Satin Finishing Wax

Even though there is internet chatter about removing wax with 3rd party products, mineral spirits or vinegar, none guarantee success.

There is an old saying in the industry. "Once you wax, you cannot go back". Nothing adheres well to wax and even after cleaning, the wood grain can become contaminated. Wax can penetrate the wood, making future paint or stain finishes or touch-ups difficult or impossible.

The risk of a failure in re-coating over a wax finish is very high. Your best bet is to clean, strip, and sand, but even that is problematic. Here is what we recommend if you want to go ahead.

1. Scrub with a solvent, such as mineral spirits, to break the wax barrier. Follow with several applications of Acetone applied with gray scotch bright pads to scrub the surface.
2. Then strip the surface. You want to remove as much wax as possible before sanding to minimize the risk of driving the wax into the grain of the wood from the friction of sanding.
3. Strippers that contain Methylyne Chloride like Zip Strip or Savograns are aggressive strippers but harsher. Gentler strippers are citrus or soy-based such as Citrus Strip or Soy Gel.

After cleaning, test the first coat of finish for adhesion. Rub a nickel across the surface or scrape the first coat lightly after 24 hours with a moderately sharp object such as a blunt standard table knife, not a sharp or serrated knife.

If you are finishing as a professional, NEVER guarantee a finish applied over wax. Here is a suggestion for your contracts:

We cannot warrant finishes over an existing piece of furniture. If products containing silicone (such as dusting sprays), oil soaps or waxes have been previously used on the piece, they may contaminate a new finish and prevent adhesion. In these situations, it is best to strip and sand the entire piece. Occasionally, a previous wax finish or silicone may be impossible to completely remove.

________ (Initials) I acknowledge that this piece has never been waxed/polished with a silicone-based dusting spray or cleaned with oil soaps.

________ (Initial) I have no knowledge of previous cleaning products used but realize they may have been applied by previous owners.

You can tint with any of General Finishes Oil-based Gel Stains or Liquid Oil Based stains to create a dark wax.

It depends on whether you are looking for aesthetics or durability.

A topcoat will provide greater durability and protection than wax finishes over time.

While wax finishes are lovely, they typically show wear (fingerprints) and are not permanent, requiring semi-annual to annual maintenance.

Wax is a low durability finish. It’s fine for a decorative piece that will receive light traffic. It is absolutely not strong enough for tables, kitchen cabinets, or other surfaces that will see frequent use.

Wax takes a bit of elbow grease to apply.

Furthermore, nothing adheres well to wax, which can impact future finish changes. Even though there is internet chatter about removing wax with 3rd party products or mineral spirits, the risk of a failure in re-coating over a wax finish is very high and sometimes impossible.

If you love a wax finish, try General Finishes Satin Finishing Wax. If you want the look and feel of wax with more durability, use our General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat. For even more protection, use General Finishes High Performance Topcoat.

You can...we do we do believe that wax can be a beautiful addition to many projects. However, it is best not to use wax in high-use temperature-dependent situations like kitchens or bathrooms.

Furthermore, kitchen cabinets require long-term protection and high-quality resistance to wear. Wax provides far less protection and durability than an engineered resin based top coat like High Performance or any of our professional Enduro Spray finishes. A particular problem are range hoods and dishwasher panels - wax cannot stand up to the heat and may melt and run.

Wax finishes typically show wear (ex: fingerprints) and require semi-annual to annual maintenance. Furthermore, touch-ups or changes are impossible once wax has been added to the surface because no finish will adhere well to wax. Even though there is internet chatter about removing wax with 3rd party products or mineral spirits, the risk of a failure in re-coating over a wax finish is very high. Resin-based topcoaats can be removed or covered with a new finish without a problem if you ever decide to touch-up or refinish your cabinets in the future.

Wax can be used over Gel Stain, if you prefer. Just let the Gel Stain dry 24-48 hours before applying the wax. Note: wax is not a durable product. It needs yearly reapplication, will show daily use (finger marks and smudges) and may be very difficult to remove if a future topcoat application is desired.

Yes, you can use Satin Wax instead of top coat if you prefer. Although GF loves the look of wax, we recommend using top coat because wax is not as durable. Wax requires annual maintenance and it must be removed if you want to apply topcoat in the future.

There are several techniques by Jeff Jewitt of Homestead Finishing Products:

DRY BUFF WITH MIRKA ROYAL MICRO PAPER

Using Mirka Royal Micro sandpaper, always start with 1500-grit sandpaper. Begin with a small area, make 2-3 passes, then evaluate results. Go to a heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed. Finish with 1500-grit paper.

DRY/WET BUFF WITH ABRALON POLISHING DISCS

Start by dry sanding with Abralon 2000-grit, and then 4000-grit. Start slowly, monitor to see if buildup is occurring. A large sized table might take 5-25 sheets of paper.

If needed, lubricate by moistening with General Finishes Satin Finishing Wax, mineral spirits, or naphtha. Never use water as a lubricant.

If lubricated, one sheet of 1000-grit or 1500-grit should do the entire table.

BUFFING/POLISHING WITH PRESTA POLISHING KITS

Spray Presta polish on buffing pad stuff to lubricate the pad. Apply a quarter-sized dab of polish to sand one section. Spread with pad. Continue section by section. Mist buffing pad with Presta lubricating material when it gets too dry. You should be able to use a buffing pad on 10-20 tables before washing and reusing.
 
When done, mist entire surface with and buff with a micro-cloth to remove splatter

NOTE: Never wet sand a water-based finish.

