I've been thinking about crafting my own paste wax or wood finish at home. Does anyone have favorite recipes or methods? I've already purchased some ingredients like mineral oil, beeswax, carnauba wax, and orange peel oil (which is food-safe citrus solvent). What are your thoughts on this?
6 Answers
I also whip up my own 'shop finish' by combining equal parts Spar Urethane, Boiled Linseed Oil, and Odorless Mineral Spirits. I use it just like Danish Oil; apply it by wiping on and off.
I've been making my own wax lately, and it's super simple! I usually blend about 3 parts mineral oil with 2 parts beeswax. Just melt it on really low heat in an old camping pot, and you're good to go. You can tweak the ratios depending on how you want to use it, which is really cool.
If you're interested in a specific recipe, you might want to check out the one from Lost Art Press. They have a detailed guide on how to make a linseed oil wax finish. Just a heads up: mineral oil doesn’t fully cure, so it might not be the best for furniture finishes.
I’ve had success with lining up linseed oil and beeswax for a homemade paste. Just heat it up gently until the wax melts, mix it all together, and that's it! Simple but effective.
For those curious about the process, there's a cool YouTube video by Nick Engler that explains how to make your own paste wax in a fun way. Though I don’t plan on making it myself, I learned a lot just by watching!
Absolutely! I mix beeswax with orange oil in various ratios to achieve different consistencies. A thinner mix is great for penetrating, while a thicker one works well as a protective outer coat.
Totally agree! That recipe is actually my go-to for furniture. Just an extra tip: if it calls for 2 tbsp limonene, I usually add 3-4 tbsp for easier spreading.