Best Furniture Wax-Best Wood Wax Reviews

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What if your antique wood furniture lost its lustrous look because of regular exposure to sun, dust, and everyday use? No worries, you can preserve the beauty of your wood in a number of ways. So, have you heard the famous old wax method?

Keeping your woodwork products in good condition requires wood wax. The best wood wax provides a professional and protective finish to wood surfaces. Your favorite wax will highlight the grain pattern of your wood and make it lustrous. Additionally, it retains its color and the beauty of wood for a long time.

If you use one of the wood wax products available on the market today, your wood furniture will look amazing. However, you might have a hard time choosing the perfect wax for your desired surface. That’s why I researched and compiled a list of reviews and a buyer’s guide so you can pick the best furniture wax.

5 Best Furniture Wax

• Minwax Paste Finishing Wax
• Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax
• Howard FW0016 Furniture polish & Conditioner Liquid form
• Briwax Original Furniture Wax
• Wood Seasoning Bee wax Polish

1. Minwax Paste Finishing Wax -Best Furniture Wax For Antiques

I have applied this Minwax Finishing Wax to an old wooden kitchen table to restore it. Since it’s a paste wax, it is easy to apply and my wooden table looks polished afterward. It offers excellent coverage and comes in a natural darker color with only 1.25 pounds.

If your wood surfaces are rough, rub this paste with a rag and elbow grease on it. Minwax paste penetrates deep into the grains, so it doesn’t change the finishing color. Most wood surfaces look perfect with this wax.

It protects your wood without altering its texture, so no polyurethane coat is needed. In my experience, it dries within 15 minutes. You can use this wax to protect your project from scuffs.

It is a clear finish wax, so it protects your wood surface and can be applied over paints. Its glossy, polished appearance enhances wood surfaces. You can also use this wax as a sealant over chalk paint. As wax contains oils, it repels liquids and moisture, so your wooden furniture piece will be safe.

Like any polishing wax, its smell disappears after some time. Unfortunately, finishing wax contains some harmful ingredients, so make sure to wear safety gear including respirator, so you don’t breathe in the fumes.

Keep in mind that you can’t count on it to keep your wood safe from sun or UV damage. Therefore, it’s suitable for wood furniture and other projects where direct sunlight won’t be an issue.

The best thing about this product was its texture and quality wax. So, I highly recommend Minwax.

Useful Resource: To make an informed decision about wood finishing, check out our detailed comparison of Wax Vs. Polyurethane.

2. Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax

This multi use paste wax is praised for its versatility and durability. This product was very easy to apply, smells pleasant, and the best part is, it fixed some bumps and scrapes I had on my oak dresser while moving it. Despite its neutral color, it was able to perform the repair. Carnauba wax also provides waterproofing surface by creating a barrier between the wood and it. 

It is formulated with the right combination of beeswax, Brazilian carnauba wax, and orange oil. Carnauba is nature’s hardiest wood wax. It can be used in shoe polishes, automobile waxes, polishes for musical instruments, floor and furniture waxes. Also, it creates a glossy finish.

It can be used on concrete, painted furniture, marble, and metal. It is free from toulene, linseed and silicone oil. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can find one that’s right for your wood.

Howard paste enhances the natural grain of finished and unfinished woods while offering long-lasting protection. I used it often because a coat of carnauba wax protects wood surfaces from water penetration. Also I applied Howard Citrus Shield as a wood reconditioner. So, I highly recommend it.

What makes this wood wax different from Minwax Finishing Wax?

Unlike Minwax, This Howard Citrus paste wax is UV shielded so even delicate antique furniture won’t fade. The orange oil in this citrus paste wax makes it very soft, easy to apply, and smells great in your workplace. However, the odor of Minwax isn’t too strong and goes away with time.

3. Howard FW0016- Best Furniture Polish & Conditioner Liquid Form

Note: Although I first used this product three months ago, I am including another Howard product in this list since it treated my kitchen door and dining table very well. So, I think this is a great way to compare it to other Howard paste waxes. Also, I am planning to use this orange wood polish on trim throughout the house.

