How to Wax Timber – Gilly’s 3-Step Waxing Process

Waxing is a traditional way to preserve and enhance the beauty of timber. When applied correctly, a wax finish leaves the surface silky smooth, dry to the touch, and evenly finished in all lighting conditions while highlighting the natural grain of the wood.

We recommend Gilly's three-step waxing process to achieve a durable, natural waxed finish.

Preparation

Before waxing, the timber must be clean, smooth and completely dry. Ensure the surface has been stripped, sanded, or cleaned as required. Good preparation ensures the wax penetrates evenly and the final finish is smooth.

Wipe the timber with a cloth lightly dampened with solvent (most people have on hand a bottle of mineral turpentine - low odour is nicer) to remove residue from sanding or stripping. Alternatively, a cleaning solvent such as Gilly's LoThin can be used as a safer thinner as it is low VOC and low odour.

Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying wax. 

Step 1 – Nourish the Timber

Raw or stripped timber is often dry and thirsty, as it no longer contains the natural oils that once kept it supple.

Begin by applying a nourishing wax such as Gilly's Restoring Polish. This step feeds the fibres and helps restore suppleness to the wood. Nourishing the timber helps prevent the wood from becoming brittle and vulnerable to cracking or splitting over time.

Apply a small amount of polish with a lint-free cloth and work the product into the timber following the grain. Buff away any excess with a soft lint-free cloth of buffing pads. Use up to three coats depending on porosity of timber, buffing well between coats. Allow up to four hours between coats.

Step 2 – Build the Wax Finish

Once the timber has been nourished, apply a firmer building wax, such as Gilly's Cabinet Maker’s Wax. This stage begins to build the protective wax layer. This wax helps fill hairline cracks and small imperfections, producing a smooth, even surface while enhancing the timber’s natural grain.

Apply sparingly using a cloth or very fine steel wool (0000) working the wax into the grain of the timber. Buff back with a soft, lint-free cloth or buffing pads. Use 1-2 coats to begin with and continue to build over twelve months until happy with build. 

Step 3 – Maintenance Polish

The final step is maintenance with a finishing wax such as Gilly's Cream Polish or Gilly's Carnauba Polish.

Apply a thin layer with a lint-free cloth and spread sparingly over the surface, not more than one square metre at a time, in a circular motion. Buff back vigorously with a soft, lint-free cloth or buffing pads.

Finishing waxes rich in carnauba wax produce a hard, protective surface that buffs to a high shine.

Helpful Tips for Waxing Timber

• Always apply thin coats rather than thick layers.
• Work with the direction of the timber grain.
• Buff well between coats to achieve a smooth finish.
• A little wax goes a long way.
• Waxed surfaces are easy to maintain and can be refreshed simply by applying another light coat and buffing.