Paragraph 56. The wax finish produces a soft, mellow luster which has but little gloss. It is a popular finish for hardwood floors, and particularly mission furniture. Wax finish is easily and cheaply applied and does not require any great skill. It can easily be renewed from time to time without much trouble. The wax used for this purpose is principally beeswax which has been melted in turpentine. Sometimes other ingredients are added, but these are the principal elements. The wax may be applied with a soft rag and should be rubbed evenly over the surface. While it does not require any great skill nor care, yet it should be evenly spread, and one should avoid leaving bits of the wax in the angles or corners of the work. After the wax is allowed to dry a few minutes it should be rubbed to a polish with another dry, clean cloth. If a little higher polish is desired a second coating of wax may be added and polished in similar manner.

Wax is sometimes applied immediately after the stain without the use of a filler. This will give only fairly good results and will not be durable for the reasons already explained regarding the open pores of the wood. If a first-class wax finish is desired it would be better to add one coat of shellac to the foundation coat. Allow this shellac to dry at least twenty-four hours, then sandpaper it perfectly smooth by adding a few drops of oil to a piece of well-worn sandpaper and carefully rubbing the surface. When the entire surface has been made perfectly smooth, then the wax should be applied, as already explained. One objection to a wax finish is the fact that it shows finger marks rather badly, and on work which is subjected to continual wear must be renewed occasionally in order to retain its beauty and luster, but the renewing is so easily done that the objection is not serious.