We would be willing to bet that every home has at least one piece of wooden furniture! It may be that this is something as small as a bedside table or as large as a dining table – but either way it is going to need treating and maintaining to keep it at its best! The best wood wax and wax polishes are going to be there to help you keep your wooden furniture looking its best. Whether you have an antique piece of expensive furniture or a cheap side table, by treating the wood annually, you will be able to maintain the furniture for much longer!
The best wood wax and wax polishes come in all different shapes and sizes! Whether you are wanting a natural finish or more of a shine, whether you are wanting to protect the furniture or improve it, there will be a wax and polish for you! Here are the best items that we found…
Best Pick – Polyvine Exterior Wood Varnish
- Ultra violet protection
- Quick drying
- Rain proof
- Wash brushes in water
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
Anyone with a piece of furniture that they have just painted and are wanting to finish with a wax before they can place it in their home will be in a rush to get buying. Or maybe you are working on some home renovations and are reading to move onto the next stage. If you are in a hurry to purchase a wood wax polish then here is the essential information that you need.
Liquid or Solid
Arguably the first thing that you need to decide is the actual type of wood wax or wax polish that you want. There are two main types that you will find – the traditional solid wax or the liquid wax polish. There are pros and cons to both…we particularly like the solid wax as it is much easier to control how much you are putting on your cloth and you can work slower to buff and spread the wax into all the places that you want on your furniture. It is also much less likely to run and spread if you are working at different angles.
However, there are pros to the liquids as well – we found that they do tend to be a little cheaper for the volume that you are getting (although we do question whether this is due to the wastage on the cloth). We also like that they can soak into the grains of wood much easier to give a thorough nourishing treatment of the woodwork. Our main downside for liquid polishes is how hard it is to control exactly how much you are using at one time, especially when you are working with more intricate pieces of woodwork!
This video is a fantastic guide on how to apply your wax polish once you have chosen a solution that will be right for you.
Key Ingredients
You will find that all different manufacturers of wood wax and wax polishes use different ingredients to create what they feel is the best wax or polish around! This can make it really difficult to know exactly what you need, but here are some of the main ingredients that we would definitely recommend!
- Silicone mixes – If you are wanting to create a waterproof finish to your wood to help avoid stains and marks on the wood then silicone based waxes are definitely the way to go. They will create a “seal” over the top of your wood, making it much easier to be wiped and cleaned down. Definitely recommended for dining or coffee tables!
- Linseed Oil – A lovely natural ingredient that won’t change the colour of your wood! If you are wanting to nourish and maintain your wood without losing the natural grain and colour then this is the perfect ingredient for you.
- Orange Oil – Obviously another natural ingredient, orange oil isn’t going to do too much to the wood itself but will help the other oils and ingredients soak into the grains of the wood and do their thing!
- Brazilian Carnauba – This is the wax that you want to look for if you are serious about developing the condition of your wood. Brazilian wax is a great natural ingredient that will work deep down into the grains of the wood to not just treat it but also seal it against warping, stains and damage.
- Beeswax – A commonly found wax that is used thanks to its softness. This makes it nice and easy to spread and buff into the woodwork that you are working with. It will also provide a lovely finish and shine to the wood!
Natural or Coloured Wood Wax/Polish
There are a lot of factors that will come into play when you are trying to decide on the colour of wood wax or wax polish that you are going to choose! First you need to consider the colour of the wood that you are actually treating, as you are going to need a wax that is going to compliment and blend with this colour.
Your first option is going to be a clear or natural wax – but it is still important to understand the difference. A clear wax or polish is going to be completely clear, meaning that it can be used on any wood that you are wanting to maintain the exact same colour of. This also makes it a good option for wood that has been painted white, as natural wax is going to have a slight yellow tinge to it, which will obviously affect the overall finish! Natural wax is a better option for if you are wanting to draw out the natural colours of the wood. It won’t stain the wood a different colour, but the yellow tinge will just help to accentuate the natural grains of the wood adding a nice healthy colour!
After this, you then have the coloured waxes, which are your best option for if you are wanting to adjust the colour of your wood slightly whilst you are treating it. These will come in a wide range of colours so that you can find one that is going to be right for you. It is worth bearing in mind that they will not be able to completely change the colour of your wood – you will need to use paint first to do this – so you cannot get a very dark wax to use on a very light wood grain and expect to totally change the piece of furniture!
One thing that we would want to mention is that if you are wanting to adjust the colour of your wood, this is a process that should be done gradually! It is not advisable to use a very dark wax on a very light wood as you can never be sure of the exact colour that you will achieve when working with natural materials!
Best Budget – Method Wood Polish Spray
- Wood polish to upkeep your wood at it's best. Provides a protective shine.
- Non-toxic and plant-based formula.
- Shake well. spray on soft cloth. wipe. buff with a dry, clean cloth. not for use on floors. psst: it's always a good idea to test in an inconspicuous place first.
- Almond fragrance.
- 100% recycled plastic bottles (pcr per iso 14021) excl. dop / trigger / pomp.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional Wood Wax and Wax Polish Features
It is always advisable to get the best value wood wax or wax polish that you can afford. Remember you are probably only going to be doing this treatment on each piece of wood once or twice a year – so you need to know that it is getting the treatment, nourishment and shine that it needs to last until its next treatment! Here are the best ways to judge if you are getting the best value for money from your purchase!
- Size – Look at the size and amount of wax or polish that you are going to be purchasing! A larger container is obviously going to be better value for money and longer lasting as well, so if you know that you have a number of pieces of furniture to work with then it will definitely work out cheaper in the long run! Just remember that when using liquid polishes you are probably going to use more than you would with a standard solid wax!
