For centuries, wood has been a go-to material in construction and furniture making, cherished for its warmth and beauty. Whether you’re creating a new piece or refurbishing an old wooden surface, the finish you choose plays a crucial role in how it looks and lasts. Among the many choices, beeswax wood finish shines with its natural qualities and irresistible appeal.
Advantages of utilizing Beeswax as a wood Polish
1. It delivers a glossy finish.
Beeswax wood polish and preserver works just as well as other commercial treatments to bring out the true beauty of wooden furniture. certain wood polish products containing synthetic ingredients have the potential to alter, or even distort, the color and natural appearance of the wood.
But Beeswax wood polish turns dry, dull, and sun-damaged areas into naturally smooth ones, giving them a warm, pleasant shine. Its rich and glossy coating gives a shine that catches the eye. In contrast, a resin varnish produces a dry, hard wood surface that seems aged and weathered.
2. It is natural.
The most significant aspect of the beeswax is that it is natural. Wooden furniture becomes appealing to the eyes without irritating our noses every time they emit dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere and produce indoor pollution. Beeswax is also a frequent and natural element in skin moisturizers and lip balms, so there’s less risk it’ll harm our skin. It leaves the wood feel silky smooth to the touch.
Being natural is one of the primary reasons why beeswax wood polish and preserver is an excellent choice.
3. It ensures durability.
Beeswax includes high-carbon paraffin, which not only penetrates the wood but also seals and protects its surface, particularly from moisture and sunshine. This provides much-needed strength, particularly for furniture placed next to an open window or door, exposed to wet winds or even rainstorms.
While varnish can protect wood, it does not penetrate as deeply as beeswax.
As a primary wood treatment, beeswax-based paste must be reapplied more frequently because it does not last as long as lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, and oil finishes. When the wood is covered repeatedly, the beeswax can stay on for longer lengths of time, unless it is subjected to wear and tear and dissolving with a cleaning.
Beeswax is most effective when applied as a polish over another type of finish.
4. It’s safe to ingest.
Beeswax is generally considered safe to ingest in small amounts. It’s commonly used in various food products such as candy coatings, chewing gum, and as a glazing agent on fruits. However, it’s always important to ensure that the beeswax you consume is food-grade and sourced from reputable sources to avoid any potential contaminants or impurities.
5. It is inexpensive.
Beeswax is considered inexpensive for several reasons. Firstly, beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production, meaning it doesn’t require intensive processing or manufacturing, which keeps its production costs relatively low. Additionally, beeswax is abundant, as it’s produced by honeybees in large quantities. The availability of beeswax also contributes to its affordability. Furthermore, compared to synthetic alternatives, beeswax often offers better quality and more benefits at a lower cost, making it an economical choice for various applications.
How to apply Beeswax to wood
Applying beeswax to wood is a straightforward process that can help protect and enhance the appearance of the wood. Here’s a simple guide:
Prepare the Surface: Ensure that the wood surface is clean and free from dust, dirt, and any previous finishes or coatings. You can use a mild detergent and water to clean the wood, then allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
Heat the Beeswax: If the beeswax is in a solid form, you’ll need to melt it before application. You can do this by placing the beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-safe container set in a pot of simmering water. Heat the beeswax gently until it melts completely.
Apply the Beeswax: Once the beeswax is melted, use a clean, soft cloth or brush to apply it to the wood surface in a thin, even layer. To achieve optimal results, work in the direction of the wood grain when applying the polish. Ensure thorough coverage of the entire surface for an even finish.
Allow to Penetrate and Dry: Let the beeswax penetrate the wood for some time, usually around 5-10 minutes, depending on the wood’s porosity and the desired level of protection. Allow the beeswax to dry completely.
Buff the Surface: After the beeswax has dried, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the wood surface gently. This will help remove any excess wax and create a smooth, lustrous finish.
Repeat if Desired: For additional protection or a more noticeable shine, you can repeat the application process, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
Maintain Regularly: Depending on the level of wear and tear, you may need to reapply beeswax periodically to maintain the wood’s protection and appearance. Simply clean the surface and reapply the wax as needed.
By following these steps, you can effectively apply beeswax to wood surfaces, providing them with a natural and protective finish.
How to make Beeswax
Making beeswax involves extracting and refining beeswax from honeycomb, a process typically carried out by beekeepers. Here’s a general overview of how beeswax is made:
Harvesting Honeycomb: Beekeepers harvest honeycomb frames from beehives once they’re filled with honey. These frames are typically made of beeswax cells where bees store honey and raise their young.
