Proper Procedure Of Applying Paste Wax Over Polyurethane
Paste wax was regarded as one of the best options when it comes to giving a protective coating to wooden furniture as well as floors, before the introduction of film finishes such as polyurethane varnish. However, one of the most important functions of wax is directly to polish the existing finish. In order to polish the existing finish, there is no need of too much wax, in fact, the less the wax you will use, the better it will be; you can definitely overdo it. When it comes to maintaining the shine of the finish, you can apply new wax infrequently, every six months or so instead of every time you clean.
Applying Wax Over Polyurethane Floor Finishes
Flooring experts usually will not recommend you to apply paste wax to a polyurethane floor finish. Oiled wood floors is another issue that you will come across, however, they usually need the protection of a surface coating, which in turn will help you lock out moisture and give the wood a sheen. Polyurethane doesn't require the extra protection, and spreading wax may make the floor extremely slippery, which can be very dangerous. Moreover, you'll, in all likelihood, will have to strip the wax periodically, due to the reason that it has a tendency to turn dull and yellow over time, and the wax will surely have to come off before you sand as well as refinish. Stripping wax is a tiresome or monotonous, as well as time-consuming process. If a waxed floor speaks to you of rich luster, then there is definitely a need to use a paste wax intended for floors, not furniture. Floor wax is softer in comparison to furniture wax, and it's identified as floor wax on the label. In some cases, spreading a coat of paste wax is the best way when it comes to hiding scratches and worn spots on your floor, and it may also increase the life of your somewhat worn polyurethane finish.
Waxing Instructions
- First of all, get rid of all the dust from the surface you are going to wax. In some cases, cleaning off the dust may mean wiping the surface down with the help of a damp cloth, but generally, a dry cloth will do the job perfectly. If in case the surface is stained, make sure to wipe it down with the help of oil soap.
- Now, apply the wax with the help of 0000 steel wool or a cloth, as using a cloth may need a bit more effort on your part. Rub it on the surface, but make sure to use a circular motion as long as the film disappears. A light coat is all you will need, if you notice ridges in the wax, then it is an indication that you are applying too much of a wax. You can apply the wax in any direction, there is no need for it to be parallel to the wood grain.
- Next, give the wax some time in order to dry fully. If you are using Minwax or a similar product, then the recommended drying time is nearly 10 to 15 minutes.
- After that, buff the wax on furniture with the help of a terry cloth towel, however, you can also use a piece of cheesecloth, a cotton diaper or an electric buffer. Use a floor buffer having a lambswool buffing pad when it comes to buffing floors.
- Finally, you need to wait nearly for 4 to 8 hours, before applying another light coat and buff it up, if in case you are not satisfied with the shine. Repeat as many times as you want. It is better to apply several light coats and polish the surface progressively rather than applying one heavy one.