Have you started painting furniture with chalk paint and now want to learn how to use antiquing wax? Antiquing wax can add depth and interest in a piece of furniture. It builds up in the nook and crannies of the furniture to really bring out any engraving or etching done to the wood.
The Simple Steps of How to Use Antiquing Wax
Antiquing wax can be used in two separate ways. It can be added to a piece of furniture that has already been waxed with soft wax, or it can be used as the wax to seal the furniture. Using antiquing wax to accent the nooks and crannies of the piece tends to be the most common.
First Method – Using Antiquing Wax Over Soft Wax
This method allows the dark wax to build up in the nooks and crannies of the furniture without showing up much on the larger areas of the piece. The soft wax is used to seal the furniture and the antiquing wax is used only to accent the corners and etching within the wood.
Related: Chalk Painting For The Beginner
How to Achieve This Look
Step 1 – How to Begin
Start with a piece of furniture that has already been painted and sealed with soft wax. I apply the dark wax immediately after the soft wax so that the soft wax is still pliable and not completely set. This allows to dark wax to be wiped and buffed off the furniture more easily.
In order to get in the nooks and crannies of the furniture piece, I use a natural bristle brush that has been cut down close to the base. This allows me to have control of the wax and to push the wax into those hard-to-reach spots.
Step 2 – Applying the Wax
Begin by applying the wax to one area at a time. I start with one corner or area of the furniture and slowly move around the piece. In this instance I started with the leg of this side table.
Be sure to apply the wax liberally. This will ensure that the dark wax makes its way into the cracks of the furniture.
Step 3 – Removing and Buffing the Wax
Wiping off the wax soon after application is a must. This is to make sure that most of the dark wax is in the nooks and crannies, instead of the larger portions of the furniture piece.
Once a small area of wax has been applied, use a lint free rag to wipe of the wax towards the nooks where you would like to see buildup. Then buff the area well until the furniture is no longer tacky.
Continue the above three steps until the entire piece of furniture is complete. This can be a long process, especially if you chose a large piece of furniture to wax.
Related: How to Care For Your Chalk Painting Brushes
Method 2 – Using Antiquing Wax to Seal the Furniture
This method is not as common, however its still rather striking. When using antiquing was as the main sealant, you end up with dark wax throughout your project and, in my example, brush strokes of dark wax.
Step 1
Begin with a piece that has been painted and is completely dry. Use a wax brush to apply the dark antiquing wax onto the furniture piece. Since this wax will be more visible, be sure brush strokes are in the same direction. For this technique, I apply to larger areas at a time before wiping off the excess wax.
Step 2
Wipe off the excess wax and buff until no longer tacky. This will seal the same as soft wax, but gives off a darker finish. Please note that brush strokes will be visible.
Additional Notes
Wax is a safe and non-toxic option for sealing your furniture. Using antiquing wax really provides an interesting affect that many people enjoy. If you’re serious about refinishing furniture, this is an important technique to learn.
April Collins says
Loved Pictures!!! I Just Bought A Hutch From A Yard Sale. I Want To Chalk Paint And Antique Wax . Reading This On Pinterest Helped. We Shall See How It Goes!!!
Elizabeth says
I hope it goes well for you! Feel free to email me if you have any questions 🙂
Richelle Reese says
Do you use a sealer before or after antiquing with wax
Elizabeth says
Use clear/natural wax before using antiquing wax. Wax is a sealer, so the clear wax is what seals the paint and the antiquing wax is there to give it that extra antiqued look.
susanne Ketring says
Can I use this process to cover dark mahogany wood? I want to change my console to an antique off white color
Elizabeth says
You can use a primer to prevent bleed through before painting, and then after painting, use antiquing wax to give the white paint that antiqued look.
erika says
hi there, once my dark antique wax has dried and cured , can I leave it as is or can I seal it with a matte clear coat spray paint ? or matte urethane?
I love the matte finish and I recently made over a fireplace mantel and gave it that wood grain affect. I did not buff it out because then it smooths out the grain effect that I created. just wondering how do i seal it without ruining the faux grain lines?
Thank-you
any tips will be appreciated:)
Elizabeth says
Once you put wax on, you can’t seal with anything else. The only thing you can add is another coat of wax. You can use clear way to seal it if the dark wax has dried.