Removing Debris: The harvested honeycomb frames may contain debris such as propolis (a resinous substance collected by bees) and bee remains. Beekeepers remove this debris by scraping or brushing the frames.
Extracting Wax: The cleaned honeycomb frames are then placed in a device called a wax extractor. This machine uses centrifugal force to spin the frames, causing the honey to be expelled from the cells. As the honey is removed, the beeswax remains intact.
Melting the Wax: The extracted beeswax is collected and melted down to remove impurities. This can be done using a double boiler or a solar wax melter, where the beeswax is heated gently until it reaches its melting point.
Filtering: Once melted, the beeswax is strained or filtered to remove any remaining debris, such as bee parts, pollen, or other impurities. This helps to ensure that the beeswax is clean and pure.
Cooling and Solidifying: After filtering, the purified beeswax is allowed to cool and solidify. It can be poured into molds to create blocks or shaped into various forms for different uses.
Storage: The finished beeswax blocks or products are stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be used or sold.
This process yields pure beeswax, which can be used for various purposes such as candle making, skincare products, woodworking, and more. It’s important to note that the specific methods and equipment used for making beeswax may vary among beekeepers and manufacturers.
Storage and Shelf Life of Beeswax Polish
To keep your homemade beeswax polish fresh and effective, store it appropriately. You should store the polish in an airtight glass or metal container, as plastic containers may cause the wax to absorb chemical scents over time. To lengthen the polish’s shelf life, keep it in a cold, dark place.
The type of oil used in the mix determines how long the polish lasts. Oil-based goods will eventually become rotten with age. The general standards for shelf life are:
Olive oil – 12-18 months.
Coconut oil – 24 months
Jojoba oil – Up to five years.
If you plan to manufacture a large batch of polish that will be stored for an extended period of time, Jojoba is the most stable option. However, it is critical to track the polish over time. If it smells waxy or crayon-like, it may have gone bad. In such instances, it is advisable to reject it and make a new batch as needed.
A Comparison OF Hemp Oil, Tung Oil AND Beeswax wood finish :
| Feature | Beeswax Wood Finish | Oil Finishes | Varnishes & Lacquers | Water-Based Finishes |
| Source | Natural substance produced by honeybees. | Derived from plant or petroleum sources. | Synthetic resin-based formulations. | Water-soluble polymers. |
| Appearance | Enhances natural beauty, adds warmth. | Enhances wood grain, adds depth. | Forms a glossy, protective layer. | Provides clear, matte or glossy finish. |
| Protection | Provides moderate protection against moisture. | Penetrates wood to nourish and protect. | Creates a sturdy barrier that protects against wear and tear. | Offers durable, water-resistant coating. |
| Application | Applied with a cloth or brush, easy to use. | Requires multiple coats, longer drying time. | Requires careful application to avoid streaks. | Easy to apply, dries quickly. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Biodegradable, derived from renewable resource. | Depends on source, some are eco-friendly. | Often contains VOCs, may emit harmful fumes. | Low VOC content, environmentally friendly. |
| Reapplication Frequency | Every few months for optimal protection. | Periodic reapplication required for maintenance. | Long-lasting, may require refinishing over time. | Periodic maintenance to maintain appearance. |
| Suitability | Suitable for all wood types, enhances natural look. | Suitable for most wood types, versatile. | Ideal for high-traffic areas, indoor use. | Suitable for interior wood surfaces, furniture. |
This comparison table provides a quick overview of the key differences between beeswax wood finish and other wood finishes like hemp oil and tung oil, helping users make informed decisions based on their preferences and project requirements.
Conclusion
Beeswax wood polish is a classic and natural way to enhance and protect wooden furniture, cutting boards, and other wooden goods. This traditional finish, created of honeybee wax, has been used for ages to highlight the natural beauty of wood grains while also providing a strong, chemical-free barrier.
Beeswax protects wood against moisture, bacterial development, warping, and swelling. It penetrate the wood grain without creating a surface layer, enabling it to expand and contract without cracking.
Applying beeswax polish is a simple technique that any woodworker may complete. With just a few simple components like beeswax, oil, and a cloth, you can make your own personalized polish according to your environment and wood type. Beeswax can be layered using basic buffing techniques to create a gorgeous, long-lasting finish.
Beyond its functional protective properties, beeswax polishing has environmental advantages. This non-toxic, all-natural wood finish prevents the harsh chemicals and VOC emissions found in some commercial products. Beeswax polish enables woodworkers to improve their craft in a sustainable manner.
If you like the look and feel of raw wood, try beeswax polishing on your next project. Its deep, versatile brilliance and environmentally responsible nature may convert you to this classic wood treatment.
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