So, I built this coffee table that I'm really proud of and everything worked out perfectly. The finish process I chose was just something I kind of guessed would work based on all the reading I've done. The table's been sitting in the upstairs room all done (maybe). One thing I've been pondering since the moment I put the last top coat of poly on is if I should put paste wax on it or not. I don't really know anything about the stuff and as far as I'm concerned, I don't know if I'd be able to tell the difference if there was wax on the table or not (would I?). If I do end up deciding to put paste wax on it, I've got polyurethane on the table top but only a top coat of shellac on the legs and aprons, do I put wax on the entire table? Do I use natural or darkened? Does anyone have any age old tried and true wisdom that can help me come to a decision? I think I just need closure… Am I really done with this table? To wax, or not to wax…
I don't think waxing it will afford you much additional protection, if that's what you're after. I like wax because I don't like poly. I'm usually looking for just a hint of additional protection over built shellac and I just like the "feel" of a waxed surface. I like the smell and subtle shine, too. I end up waxing almost everything because it's part of my ritual of the finishing being TOTALLY DONE (I don't like finishing). If you like the way it looks now, I wouldn't tinker with tinted waxes. A high quality clear wax is fun to apply and it's not like you're really doing anything permanent.
Wax won't give you any extra protection over the poly, but it will still give you that nice wax "feel" Al is talking about.
Smells good, too. Carnuba especially.
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