Using Waxes, Sealers and Furniture Tonic
Light and clear waxes are used on the entire surface of your piece to provide a durable, satin finish. The dark and liming wax are used sparingly to highlight, antique and enhance your piece.
LIGHT AND CLEAR WAX
When applying the wax, a frequent mistake is applying too much wax. When you apply wax, less is more, and two or more light, thin coats of wax are better than one thick coat of wax.
STEP 1
There are two ways to apply the light or clear wax (often chosen by personal preference):
- A cotton t-shirt cloth (recommended for large, smooth, flat surfaces, or
- China bristle brush (recommended for all other areas like details and rough surfaces)
Apply the wax by swirling the cloth or china bristle brush into the can of wax.
STEP 2
For brushing: Use a cardboard pallet to off-load excess wax and to get the wax evenly distributed in your brush. Then in a small “x” motion with no particular pattern apply a thin layer of wax to your entire piece.
For ragging: Apply the wax by first rubbing in a circular motion, rubbing quickly (like you would for shoe polish), and then ending in a motion with the grain.
Applying the wax thinly and evenly is important, but trying to achieve a perfect wax application on the first coat is not necessary. Subsequent coats of wax will help to even out the wax finish, and cover any areas that may have been missed.
STEP 3
Allow to dry until solvents in the waxes have evaporated and the wax is no longer moveable with your finger (at least 20-60 minutes depending on heat and humidity). Can be left longer such as overnight or more if desired.
STEP 4
Repeat with second thin coat if necessary.
STEP 5
Once dry, buff your piece with a clean dry cotton t-shirt rag, A light buffing will give a soft satin finish, a heavier buffing will increase the sheen.
STEP 6
Take a look at your piece. You may be completely satisfied at this point. If so, enjoy! If you want more dimension and enhancement continue on to the dark and liming wax stages.
DARK AND LIMING WAX
Dark wax is used for antiquing the details of you piece while liming wax enhances with highlights. They can be used separately or together.
STEP 1
Swirl a new china bristle brush in the dark or liming wax Use a piece of cardboard or paper to off-load your brush of excess wax.
STEP 2
Test how much wax is on your brush by swiping it on a clean area of cardboard. You barely want to be able to see traces of dark wax.
STEP 3
Use your brush to lightly scrub your piece where the piece would get naturally worn or accumulate a wear over time. For examples: edges, corners, and details in trim work. You do not want to cover every inch of your piece with the dark or liming wax.
STEP 4
If you are happy with your piece then you are done! If not, continue adding layers of these waxes. If you think there is too much dark/liming wax in some places, don’t panic! You can go back with the light or clear wax and rub the dark or liming wax right off. You can play around with how much wax you want to put on your piece depending on the look you want.
Clean up: not water soluble, use a solvent for removal, to reuse wax brushes, rub excess wax out of brush.
SEALERS: GLOSS AND MATTE
This is a simple, non-toxic, no VOC product used to seal furniture, cabinetry, flooring and walls which have been painted with Amy Howard at Home® Toscana Milk Paint™ and Amy Howard at Home® One Step Paint™ from fingerprints and spills, producing a gloss finish.
Instructions:
After you have your piece painted or stained to your liking, using a brush appropriate for your size project, apply the Amy Howard at Home Gloss or Matte Sealer using side-to-side strokes being careful not to over work the area. After the first coat has dried, lightly sand with 320 grit sand paper. Wipe the piece you are working on with a lint free rag and then apply additional coats for increased protection.
FURNITURE TONIC
Amy Howard At Home® Furniture Tonic™ is the perfect product to revive old wood or to protect a piece of furniture that has been painted with Toscana Milk Paint™. This tonic will give your piece a beautiful, water-resistant finish.
Instructions:
Using a paint brush, apply the furniture tonic onto the piece of furniture you are wanting to revive. The furniture will feel dry to the touch one day after you apply it by complete drying time can be several days.