I like this liquid wood wax because it contains Brazilian carnauba wax and natural oils to prevent wood from drying out. Furthermore, it penetrates into the wood to nourish it and leaves shiny and refreshing smell just like Howard Citrus-Shield Paste Wax.

You get 16 ounces of liquid, which is quite affordable. However, the coverage isn’t good enough so the cost of long-term project may be higher.

Additionally, the wood surfaces will be protected against UV damage. However, it is not suitable if you do not want your project to be darkened. Compared to other waxes, this is a semi-gloss coating.

To get a high-gloss furniture look, you can choose Howard paste wax or other listed waxes.

You can apply Feed-N-Wax once a month if your wood finish seems cracked or faded. This formula repels liquids naturally, so your projects will remain safe from minor scratches and water stains. However, it contains less wax than Howard paste wax and other paste waxes, making it less durable.

Similar to Howard Citrus shield paste, this liquid product uses orange oil to enhance the natural beauty and depth of grain on all wood surfaces.

It is important to remember that Howard Feed-N-Wax contains petroleum distillates, which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and sometimes skin irritation. Therefore, it is recommended to use this product in a well ventilated space.

Note: You can use furniture polish on laminate furniture to make it look shiny.

4. Briwax Original -Best Wax For Pine Furniture

This furniture restoration formula will suit those who prefer rich tones and dark browns without a glossy finish. You will get the benefits of both beeswax and carnauba wax when you use Briwax Original Wax Polish.

Briwax can be used on woodwork, furniture, floors, cabinets and for fine antiques. The Briwax is a wood finish cleaner and reconditioner that cleans and restores wood finishes. When Briwax is applied to metal surfaces, it inhibits the oxidation process.

You can use cotton wool or a cloth to cover the surface with BRIWAX wax and allow it to dry properly. After it’s been applied, you can wipe off the surface with a damp cloth. It is recommended to apply a second coat of Briwax Clear wood wax to increase durability and gloss.

Here I am sharing my personal experience, whenever my wooden furniture has cracks or scratches, I usually use this formula to hide them. I found out that it is multi-purpose wax, so it can be used to clean, polish, and refinish all your household woodwork and furniture as well. 

5. Wood Seasoning Beewax- Best Furniture Wax Polish

Beeswax furniture polish is a great way to revive dull furniture. By removing years of dust and dirt buildup, you can restore a furniture’s appearance and enhance the natural beauty and depth of grain of finished and unfinished wood.

Beeswax will dampen old cracked furniture to strengthen it from the inside. You can give the wood surface a perfect glossy finish by sanding it first. 

The Beewax brings out the shine and hides the blemishes from the wooden surface.

You can apply the right amount of beeswax to the wood and wipe it off. Our advice is to apply the beeswax evenly and leave it for an hour to achieve a better nourishing effect. You can wipe the surface with a towel.

I found it to be the best wax for protecting wood and furniture from molds, stains, water, mildew and other things. Also, it maintain the natural brightness of wood furniture.

I am pretty sure that you will enjoy the fresh honey scent that soothes your nerves.

Is it better to oil or wax wood?

Wax vs Oil for Wood

Compared to waxed wood, oiled wood tends to last longer than waxed wood. Wood oil absorbs easily into wood pores providing excellent protection against everything from rot and moisture to UV rays and oxidation. However, the process of waxing wood can be a little time consuming, but if done properly, it can provide protection against dust and water penetration of the wood. Also it provides nice sheen to furniture and furnishings. Wood wax displays interesting features of the wood grain.

Waxes add a soft sheen and smooth feel to other surfaces, but you cannot put another finish over wax. If you wish to use liquid or paste wax, you should rub it on and wipe it off.

What is the difference between furniture polish and furniture wax?

Furniture polish and furniture wax play distinct roles in enhancing and safeguarding furniture, each with its unique composition and purpose.

