Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 02, 2006 11:09pm | #1

   If build up of wax and polish is the problem, naptha or mineral spirits will remove it.  You will need to use lots of rags, or paper towels, to avoid just smearing it around and you may need to apply some elbow grease.  

   But the idea of wax build up is mostly a myth, since each new application of wax essentially dissolves the older layers.   It only occurs if excess wax isn't removed during following application.   If the naptha has little effect you have other problems with the finish. 

   Cloudy areas could be excess moisture trapped in the finish, similar to a water ring.  This can be removed by a light swipe or with a rag dampened with denatured alcohol.  You want the rag damp, not drippy wet.  Michael Dresdner likens the correct wetness as that of the nose of a healthy dog. 

   Wax doesn't offer much, if any, protection against water so don't rule out water damage because of lots of wax. 

   If naptha and the alcohol swipe doesn't remove the cloudiness your finish may have other problems, but best go after the most likely causes before we try to figure out other solutions. 

2. 
   jazzdogg | Jan 03, 2006 04:38am | #2

   I agree with Steve - unless you're dealing with a shellac finish, in which case alcohol will dissolve the shellac: test in an inconspicuous area first.

   There has, indeed, been much misinformation presented my the marketing departments of various companies. Waxie yellow build-up? Harumph! This is akin to the marketing myth that says we are supposed to "nourish" our fine furniture with [insert name of expensive product here]. Once you cut down a tree, it's dead and no longer requires nourishment. 

   I'll step down from my soapbox now,

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 04, 2006 04:25am | #5

   One quick wet nose swipe with alcohol will have almost zero impact on a shellac finish, except perhaps to soften it for 5 or 10 minutes.  (For example, alcohol is used to "spirit off" the oil remaining from french polishing, for example, though I use naptha instead so I don't have to be careful.) Don't go leaning on it during that time and don't drip or set the rag down. 

   I absolutely agree with Jazzdog that it would be wise to test an inconspicuous place to see if alcohol, or any potential solvent, has any impact.  Should have mentioned it. I also agree with the ridiculous marketing though the products are only expensive to buy, not expensive to make.  Bet the ad budget is bigger than the materials cost. 

3. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 03, 2006 08:44pm | #3

   fremoving ENGLISH I UNDERSTAND! LOL.. I love it...

   Wax doesn't offer much, if any, protection against water so don't rule out water damage because of lots of wax.

   I find that a good WAX is great.. Just have to do it often AND be sure you buff off the old stuff..

   Well, not in a kitchen have I tried it...

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/3/2006 12:47 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 09:34pm | #4

   Thanks for pointing out my lack of proofreading before posting :)

   I don't understand what you mean about buffing off the old wax before re waxing. 

   The table is clean now, from washing with ammonia solution and wiped with Naphtha.  There are no water stains on the wodd.  I am using BRIWAX - should I put on more than one coat?

   What can I use to buff the table other than elbow grease?  My arms are going to fall off!

   Edited 1/3/2006 4:34 pm ET by mslee

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 04, 2006 04:40am | #6

   Well that pretty much ruled out shellac.  The ammonia solution would have been even more destructive than an alcohol swipe on an shellac finish.  Not a real good idea on the more common lacquer finish.  You may have been lucky.

   Wax should be buffed when it is applied.  The solvents uin the wax generally dissolve any only wax and so when you buff of extra wax after applying new wax, you are also buffing off old wax. 

   If you must wax, one coat of wax is plenty, the only benefit of two coats is if you missed areas the first time.  Some people do use electric buffers, but I don't really recommend it.  For one thing, elbow grease keeps you from getting carried away.  (I wax the topsides on my sailboat, it cures any tendency to want a bigger boat.)  Wax is an optional extra, entirely for appearance, not a regular maintenance necessity.  Make your next application of wax about 3 years from now. 

2. 
   Gretchen | Jan 04, 2006 02:59pm | #7

   Wow, ammonia. Coming late but I probably would have suggested mineral spirits rather than alcohol.

   And Briwax will dissolve even more and clean the surface. But it is a bear to rub out by hand.Gretchen

1. 
   mslee | Jan 04, 2006 05:49pm | #8

   Thank you for the good advice.  The table looks magnificent, however the 6 side chairs and 2 armed chairs look dreadful  Is there anything else I can use to get a shine on them besides Briwax and all that rubbing?

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 05, 2006 03:59pm | #10

   I would get some Howard's Restor-a-Finish and apply that to table and chairs.

   Yes, to Steve--I agree that if you absolutely KNOW to use the alcohol that way, it is the answer. If you don't, it will be ugly.Gretchen

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 04, 2006 09:15pm | #9

   Gretchen

   The alcohol is just a light, damp swipe for trapped moisture if there are white cloudy areas left after using mineral spirits to remove old wax.  Used that way its safe, but its certainly not a method for removing old wax. 

   I absolutely agree--"wow ammonia".  Thats about the very last chemical you want on wood furniture with an unknown finish, short of methyl chloride.  If the finish had been shellac, we would now be discussing refinishing methods for this table.