5 Best Paste Wax for Wood [Reddit Choices]
Wood wax has been the perfect and economical choice for every professional craftsman. It helps to retain or renew old surfaces of wood. This product has been in the market for over centuries. The wood does not absorb paste wood wax; instead, it remains on the top to protect the surface.
Moreover, wax is applied on wood surfaces for many benefits. This includes protecting it against the accumulation of dirt and other invisible elements. In addition, it provides mild protection against water. Finally, many woodworkers embrace wood paste waxes because they are very easy to use.
Unlike other wax, it provides a natural finish without changing the colour of wood items. Therefore, wood wax saves you the cost and time of replacing your old or dull furniture. There are many types of paste wax for food in the market. Below review and buying guide.
Top 5 Best Paste Wax for Wood reviews
1. Minwax 785004444 Paste Finishing Wax
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Minwax wax is very effective and does not need any additional protective coat. This paste wax delivers a shiny and unblemished look. In addition, it does not have tin wood, unlike Polyurethane. These characteristics make it perfect for sealing chalk paint projects to add a beautiful, natural feeling to the finished surface.
Furthermore, the wax dries off very quickly, making it a convenient choice for every woodworker. Its price is very pocket-friendly. Minwax finishing wax is very economical and only requires a single coat to add a nice polished look on a wood surface.
Minwax is a very popular paste wax in the market today. It can be used on different items, including; antiques, furniture, woodwork, cabinets, and panelling. This wax helps protect and also adds an attractive lustre to a finished wood surface. In addition, it’s super easy to use with fewer drips and spills.
Pros
- Requires a single coat only
- It leaves the right amount of shine
- It dries off quickly
- Ideal for sealing chalk paint projects.
- It has a good value for money.
Cons
- The odor is a deal-breaker for sensitive people.
- There are some reports of delayed deliveries.
- It is not waterproof.
2. Jolie Finishing Wax
Jolie finishing wax is commonly used on cabinets, walls, interior furniture, home décor, and other accessories. It is known for its smooth texture and easy to apply. Jolie wax can also be used on chalk finish paint projects. This product is healthy, friendly and non-toxic. It is also water-based.
The wax has water-resistant properties which protect the wood from getting damp and rotting. It is also applied on surfaces to prevent rusting. Furthermore, it creates a durable flat finish and can also be buffed for a perfect sheen. No sanding or priming is required after applying it.
I recommend you apply clear finishing wax to your piece before applying coloured waxes to get the best results. Jolie finish wax can be applied on a painted surface or a bare wood surface using a Jolie wax brush. It offers its finishing wax in 40 different colours.
Pros
- Offers up to 40 different beautiful colours.
- The wax is non-toxic and eco-conscious
- It can prevent rotting and also rusting
- It is highly durable
- It spreads easily over a surface.
Cons
- Once applied, it can be very difficult to remove.
- Hard to apply on unfinished wood
- It is not food safe
3. SC Johnson Paste Wax
SC Johnson paste wax can be used on antique or any old surfaces to make them shiny and give them a new look. In addition to adding an attractive lustre to your piece, it shields your piece from dirt and stickiness. You can use it on the floor and staircases.
Unlike other waxes, SC Johnson wax blends in with old layers of wax to bring a rich, satiny lustre look. Moreover, this amazing product has a waterless formula that can clean and remove layers of old wax. So, provided it is not raining, it is safe to work on your furniture outside.
Another noteworthy is the wax’s ability to protect your wooden surface from salt and UV light damages. Sand your wood piece well before applying this wax product to avoid bumps and rugged surfaces. SC Johnson paste wax works great on painted surfaces and also engineered hardwood floors.
Pros
- Blends with old wax finish preventing the accumulation
- Protects wooden surfaces from salt and UV damages.
- It can also be used on plastic.
- It blends perfectly with old wax layers
- Provides a beautiful lustre on your surface.
Cons
- Can only work on sealed wood surfaces
- Terrible packaging
- It has a strong chemical smell
4. Trewax, Clear, Paste Wax
Trewax Paste wax is made with natural Brazilian carnauba wax, the hardest natural wax ever known. It works great on hardwood floors, granite, and fine furniture, marble, and also bronze. Moreover, the paste is very easy to spread and can cover up to 800 square feet.
Trewax Paste wax resuscitates the original shine of your wood furniture without requiring any special skills or effort. To top it off, this product gets rid of scratches and accumulated dust to leave behind a non-slip clear shine. It also dries off quickly, and buffing can be done almost immediately.
Apart from protecting wood, Trewax can also be applied to your working tools to ensure their preservation. The wax provides a lustrous and long-wearing on any surface it’s applied. This amazing product is also non-slip, making it safe to be used even on floor works.
Pros
- Restores the original brilliance of your piece
- Gets rid of scratches and stubborn dirt.
- Works well on a huge number of materials
- It can be applied to tools of work for preservation.
- Provides a long-lasting protection
Cons
- It’s a little dull
- Its smell is quite persistent.
- Difficult to achieve a smooth finish
5. SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste Wax
SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste Wax is one of the cleanest pate waxes in the market and is used on multiple surfaces for deep cleaning. It provides a long-lasting attractive finish on; all wood surfaces, leather, metal, plastic, cork, and also vinyl.
This is the best product especially on antiques or worn-out furniture, to revitalize them to a brand-new look. It’s a mixture of hard finish waxes that provides a rich and satiny lustre to a surface. Moreover, it is used to deep-clean surfaces and gives them a prolonged prissiness.
