A wax finish is a surface treatment for wood in which wax, traditionally beeswax, sometimes blended with carnauba wax and a solvent such as turpentine, is applied and buffed to produce a soft sheen. It may be used as the only finish on a piece or as a protective coat over an underlying finish such as shellac or oil.
Wax was the standard finish for oak and other furniture in England before the introduction of French polishing in the early nineteenth century, and generations of regular waxing are largely responsible for the deep, mellow patina that collectors prize on early oak and country furniture. A wax finish is easy to renew and repair, and it allows the grain and colour of the timber to show without the glassy look of some modern finishes. It offers limited protection against heat and water, however, and too much wax applied too often can build up into a dull, sticky layer that traps dirt. Conservators therefore recommend waxing sparingly, perhaps once or twice a year, and buffing thoroughly. Old wax build-up can be removed carefully with appropriate cleaners, but stripping or sanding a historic surface destroys patina and should be avoided.
