3 Easy Ways to Care for Wax Sealed Furniture

Nothing compares to the soft luster and rich glow of a freshly waxed piece. The decision to seal with wax should not be taken lightly; it is an artistic expression that requires intensive labor and time and will require long-term maintenance to assure the piece remains in premium condition.

I personally recommend using a wax sealant only when a piece will experience low to zero traffic. Why? Wax is not as durable as a polycrylic or polyurethane and can be worn down quickly. Over the course of time, the paint will become exposed making it vulnerable to scratching.

The great news is caring for your work of art is easy!  Here are 3 easy tips:

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#1 Keep it Cool

Keep your piece away from extreme temperatures or humidity. This is great advice for any piece of furniture... really. The tendency of wood is to move with the change of heat and humidity. It is this movement that promotes shifting and results dimensional-change-caused deterioration (a fancy way of saying the shifting stresses the wood and can result the grain of the wood to rise). Therefore, compromising the integrity of the sealant's bond to the surface.

#2 Gentle Cleaning

Dust with a soft, lint free cloth and avoid all liquid furniture polishes and cleaners. To clean marks or stains, use a slightly damp lint free cloth or chamois with a little mild soap. If you decide you need to use a stronger cleaner, keep in mind you may need to re-wax the area afterwards.

#3 Repair

If the wax sealant becomes stripped, you can apply a very small amount of wax to the affected area and buff with a lint free cloth. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Avoid putting anything on top of or touching the area for 30 days allowing the wax sealant to cure.