Liming Wax Durability

[Wayne Spence]

I recently saw a bowl finished with Briwax-Liming Wax. It looked so nice I bought a can at Woodcraft. The clerk said they didn't sell much of it and I immediately thought maybe there is a reason. I have finished a piece of unknown hardwood with it and it looks good. The wood was a light yellowish brown. My question is -is this like most waxes and will have to be reapplied every so often?-will the piece have to have the old wax removed with a solvent before reapplying? Any comments will be appreciated.

 

[Fog Tanner]

Wayne,
I use quite a bit of liming wax on various projects. I do a lot of dyed ash pieces on which I use liming wax as a contrast. I also use the black patinating wax and apply it the same way. I have never had to reapply the wax as I seal it in with a finish.

My preference is to apply it on the lathe, but have done it off the lathe as well. I apply a "film" coat of liming wax, filling in the grain. After it sets for 5-10 minutes (depending on the temp), I removed the excess with Liberon Finishing Oil. I use a pad of Viva paper towel (only one I have found that works), apply some Finishing Oil to the pad, and wipe from the center out. I stop part way and change to a clean section of pad and more finishing oil. One pass only, this will remove the excess and seal the wax. After this sets up, I will add another coat or two. I have also used home brew Danish Oil with similar results. Both seem to work, but I use more of the Liberon.

I have done the same on some tool handles, except I used Fletco #66 (original Varathene). On tool handles this seems to wear better than the other oils I use. The Fletco does take several days to set up with the wax, but it will set up. I have several dyed and limed tool handles that I have used almost daily for years and the wax is still there. Same with the dyed jewelry boxes that I limed, no wear issues with the wax.

Absolutely no idea how long it will last unsealed as I have never done that, I have always sealed the wax in.

Fog

 

[Griesbach]

Fog's got the answer but here's some others. Woodcraft may not sell much of it because flat workers rarely use it. A can lasts a long time as a little goes a long way so those that do buy it go a long time before they need more.