The key to applying wax to any object is to use very thin coats. To apply to ornately carved pieces use a small cheap natural bristle paint brush to “paint” the wax thinly onto and into the carvings. Sometimes pipe cleaner works well here. Use a clean rag, another pipe cleaner or a similar clean brush to buff it back out. The stiffness of the bristles is a “trial and error” process and it is not quick and easy but it is better than doing nothing and way better than loading up a carved piece with a layer of oil or silicone.

Thanks for a good question.

Fred Taylor
Worthologist
http://www.furnituredetective.com
info@furnituredetective.com

I found your article interesting but wonder if you have ever tried to apply paste wax to a highly carved piece of Victorian furniture? It would be difficult to get the paste wax into the 10,000 crevices on my bookcase, but I would find it impossible to get the paste wax back off. Do you have any recommendations for very ornate wood furniture?

Thank you for your time.

The basic care of furniture in relatively good condition includes cleaning with mineral spirits (paint thinner to remove old dirt, wax and oil – no it won’t hurt the existing finish, different chemistry). After wiping down with spirits allow the piece to dry overnight. Then apply a thin coat of paste wax, BriWax or Howard’s works well. Use tinted wax to enhance the color. After that dry dust only. Reapply wax once a year. Do not use any other polish and do not use products that contains oil. Also remember that the grocery store does not sell any product that has to do with furniture maintenance and that includes Pledge and any other product that contains silicone. Use no oil or polish other than paste wax – no lemon oil, no Pledge, no Old English – nothing but paste wax. Period.

Fred Taylor
http://www.furnituredetective.com
info@furnituredetective.com

I look forward to reading your articles each time they appear.