Beeswax / Mineral Oil Finish

[Dave Monk]

After watching Kevin's video on how to make   Beeswax / Mineral Oil Finish it inspired me to give it a try.  I thought about sending him a PM but decided if I posted it here maybe someone else would benefit.  

I used one cup Mineral oil and  1/4 cup beeswax. I sanded a sample piece of walnut with 220.  It made a nice soft smooth finish.  I was disappointed that there was no luster at all. Would changing the recipe add any luster?

[kmmcrafts]

I don't think changing up the recipe would make a huge difference in the outcome of the finish.. but I don't know that for a fact because I've never really changed it up before.. What type of finish do you typically use? 

Some people like a shiny look to wood and achieve it by spraying coatings onto the wood such as Polyurethane and Lacquer etc.. This look you will not achieve using the Beeswax Mineral oil mix.. I've always used Danish Oil or 50/50  BLO / Mineral spirits mix.. The smells from these finishes prevents me from being able to mail items out in a timely manor.. Then I found the Beeswax mix.. The beeswax mix gives the same type look with actually a little more of a warm glow to it than the other two finishes I use.. But applying the Beeswax mix is somewhat of a tedious job.. so when at all possible I use Danish oil.. My wife gets mad at me for using the Danish oil because she thinks the Beeswax mix looks and feels better on the wood.. Just the easiest way is dipping in Danish oil so most projects get Danish oil unless I'm mailing it out in a day or two.. When I build inventory I use Danish oil.. But orders that come in needing made or custom orders etc.. get the beeswax.. I've had repeat customers that notice the warmer glow on the beeswax over the Danish oil.. Mostly just noticed on the inside cuts where I do not sand them to a fine grit paper..  

I personally started out using spray finishes years ago.. but could never get a satisfaction of getting a finish to look like natural wood.. some of the sprays come out and make the wood look like its's coated in plastic etc.. Everyone has a different taste for shines / luster/ warm glow / Gloss/ Semi Gloss / Satin etc etc.. The beeswax is more of a natural look while protecting the wood in a natural non-toxic way with no strong smells..

 

[fredfret]

To get a shine you can use a harder wax like carnauba. It's a lot more expensive and harder to work with. 

[kmmcrafts]

I might add that also some wood is dryer than others.. sometimes you really gotta apply quite a lot of the mix on.. let it set for a few hours to soak up the oil and then buff off the wax.. I also will use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the wax and then wipe / buff off the excess.. 

 

[kmmcrafts]

1 minute ago, fredfret said:

To get a shine you can use a harder wax like carnauba. It's a lot more expensive and harder to work with. 

Yes that is true too... Also.. there is a difference in the beeswax too.. there is a yellow color and then more white / clear color.. the white / clear looking beeswax is harder.. takes more heat to melt with the hair dryer.. and the mix usually sets up more firm.. When I made the video.. I used the yellow.. the first time I've used it.. and I have to say.. I like that it doesn't set up quite so hard since I like a softer mix so I can brush it into the fret cutouts easier.. but I do think the harder wax leaves a little better glow or shine to the wood.. which I also think protects the wood a little better too..