SC Johnson Fine Wood Paste Wax provides a non-slip and smooth finish on your surface. However, I recommend using this product on the only sealed wood surface since it might otherwise alter the original colour. I also suggest the application of multiple coats for the best results overall results on your surface.
Pros
- Provides a durable, smooth protective coat
- It is not slippery
- A single can lasts for long
- It provides a protective layer to metal and wood surfaces
- It is very easy to apply.
Cons
- The can may leak in hot environments
- It uses a lot of elbow grease
- Has a mild stench
Liquid Wax vs Paste Wax
More often than not, this decision lies on the preferences of the user. However, many things can be weighed upon to arrive at your final choice.
We all know that liquid wax has a higher penetration compared to paste wax. This means that it blends well with the colour of the wood surface compared to paste wax. On the other hand, paste wax stays on top of the wood giving it a protective barrier, thus its preservation.
Paste wax does not easily infiltrate wood thus can be spread over a surface for wide coverage. It’s also very thick and produces perfect results even on a single coat. On the other hand, liquid wax infiltrates wood quickly, thus having a small coverage. In addition, several layers are required of liquid wax since its coats are very thin.
Application of liquid wax on surfaces is easier compared to paste wax. This is because it can easily be spread, unlike paste wax which is very thick and spreads slowly. Moreover, paste wax dries more quickly than liquid wax saving a craftsman a lot of time.
Lastly, paste wax is more affordable and economical compared to liquid wax.
Buying Guide
So how can you be sure you are getting the best paste work? Frankly, arriving at this decision can be very tricky. If you do not consider each option very carefully, you might make the wrong purchase. Below are some features you need to take into account before purchasing wax.
size and coverage
Here you need to ask yourself if the product you are getting matches its price. The size of the bottle and the amount of wax it carries is usually stated on its front label. The coverage, on the other hand, refers to the total surface area the wax can cover.
Food Safety
This is an important factor to consider since some waxes have chemicals that are toxic to human beings. This will depend if the surface gets into contact with food like cupboards and dining tables. Although most of the waxes evaporate after a few days, it is important to take extra precautions.
Finish
Each wax cures differently depending on its components and the type of the previous wood finishes. Before deciding on the type of paste wax to buy, you should be informed of the overall results. Are you looking for a shiny finish? Or are you in search of an opaque sheen?
Versatility
Versatility refers to the ability of the paste wax to serve more than one purpose. For example, some wood wax can be applied to materials other than wood, including; metals, plastics, marble, concrete, etc.; getting wood wax that allows for versatility means you will save a lot of money and time.
Applicability
Another factor to consider is where the wax can and cannot be applied. For example, some wood waxes are suitable for only hardwood instead of softwoods, while others are exclusive to sealed wood. Other types of waxes can be used on bare timber but will require the application of several coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would probably suggest Trewax paste wax since it produces a very hard protective coating. It produces a smooth finish on wood surfaces and also working tools. In addition, it can also be used to get rid of scratches and accumulated dirt. It’s water-resistant, and its smell is bearable.
Yes, paste wax dries very hard and is not easily smeared like other products. It also has a thin protective finish which is long-lasting. Moreover, paste wax does not contain chemicals that cause wood furniture to dry out. In addition, unlike other finishing products, it does not interfere with the colour of your furniture.
Follow this simple procedure; sand your surface lightly and then apply thin coats of wax with a cloth using minimum pressure. Please wait for it to dry and wipe excess using a clean cotton cloth, lastly buff to a perfect sheen. There you go!
These two are used for the same purpose in the modern world since they both provide the desired shine and finish. However, woodworkers prefer paste wax since it is cheaper and does not interfere with the paint, unlike most finishing waxes.
Paste wax makes your wood shinier while still offering it protection against water and dirt. It’s also easy to use.
However, I recommend that you use paste wax over another finish for more effective than using it singly.
On the other hand, finishing waxes are stronger and provide a more protective layer than paste wax.
Clean the surface of any dirt, grease, or loose particles.
Apply a very thin coat of Minwax paste finishing wax using a clean cloth, preferably a cotton one. Ensure your coat is even by placing Minwax paste finishing wax in double thickness of cheesecloth. Only apply the amount that can squeeze out of the cloth as you rub it over the surface.
Let the Minwax paste finishing wax dry well for about 10-15 minutes.
Wipe excess using a clean cloth and polish it with an electric polisher or a weighted buffer.
Sand the wood to remove old finishes, then wipe off sand dust.
Fill the grain with wood grain filler and apply it using a painting brush.
Flat-it out using a plastic paint scraper let it dry before sanding.
Spray a single coat of lacquer and let it dry. Varnish the lacquer with 320-grit sandpaper.
Add another coat of varnish. Allow it to dry for a day before sanding it with 400-grit sandpaper. Repeat this process.
Sprinkle 4F Pumice on your wood and rubbing oil. Lastly, buff the finish with a cotton cloth.
Final Thought
As you can see, there are many good paste waxes for you, all the waxes discussed above work best in their fields of expertise. Choosing the best paste wax will entirely depend on your preferences without forgetting the nature of the work to be tackled.
Different types of paste wax work differently on each surface. Therefore, it is critical to choose the appropriate wood wax for the kitchen, floors, cabinets, doors, and others. I hope this review will help you with your purchasing options. It is important to note that wood waxes are not heat-resistant and may melt under high temperatures.
