Hey everyone! I'm a long-time woodworker, and I've recently been trying to move away from using finishes like polyurethane. I've started using shellac, which I mix from flakes for my interior pieces, and it's been working well. I'm now looking for a finish I can use on larger surfaces. I read about mixing equal parts of mineral spirits, liquid beeswax, and pure tung oil. I tried making my version with real melted beeswax, and while it turns into more of a paste when it cools, I like how it applies and looks. So far, so good on durability, but I'm not really fond of using mineral spirits. I've been applying the finish with gloves, but I want to use it on a kitchen table I'm building and an axe handle, which makes me nervous about using mineral spirits. I know it evaporates once the finish dries, but I'm looking for a more natural option, ideally one that I can apply without gloves. Am I being too cautious about mineral spirits? Are there better alternatives out there? Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, you don't need mineral spirits at all for your finish! I use a mix of beeswax with tung, linseed, or mineral oil, depending on the project. I typically melt beeswax and mix it with oil in ratios of about 2.5:1 to 4:1, then just wipe it on. It looks amazing on top of shellac and doesn't involve those solvents you're trying to avoid.
You could try using citrus solvent (d-limonene) as an alternative to mineral spirits. It's a more natural option and still effective for your finishes!
Some people say mineral spirits are completely natural, but be cautious. They can cause irritation if inhaled and aren't safe to ingest. While not the worst chemical, I understand why you want to avoid it. You're right to look for safer alternatives!
That sounds great! I'll definitely give this mix a try. Thanks for sharing!