The Pros and cons of liquid wax

One of my most favourite things to use on furniture is tinted liquid wax. I thought you would like me to share the pros and cons of liquid wax and the appropriate uses of this kind of wax. Specifically the tinted liquid wax.

I’ve almost finished my bottle and will definitely continue to use it again and again. I began experimenting with it on a sideboard and have since progressed to several other pieces.

The advantages:

The Botanics liquid wax comes in clear, white, black and umber.
The tinted versions don’t stain too harshly. They are subtle, especially the white.
You do not need to use clear wax before applying the tinted waxes. This is usually done to protect the furniture from over staining.
You save time waxing once instead of prepping with clear first. (saving elbow grease!)
Liquid wax grips to the paint but has a longer open time.
The clear version can be tinted with other colours from the Botanics range of paint.
It goes a very long way so is economical to use.
It is very kind to your brushes and washes out without the need to use white spirits of mineral turpentine – just soapy water!
It brushes or wipes on like cream – so easy! No sore arms from harder waxing and brushing in.
You don’t need to wear gloves as there are no solvents in the product.
It looks umber is the perfect brown in one coat!

When I refer to open time this is what I mean. Often when applying products that give your furniture or craft project an aged antique look the products stain quickly and soak in unevenly unless wiped back quickly. Instead of feeling like you are riding a racehorse to the end of the waxing, you can relax and enjoy the process instead. In fact one more point to add…

It smells nice!

That was the pros for liquid wax. Now the Cons

The disadvantages:

Liquid wax takes a bit longer to harden than solvent-based waxes. You can usually handle it soon after applying but allow 2 weeks to properly set.
It may not soak into home-made chalk paints if you use paints that are too plastic-like. (too satin or glossy) Botanics paints are recommended but it is likely okay with most branded chalk paints too. It needs a flat surface to work best.

I did a Live video while applying the umber wax to a sofa. You can watch the video on YouTube below

art and painting supplies

LIQUID WAX – Wipes on like cream!

LIQUID VERDIGRIS