Wax over Wipe On Poly

[Wongdai]

Has anyone else tried wax over wipe on poly?

I thought it would be really nice and add a special lustre, but I find that I prefer the finish of the wipe on poly w/out the wax - to look at anyway. The smell and feel of the wax is pretty special.

Maybe this combo is not the go?

[Wongdai]

I'm guessing wax over wipe on poly is NOT the in thing then? :-

[Claw Hama]

I'm always a fan of wax, it depends on the look of the individual piece and your own likes and dislikes I think.

[Tex B]

I tend to use wipe on poly on hard wearing things - benches or dining tables - and wax on light wearing things - side tables, coffee tables, my bank account :-.

So, I have not tried wax over WOP. Don't know why it wouldn't work, but I would think you'd want the WOP to cure for a couple of weeks at least before waxing.

How many coats of each did you use?

Tex

[Johncs]

I'm always a fan of wax, it depends on the look of the individual piece and your own likes and dislikes I think.

Might depend on the use too. Wongdai (http://www.woodworkforums.com/member.php?u=31363) didn't say what he used or where he got it.

I recommend the Polisher's Handbook by friend Neil.

[Wongdai]

Well, I was going to use it on my bench top, but having second thoughts now that I have used it on the base. It is uBeaut Natural Wax. Two coats of wax over two coats of WoP.

I think originally I put too much wax on, but even after I got it right I still didn't think it came up that well.

I'm wondering though if I keep using it over the years the bench will develop a nice patina?

[BobR]

If by bench you mean our workshop bench, then why would you want a very smooth highly polished bench top. There has to be a certain amount of friction to help hold the pieces you are working on. I would stop at the WOP now that you have used it.

[Wongdai]

I haven't started finishing the the top as yet. Any sugestions other than WOP?

[BobR]

Traditional finish is linseed oil. For my bench ( the thread has gone from the forum ????) I used about 4 or 5 coats of diluted WOP. Looks good, soaks in, and still has "grip".

[Wongdai]

I agree. I might mix the WoP with a bit of old linseed oil I have though to give it a bit of "flavour". :)

[johnc]

I've used a single (light) coat of wax over wipe on poly on a coffee table, just out of curiosity some time back. Can't say it seemed to make much difference.

[Tex B]

Agree with BobR. IMO, finish on a workbench is there to keep other things (like glue) from sticking to the surface too easily. A couple of coats of WOP should do that. If you want your workbench to shine like a fine piece of furniture, you really should see a therapist :wink:

Tex

[Wongdai]

Well, I don't want it to shine per se, but I would have liked it to have a certain lustre.

[Vernonv]

I put some wax on a bathroom vanity I built (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showpost.php?p=948273&postcount=6). I found it gave it a bit more depth, a bit more sheen (was satin WoP) and it just felt nicer to touch.