Johnson Paste Wax Alternative
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14 March 2023 at 1:59 am #794767
It seems that SC Johnson has stopped making paste wax. It is still available from some online websites like Amazon, but at an extremely elevated price, and while stocks last. Does anyone have thoughts on what products (available in the US) might be equivalent?
Lee Valley Tools sells Blue Label paste wax, but I’ve never used it and it is much more expensive than Johnson was. Minwax is widely available, but I don’t have any experience with it.The conclusion of my research back when I heard the news was that Trewax was the most similar and held in high regard. I added some to my saved-for-later cart to remind me when the time came. Minwax was also high on the list of people’s favorites. I’ve only ever used Johnson’s and still have enough to last several years, so unfortunately it’ll be a while before I can give an opinion from personal experience … or maybe that’s fortunately. 🙂
14 March 2023 at 8:50 am #794788I fortunately just bought some Johnson’s so I’m probably good till I croak.
But another wax to consider is Briwax , which I tend to use on antique furniture. It requires more buffing to get a sheen and is a more satiny sheen than Johnson’s. It also comes in tinted varieties which will hide scratches better ( I have brown and black). I sometimes use tinted if I want to accentuate open grains. Just make sure to first use a coat of the clear first. Applied directly to raw wood, the tinting is pretty strong.17 March 2023 at 4:57 pm #795075I just bought MinWax and Old Master paste waxes to try out. They both seemed fine, MinWax was about 1/2 the price of Old Master, but both had a higher density at room temperature than SC Johnson, and, as a result, were harder to spread.
I haven’t yet tried adding a solvent or water to soften them as I’ve seen others suggest.23 May 2023 at 2:22 pm #802227This is something I have been looking into for commonwoodworking.com . We recommend a furniture wax which you can buy in the UK but since Johnson’s has stopped selling the wax haven’t found a good alternative. Our issue is trying something US based but based in the UK.
Hi Katrina, thanks for posting here! I understand your conundrum for the wax recommendation. I tried to find National Trust in the US when I heard Johnson’s wasn’t making it anymore, but no luck. I’m guessing wax isn’t something that ships overseas well, so it could be difficult for your UK-based team to find recommendations for US woodworkers, but I look forward to any insights.
As a side note, I had difficulty finding the steel wool recommended further down that page (at the time … it seems to be available now). Instead I ordered one from Briwax ([url]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AXBPO4[/url]) and I’ve found it to be excellent. I don’t get all the stray steel particles like I did from the stuff at the big box store, and it comes in a roll so you can cut the size you need. If you get a chance to try it, perhaps it would be a good alternate recommendation (and more readily available) for US-based people?
Thank you and the team for all you do!
20 October 2023 at 3:17 pm #816771I have bought some “Renaissance micro-crystaline wax” for Paul to try out.
I tried to buy some Briwax steel wool but have been unsuccessful, no where sells it in the UK.
20 October 2023 at 3:21 pm #816772It was recently recommended to me to try bowling alley wax. I haven’t had a chance yet, but will report back when I do. Seems reasonable that people who maintain bowling alleys would know a thing or two about wax.
Hi Katrina,
Have you tried Liberon steel wool? Here in the US, it is hands down superior to the standard steel wool found in US big box and hardware stores. It is virtually oil free and is amazingly uniform in texture for a very consistent finish. I think LIberon was at some point a UK company. I’ve never tried Briwax steel wool. It may be as good as Liberon (and possibly be the same steel wool labeled as Liberon?!) Liberon steel wool is a higher priced product (in the US at least).
21 February 2024 at 10:26 am #830446Furniture wax is a versatile and time-honored product used to protect, nourish, and enhance the beauty of wood furniture. It is typically made from a blend of natural waxes, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, combined with oils and sometimes resins. When applied to wood surfaces, furniture wax creates a protective barrier that helps repel moisture, dust, and other environmental elements, while also adding a soft sheen and enhancing the natural color and grain of the wood.https://www.theindustreebar.com.au/waxes-polishes.
Beyond its protective qualities, furniture wax can also be used to restore luster to dull or worn furniture, making it a popular choice among both DIY enthusiasts and professional craftsmen. Whether applied by hand or with a cloth, furniture wax offers a timeless solution for preserving and beautifying wooden furniture pieces, ensuring they stand the test of time with elegance and charm.
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