since wood is a natural material and will still absorb more wax after a while. Reapplying is the best remedy since it will make the surface more resistant to water, dust, and many more. But that also depends on the absorption capacity of the wood. In the case of restored old furniture, the absorption capacity is usually no longer particularly high. However, if you’ve made a great piece of furniture or a children’s toy from scratch from untreated wood, you’ll need to apply at least two layers of beeswax. When the beeswax is applied for the first time on wooden furniture you must give it at least two to three coats. Wait for about three to four hours before applying the next coat. If you use beeswax to finish a wooden bowl or plate, it’s best to keep these things away from high heat and only use them to handle cold cuts or salads. 3. Needs To Be Reapplied RegularlyTo make beeswax finish, you’ll need to have the required ingredients and then follow the step-wise procedure that takes only 20 minutes to complete. The first step involves melting the beeswax in a double boiler at temperatures of around 300 degrees F. However, ensure to be very careful since beeswax is flammable.

The other fact about beeswax is the antifungal properties that protect the wood from various fungus and the growth of yeasts. One of the major threats posed by the use of wood finish products is on the chemicals they use. Beeswax, being a natural product, is fully safe for your health with no chemicals. For furniture that has become damaged by scratches and damage due to the heat or being exposed to the sunlight you can use beeswax to “repair” it. Just apply beeswax on the affected areas and it will hide the damage. 7. Restores the natural beauty of the woodWithout letting it cool, mix it with the turpentine and stir until it is a completely homogeneous compound. Now we will let it cool before applying. To ensure that the Beeswax becomes fully waterproof on the surface of the wood, you will need to use 100% beeswax without additives together with a wood finishing oil. You can consider using a wood finishing oil such as Tung Oil or Linseed Oil.