General Finishes offers water, oil, and maintenance finishes that meet the needs of homeowners, woodworkers, and DIY’ers. Comprehensive videos are available for each product on YouTube, plus dynamic comparison charts at GeneralFinishes.com/COMPARE.

All General Finishes water-based finishes are:

• VOC compliant in all 50 states
• Water cleanup 
• Low odor
• Non-flammable

INTERIOR PRIMERS

Water Based Stain Blocker is:

• An epoxy acrylic formulation.
• Prevents tannin bleed-through & discoloration.
• Has high build with excellent adhesion properties.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

WATER-BASED TOPCOATS & PIGMENTED FINISHES

High Performance Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An Interior polyurethane/acrylic blend.
• Clear drying.
• highly resistant to water and household chemicals.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Flat Out Flat Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An interior acrylic formulation.
• Clear drying.
• provides an extremely flat finish with high durability.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Enduro-Var II Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An interior oil-modified water-based urethane.
• Dries to a light, amber tone.
• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Milk Paint is:

• A premium interior and exterior-rated acrylic formulation.
• Self-sealing and does not require topcoat.
• Is made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Is available in 12 popular colors, plus two tint bases.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

Water-Based Glaze Effects is:

• An interior oxidating acrylic formula.
• Available in 6 colors, including a Clear Base.
• Is a decorative specialty finish.
• Can be intermixed to create custom colors.
• It requires a topcoat
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer

Pro Image Water-Based Flooring Topcoat is:

• An interior polyurethane.
• Clear drying.
• Levels to a smooth, hard, durable finish.
• Provides excellent slip and black heel mark resistance.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or pad applicator.

INTERIOR WATER-BASED STAINS

Water-Based Wood Stain is:

• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• It’s available in 18 deep brilliant colors.
• And provides universal coverage on many wood species.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Pre-Stain Conditioner is:

• Used to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods.
• And to reduce Water Based Wood Stains.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Dye Stain is:

• A penetrating stain with ink-like consistency.
• It is available in 14 vibrant colors.
• And can be used as a toner.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer or wiping on.

Water-Based Dye Stain Reducer is:

• The clear base used to reduce Dye Stain colors.

WATER & OIL EXTERIOR FINISHES

Exterior 450 Clear Water-Based Topcoat is:

• A polyurethane formulation.
• Tintable to dark colors.
• Contains UV absorbers & Mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Clear drying.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

 450 White Water-Based Topcoat is: 

• A pigmented polyurethane formulation.
• Is tintable to light and pastel colors.
• Contains UV absorbers & mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

Exterior 450 Water-Based Stain is:

• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Available in 10 colors, including a clear base.
• Contains U.V. absorbers & mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Milk Paint is:

• A premium Interior and exterior-rated acrylic formulation.
• Self-sealing and does not require topcoat.
• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Available in 12 popular colors, plus two tint bases.
• Apply with a brush, roller or sprayer.

Outdoor Oil is:

• A penetrating oil wood preservative.
• Contains UV absorbers and mildewcides to protect the finish.
• This finish will amber as it ages.
• A maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a brush, roller or sprayer.

INTERIOR OIL STAINS & AMBERING TOPCOATS

Gel Satin Oil-Based Topcoat is:

• A heavy-bodied, no-drip oil and urethane formula.
• Designed to provide a hand-rubbed look.
• Will amber as it ages.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Gel Oil-Based Stain is:

• A heavy-bodied, no-drip formula.
• Available in 14 deep, rich, uniform colors.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or wipe on.

 Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat is:

• A penetrating sealer with a high-quality urethane formulation.
• It provides long-lasting, durable protection.
• and works beautifully on projects with detail.
• This finish will amber as it ages
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Liquid Oil-Based Wood Stain is:

• a traditional, pigmented liquid wiping stain
• Available in 14 colors
• Can be used as a toner with Arm-R-Seal
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Oil-Based Pre-Stain Conditioner is:

• Designed to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods.
• And penetrates the grain to promote uniform acceptance of oil stains.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Oil-Based Seal-A-Cell Clear is:

• Formulated with a blend of oils, urethanes, and wax.
• Is GF’s deepest penetrating close-to-the-wood sealer.
• And the best choice for highlighting figured wood.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Hard Wax Oil is:

• A urethane-solids polymer in a blend of oil & wax.
• Enhances the natural look of wood.
• One of our easiest finishes to use.
• It’s best used with optional GF Hardener to shorten dry time and provide superior durability.
• This is a maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a white pad or plastic spreader.

 Oil Based Wood Bowl Finish is:

• A pure urethane formulation.
• Highlights figured wood beautifully
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

INTERIOR MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS

Butcher Block Oil is:

• A mineral oil formulation.
• Meets all requirements for use on wooden surfaces that come in contact with food.
• This is a maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a cloth.

Orange Oil is:

• A routine cleaner for cured wood finishes
• Non-combustible with a fresh orange scent
• Apply with a cloth

Satin Finishing Wax is:

• A blend of waxes.
• Produces a soft sheen and feel over any wood finish.
• Can be used as a polish for rubbing out new finishes OR as a scratch-remover.
• Apply with a cloth.

No matter what your project is, General Finishes has the right product for you. General Finishes is dedicated to using the highest-quality ingredients in all our products, while testing and advancing our water-based finishes with leading-edge technology.

Learn more about GF’s products at Generalfinishes.com. 

General Finishes: We make tomorrow's finishes today.