Furniture Polish:

Ingredients: Typically, furniture polish is crafted with a blend of solvents, oils, and waxes.
Purpose: Its primary function is to cleanse and bring a glossy shine to furniture surfaces. Solvents effectively remove dirt, while oils contribute to the desired luster.
Application: To use, spray or apply the polish on the furniture, followed by buffing with a soft cloth.
Benefits: While providing a short-term shine, furniture polish also aids in eliminating fingerprints and can discreetly conceal minor scratches.

Furniture Wax:

Ingredients: Furniture wax is predominantly composed of natural waxes like beeswax or carnauba wax.
Purpose: Unlike polish, furniture wax is intended for the protection and nourishment of wood, offering a robust and enduring finish. It creates a shielding layer that serves as a barrier, guarding against moisture infiltration and minimizing the impact of minor scratches
Application: Applying furniture wax involves using a soft cloth, allowing it to dry, and then buffing to achieve the desired sheen.
Benefits: Apart from enhancing the innate beauty of wood, furniture wax establishes a durable shield, adding protection and potentially enriching the wood’s natural color.

Key Differences:

Functionality: Furniture polish focuses on cleaning and creating a temporary shine, while furniture wax prioritizes long-term protection and nourishment.
Ingredients: Polish incorporates solvents, oils, and waxes, whereas wax relies primarily on natural waxes.
Longevity: Furniture wax provides a more enduring protective layer compared to the transient shine offered by polish.

How to Select the Best Furniture Wax

When it comes to finding wax for wood surfaces, it can be challenging to know where to start. Therefore, consider the following factors when choosing the best furniture wax.

1. Quality

Most waxes are effective because of their ingredients. There is a combination of natural ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax and synthetic wax in most waxes.

You need to consider the quality of the color before choosing a wax for enhancing or changing the wood’s color. Make sure you should carry out a patch test in the desired area before applying it anywhere on the surface.

Wax products contain ingredients such as:

• Silicone
• Wax
• Water
• Petroleum solvent

Wood surfaces will have a different level of shine depending on their product formula. So, before purchasing a product, read the reviews and labels carefully.

2. Solvent-based waxes

If possible, avoid waxes containing solvents because it may damage the finish. When choosing a solvent-based wax, make sure you use it outdoors since the fumes can be dangerous.

Moreover, paste waxes can contain solvents that are highly flammable, so always take precautions.

3. Budget

The best furniture wax will revive your old furniture. Comparatively, it is cheaper than buying new furniture. The process of making wood wax differs according to the formula used and the quality of the wax.

4. User-friendly application

In selecting a wax, make sure to check the application process; some waxes can be applied more easily than others. 

Is there the best furniture wax?

The best furniture wax is Minwax Paste Finishing Wax, which offers luster and protection to any wood surface. Additionally, they increase the durability of wooden surfaces. 

You can make the right choice from our list of the best wood waxes that can provide you with excellent results. You can protect your furniture from scratches, watermarks, and fading by regularly using any of these best waxes for wood furniture. You can choose the best wood wax and expect a quality results.

As a reminder of what you should watch out for, check out some of the features we have highlighted in the above mentioned buying guide.

FAQS

Which is better wood wax or varnish?

Varnish provides better protection than wood wax for furniture. Also it is perfect for projects that need a bit of shine. However, waxing is primarily used for decorative purposes and to give wooden furniture a natural look.

What is better polyurethane or wax?

A hard-wax oil finish is more water-resistant than polyurethane. You can use hard wood oil for a matte finish that maintains the natural look of the wood. In contrast, a polyurethane finish provides a high sheen with less texture.

How long does furniture wax last?

Wax protects your furniture from scratches and is less likely to be damaged by water. It is recommended to apply wax one to two times a year.

Can I paint over furniture wax?

Yes, you can paint over waxed furniture. First, clean the surface well to remove any dirt. Gently sand it for better paint stickiness. Apply a primer and then paint with your chosen color. This helps the paint stick and gives a strong finish.