- Matt or Shine Finish – A shiny finish is going to leave your wood looking newer and will also be easier to clean and wipe down than a matt finish will be. However, if your furniture is older or has a more traditional look then you may be better opting for a matt finish which will look more in keeping with the style of the furniture.
- UV Shield – We would always recommend opting for a wax or polish that comes with a UV shield as this is going to stop it from fading as quickly between treatments. This is particularly important if your wood is going to be positioned in a window or any direct sunlight!
- Waterproof Shield – A waterproof shield is also important, particularly if your wooden surface is used for a dining room table or coffee table where there is a chance of spillages. Wood can stain and change colour so quickly if different things are left on it, but a waterproof shield is going to help to prevent that.
- Food Shield – Another feature that we would recommend looking out for if you are purchasing your wood wax to be used on a dining room table or a coffee table. This will help to prevent stains from split food (particularly oily foods where the colourant can spread into the grains of the wood easily). A food shield essentially creates a film or barrier on the surface of the wood which makes it much easier to wipe down!
- Odour or Odourless – Different waxes and polishes are going to have different smells depending on the key ingredients Some people like this and enjoy the fresh smell and feel it gives to the wood, whereas others would rather an odourless wax so that it does not infiltrate the overall smell of the home. This really does just come down to personal preference.
- Paint Compatibility – Not all wood waxes and wax polishes are going to be compatible with wood paint. This isn’t going to cause you a problem if you are treating natural wood, but it is quite fashionable now to use chalk paints to create a rustic but modern finish on different pieces of furniture. If this sounds like what you have at home then make sure your wax or polish isn’t going to rub the paint off and undo all of your hard work!
- Drying time – Don’t forget to check the drying time for your wood. There are a couple of reasons why this needs to be checked for. A quicker drying time is obviously going to mean that you can get back to using your furniture sooner and is the best option for anyone with pets that are going to be going near the treated woodwork. However, this does mean that you are going to have to work quickly to buff the wax or polish into the wooden surface evenly which can be quite stressful! If you are new to treating your woodwork we would probably recommend a slower drying time so you have longer to get the job done!
- Application – It is worth checking exactly how your wax or polish should be applied and whether you are going to need any cloths or brushes to get this done. Some of the best products will come with an applicator, offering better value for money, but many need you to purchase these separately! If you are polishing your floor then look out for a solution that can be applied using a mop head as this will reduce the amount of time that you are working for! We would also recommend using different sizes of brushes or cloths as this will allow you to access all the different parts of the wood – particularly for more intricate designs!
Looking for an alternative option? It may be that you are looking for a wood preservative instead – here are some of our favourites.
Best of the Rest
- WATER REPELLENT - Gives stains and scratches little chance as it seals the wood from the outside. Regular use prevents drying out and prolongs the life of the wood.
- CRAVES - Revives the beauty of the wood & gives a velvety glossy glaze. Uulki colourless wood wax enhances the wood grain and gives furniture a slightly stronger contrast and a pleasantly noble shine.
- HEALTHY - Uulki Furniture Wax is a natural blend of high quality oils and waxes and is vegetable / vegan. Solvent free, non-toxic, does not cause headaches.
- EASY TO USE - The 500ml furniture wax is a user friendly, easy to apply polish. It is also non-sticky, pleasantly fluid and therefore penetrates wood surfaces easily.
- FOR INTERIOR FURNITURE - For all untreated, oiled, waxed and open-pore wood surfaces e.g. shelves, tables, beds, chairs, work surfaces, stairs, wood panelling, railings & balusters, doors & door frames, wood decor, turning and carving projects, ... If the wood is varnished or coated, this layer of varnish must be removed before treatment.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- GREAT FINISH: Specifically designed to help preserve and prevent the wood from drying out and fading and with added conditioning oils, Wood Wax & Polish actively feeds your wood while enhancing the natural beauty and depth of the grain.
- EASY TO APPLY: This wood polish is cream like in consistency so can be rubbed in and polished with very little effort; it is this feature that separates the product from other wood waxes.
- NATURAL FORMULA: Our wood furniture polish has an all-natural formula that does not contain any silicone. The natural beeswax and Carnauba wax offer a superior protective coating. The formula is also infused with orange oil for a pleasant aromatic finish.
- FOR FINISHED & NON-FINISHED WOOD: Wood Wax Polish can be used on all wooden surfaces, modern and antique furniture, and all other wooden items.
- SAFE TO USE: Because it doesn’t have any synthetic components, our wood polish wax will not alter or distort the colour and appearance of the surface it is applied to. It is a safe, natural and effective way to bring new life to wood furniture and wooden surfaces.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How regularly should you wax or polish your wooden furniture?
It is usually recommended that wooden furniture be waxed or polished between once and twice a year. This largely depends on what the furniture is used for and how often it is used, along with the style of the wood. Natural wood is going to need treating twice a year to maintain a good condition, and you will also find that dining tables and bannister rails will need waxing more frequently due to the amount of time that they are used!
What can you do to stop wood from staining?
When it comes to stains on wood, prevention is always better than cure! Look out for waxes and polishes that are going to have a silicone finish or that include linseed oil as these offer higher levels of protection against liquids. If you are unfortunate enough to have a spillage on your wooden furniture then make sure to soak up as much as possible without rubbing it into the surface – this needs to be done as quickly as possible! You can then normally use a buffer and small amount of wax when dry to remove any further marks!
Will wood wax stop wood from warping?
If the wood is already warping then unfortunately wood wax will not be able to reverse this process. However, by using wood wax you will be able to put the necessary protection into the wood to help prevent the wood from warping even further! Not only this but it will help to create a barrier against further damage!
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