Finishing wax, beginner questions.

AESamuel · 15 Jan 2015

Hi,

This is my first post here, I just started getting into woodworking as hobby while I had the summer off uni, but I've really gotten into it and one of the things I'm really enjoying is trying out different finishes - its great to see the project uh... finished?

Anyway, I 've applied some "hycote clear acrylic gloss spray lacquer" (a car spray) to a small candle holder I've made, and the finish is nice and smooth but it does feel a little bit plasticky, so I got some "Colron refined, clear finishing wax" and some 0000 steel wool which I want to put on to make it feel a little more natural. I also intend to use the wax over danish oil finishes.

My questions are:
Should I rub the lacquer down with steel wool dry and then put the wax on with a cloth, or can I put the wax on with the steel wool to kill two birds with one stone?
How much should I be working the wax into the finish? (e.g. should I spend a minute or two rubbing the wax in, or just a few seconds)
How long should I wait after the wax has been applied before buffing to a shine? I'm aiming for the shinest finish possible with the wax.
Lastly, will one coat of wax be enough, or should I apply another? (The can says to apply a second, although doesn't stipulate how long you should wait between coats)

I hope you don't mind these beginner questions, and I'm looking forward to reading a lot more posts here on the forums.
Thanks!

Phil Pascoe · 15 Jan 2015

If you want it as shiny as possible, you might be better off leaving it alone. If you use wax and 0000 you will get a good finish, but it's more likely to be satin than gloss. You could be better using another coat of laquer and polishing with Autosol or something like that, or using a 2 part laquer like Rustins Plastic Coating which will take a very gloss finish.
Welcome btw, which part of god's country are you from? There are a few of us.

AESamuel · 15 Jan 2015

phil.p":95njynef said:
If you want it as shiny as possible, you might be better off leaving it alone. If you use wax and 0000 you will get a good finish, but it's more likely to be satin than gloss. You could be better using another coat of laquer and polishing with Autosol or something like that, or using a 2 part laquer like Rustins Plastic Coating which will take a very gloss finish.
Welcome btw, which part of god's country are you from? There are a few of us.

Hi, thanks for your reply

I suppose I phrased that badly, I know I won't get a glossy finish with the wax (I've used autosol on lacquer before for a super glossy finish) I simply mean, I want to get it as shiny and a waxed surface can be.

I'm originally from Manchester but I'm living with my girlfriend in Falmouth, Cornwall and I've been here for about 6 years. Its a lovely place, and there is a hardwood specialist called WoodStock in town. I've yet to venture in there (bit daunting, not really knowing how to identify wood species and what to ask for) but I'm going to post a few things on the forums here about the different woods and what would suit my needs before I go in there. I do know they have an off-cuts section which would probably suit me best!