Waxing over oil

[Dion]

I enjoy the simplicity of a linseed oil finish on indoor furniture because it highlights the grain without taking away too much of the natural chararacter. However, I'd like a bit more of a shine to the finish, so I'm going to try wax over the oil. Any problems with that sort of a finish? How should I apply and buff the wax. I was thinking of applying it with a cloth and buffing with 1000 grit paper, followed by lambswool on the angle grinder.

[ubeaut]

Sorry Dion but you can't buff wax with any form of abeasive paper no matter how fine the grit. It will instantly clog the pores of the paper. Be careful using an angle grinder. Too much heat generated for most finishes. If used on oil it is most likely that the heat generated will make the oil sweat from the pores of the wood.

Avoid using beeswax on an oiled surface (especially in Darwin) as it will probably remain soft and tacky and attract dust, grime and finger marks.

Click HERE and try the links to Traditional Wax and Swansdown Buffs. These may offer a bit more info. The Swansdown Buff page is still under construction and our Online Order Form is being updated and won't be working right until probably Monday night.

Cheers - Neil

[This message has been edited by ubeaut (edited 19 October 2002).]

[derekcohen]

Dion

I have often used a wax finish (usually one of the carnauba-added waxes) over a Danish oil base.

I apply it with 0000 steel wool and, it it is on a large surface (like a table top), give it a final buff with a car polisher.

Neil is correct to caution against too much heat build up, so do it lightly and quickly.

Derek

[Dion]

Thanks for the advice. The swansdown device looked mighty tempting - might have to get one! I hadn't thought of steel wool, so I'm going to give that a go