What I Learned About Using Dark Wax

First lets take a look at how dramatic dark wax can be…

As you can see, it is worth the effort.

So let’s figure out how to best control it, so you don’t end up with a chocolate milk mess, like this.  

I have used a couple of different kinds of dark wax, including Annie Sloan, which is more of a paste, Americana Decor and Artminds, which are creamier (and less expensive).

It is very rare for me to use the dark wax alone…. I always mix it with a clear wax to tame it a little bit. I must say, I prefer a creme wax to a past wax, and in a minute you will understand why.

A couple more points before we begin…

1. You can wax any painted piece of furniture, so long as the finish is not glossy.  Chalk paint waxes nicely, as the wax adheres well to the paint.  If you are using latex, I would suggest, matte, flat or eggshell.  Satin finish may work, but the wax doesn’t stick as well.
2. I have read suggestions and watched video’s that say you should do a coat of clear wax first.  Honestly, that has not worked well for me.  I prefer to do the dark wax first, get the finish that I want and then complete the project with coat of clear wax.

Now, lets get started.

1. Once your piece is painted and dry, you can mix your wax.  I usually mix about 3 parts clear with one part dark.  Once you mix it up, you can decide if you want it a bit darker by adding more of the dark wax.
2. I use one of those disposable brushes (that I don’t actually throw away!)  But I prefer it to be a bit stiffer, so if it is the first time I am using it, I may put a bit of clear wax on the bristles and leave it sit out for an hour or so, till it hardens up a little.  This also helps prevent stray bristles from coming off (though not completely, so be aware!)
3. It is always a good idea to turn the piece over and start at the bottom.  Dip your brush into the wax so you have a small amount on the tips, and get started.  I like to start with two parallel lines and then use the brush to move that wax around, moving in the opposite direction of the lines. Sometimes you have to kind of scrub the wax into the little grooves.
4. Now comes the ‘taking it off’ part.  If you use cream wax, and you put it on rather thick so that it is still pretty wet, you can simply wipe it off with a clean cloth.  But if you are using a paste wax, or if you have really scrubbed the wax it into the paint and it is on the drier side, you may need to use a wet cloth to wipe off some of the dark wax.  I will keep a bowl of warm water and a cloth on hand.  Make sure your cloth is well rung out and start wiping.  I find this method gives you good control, and if you take too much off, you just add more dark wax after it dries.  I didn’t really like the way this tabletop came out after the first try, so I just added another coat of dark wax to fix it up!
5. Once you are finished and the piece is dry then it is time to finish it off with a coat of clear wax to make sure it is well sealed!   Using the same method (but a different brush) you will want to cover an area with wax and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.  It should feel dry and not tacky.
6. Finish it off with a good buffing.  You can use a clean t-shirt or other cloth and some elbow grease and rub it till it shines!  If your piece is a little bigger, you can even use a car buffer!
7. The last point I will make is that wax provides a durable finish to any piece of furniture… but it takes a full 3-4 weeks to fully cure, so be gentle with it till then!

Dark wax isn’t just for white pieces… it gives that great antiquey look to any colour and can take a dull paint finish and make it fabulous!

Coming soon… a comparison  between dark wax and a colour wash with glaze!

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