Beeswax polish has been used for a very long time for treating most hardwood furniture or unsealed wooded floors that do not already have an oil finish.
The polish is applied using a clean soft cloth in a circular motion. The application should be finished with strokes along the grain of the wood. Allow the polish to dry for half an hour, then wipe in the direction of the wood grain with another clean soft cloth to bring out the shine.
Making Beeswax Furniture Polish
Beeswax polish is a blend of equal parts Turpentine and Beeswax.
Turpentine is a natural solvent produced from the distillation of tree resin. It can cause irritation to skin, eyes and lungs and is flammable.
Turpentine and beeswax polish containing turpentine comes with the following warning:
HARMFUL FLAMMABLE
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed. Keep away from children. Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show the container and label.
How to make Beeswax Polish
The author is not responsible for errors or omissions and in no event shall the author, be liable for any consequential or incidental damages, lost profits, any Direct or indirect damages.
Ingredients for a Basic Polish:
Equal parts of liquid beeswax and Turpentine. For example 50ml of liquid beeswax and 50ml of natural turpentine.
- Beeswax
- Turpentine (Not Turpentine substitute)
Method
- Heat the grated beeswax in a glass jug in the microwave.
- 1 minute blasts at maximum power (900 watt).
- Stir between each period of heating until the wax is liquid.
- Note: Beeswax is flammable and care should be taken not to overheat. If wax does catch on fire, smother with a fire blanket as you would with a cooking fat or oil fire.
- Pour the liquid beeswax into the measured quantity of turpentine while vigorously stirring.
- Note: Turpentine is flammable and should not be placed near a naked flame.
- While still liquid pour into suitable air tight receptacles (to stop evaporation of the turpentine) and allow to cool. Do this with extreme care as the wax and turpentine can burn if come into contact with any part of your body!
When cool, the polish will be of a soft waxy consistency and ready to use.
Bee Fact
For every kilo of wax produced by bees, they will consume 8 kilos of honey!