Hi

It’s Terry back again – we like to keep you guessing! Thanks to Nathanael for his insights into his first few weeks working with us. It’s been great having him here, and the different viewpoint he’s brought. Thanks too to everyone who commented on his latest Newsletter, and the positive comments. I’m sure he’ll be writing more in the near future.

We’ve had a spate of questions about waxes recently, all sort of connected, so I thought I’d run through some of them as it’s obviously information that needs to be out there!

First off, what’s the difference between WoodWax 22 and Microcrystalline Wax? Visually, there’s nothing to chose from for the final visual effect.
WoodWax 22 is a fairly traditional wax, quick drying and very easy to use, and give a great finish. It’s made with beeswax and carnauba wax; the former gives it the shine, the latter provides a level of protection against handling. It doesn’t stand up to water very well, and will mark easily, and regular handling will dull the shine.

Microcrystalline Wax uses man-made waxes which stand up to water, and also handling, by virtue of having a melting point above body temperature. It is slower drying, though, requiring 5–10 minutes before buffing.
WoodWax 22 is ideal for a quick easy shine, superb for beginners. Microcrystalline Wax is good where time is not of the essence and a tougher wax finish is required.

Similarly, what’s the difference between Gilt Cream and Rainbow Wax? Gilt Cream uses white spirit as a solvent, and only comes in a limited range of colours. In fact, just in Gold now. The raw materials for this product have increased dramatically in cost over the last few years, so we’re gradually phasing them out in favour of the Rainbow Wax. This is a waterborne wax, in a wider range of colours but still with a metallic shine to them. We’ve introduced Silver and Copper into the range, along with Blues, Reds, Greens etc. These can be used to give a wonderful decorative effect to highlight the grain of an item, or to give a solid colour over the whole item.

If using the Rainbow Wax just in the grain, what’s the best technique? For the best results, open the grain first with a Liming Brush. Stain the wood if required, followed by a lacquer or sealer. Or, for a totally black background, Ebonising Lacquer will do both jobs. Wipe the Rainbow Wax on, making sure to fill the grain; wait a minute, then use Air Brush Cleaner or Reducer to remove the surplus wax, leaving it just in the grain. Do this part carefully, as it’s easy to remove too much – but never fear if you do, it’s easy to touch it back in.

If you come and see us at Harrogate, Nathanael will be demonstrating this technique during the weekend, so you’ll be able to see if for yourself.
If you were at the Weekender and saw our wonderful ELO tribute band (The ELO Encounter), we went to see them again last week, they’re still as brilliant as ever. They’re on tour, so if you like ELO and live music, they come highly recommended!

I’ll be back next week

Terry