How to Use Wood Wax

Wood Wax from the Real Milk Paint Co. offers a simple solution for all your raw wood finishing needs. Generous containers provide an ample amount for projects large and small, and easy preparation means you don’t spend all your do-it-yourself time on singular results. A fast and easy application requiring no specialized tools makes using our wood salve just as doable for beginners as for experts, and a formulation that stores easily lets you save any leftover product for additional projects down the road.

Coverage

Wood Wax from the Real Milk Paint Co. comes in two sizes for easy project planning. Our 4-ounce container works well for smaller items such as wooden spoons or turned bowls, while our 16-ounce container makes an excellent choice for finishing everything from handmade chairs to butcher block countertops.

• 4 ounces covers 35 square feet
• 16 ounces covers 140 square feet

Preparation

The Real Milk Paint Co.’s Wood Wax works best on raw wood. If the surface you wish to finish was previously sealed or painted (poly, varnish, etc) then that finish will need to be removed. We recommend using Soy Gel Professional Paint Remover to remove most finishes before application. If the surface you want to apply the wax to has previously been treated with a mineral-oil, this will have to be removed. We recommend using hot water and dish soap or Citrus Solvent to remove the mineral oil. It is worth noting that you can use Wood Wax over Real Milk Paint and water or oil-based stains. If you’re starting with raw wood, make sure there are no contaminants on the surface by cleaning it with Trisodium Phosphate. If you’re working with stripped wood that has water stains, you can clear them with Oxalic Acid Wood Bleach before beginning. You don’t have to sand raw wood surfaces before using Wood Wax unless they have a rougher texture than desired. Sanding up to 220 grit is acceptable. If you do sand, be sure to clean the area again before applying the wax.

Application

To apply Wood Wax, you just need a couple of clean rags, old t-shirts, or the inside of an old sock. Dip the first clean cloth into the wood butter, then rub it onto the surface you’re finishing until it’s evenly coated. Allow Wood Wax to remain on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes, then buff off the excess with the other clean cloth. To get the ideal amount of sheen or to restore shine after a previous application, reapply Wood Wax as needed. Before lightly using the items coated with Wood Wax, be sure to wait for 5 to 7 days. Keep in mind that Wood Wax by the Real Milk Paint Co. takes 15 to 30 days to fully cure, so plan your projects accordingly. One of the best ways to decrease the curing time is to put the treated items in a warm environment. Professionals or those using Wood Wax for batch cutting boards, bowls, spoons, etc often use a lightbulb kiln to quickly cure the wax. This small space, low-heat solution passively cures the wax at a much quicker rate.

Maintenance

Cleaning surfaces treated with Wood Wax is easy. We recommend washing with mild cleaners, like hot water and dish soap, and avoiding acidic cleaners such as vinegar. Scheduled maintenance is not required with Wood Wax. We recommend applying only when the surface looks dry and needs refreshing. Apply small amounts to worn areas as needed. Buff with a clean cloth to blend newly applied wax to the rest of the surface.

Storage

Before or after use, store Wood Wax in a moderate-temperature environment. You can also store our wood butter in a refrigerator if you require a long-term storage solution.

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