Types of waxes used.

Beeswax is a popular and natural choice for making wood polish and other finishing products due to its unique properties. Here are the main properties of beeswax as a polish:

1. Natural and Non-Toxic: Beeswax is a natural substance produced by honeybees. It is non-toxic and safe to use around food and in various applications.

2. High Shine: Beeswax is known for its ability to impart a beautiful, high-gloss shine to wood surfaces. It can bring out the natural luster of the wood, enhancing its visual appeal.

3. Protection: Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the surface of the wood. This barrier helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, reducing the risk of damage from water or humidity.

4. Smooth Finish: Beeswax creates a smooth and silky finish on wood, making it pleasant to touch. This can be especially desirable for furniture and items that people come into contact with regularly.

5. Enhanced Grain Definition: Beeswax can accentuate the grain patterns in wood, adding depth and character to the appearance of the wood.

6. Easy Application: Beeswax is relatively easy to apply. It can be used in various forms, including as a solid bar or in liquid form, depending on the specific product.

7. Versatility: Beeswax can be used on a wide range of wood types, from hardwoods to softwoods, and on various wooden items, including furniture, cutting boards, and wooden utensils.

8. Natural Fragrance: Beeswax often has a mild, pleasant honey-like scent, which can add a subtle and natural fragrance to the finished wood product.

9. Restoration: Beeswax can be used to rejuvenate and restore the appearance of older or worn wooden items, helping to bring back their original beauty.

10. Compatibility: Beeswax can be easily combined with other natural ingredients, such as oils and other waxes, to create custom wood polish formulations with specific properties.

While beeswax offers many advantages as a wood polish, it's important to note that it may require periodic reapplication to maintain its protective and aesthetic benefits. Additionally, the final outcome can vary depending on factors like the type of wood, application method, and the specific formulation used.

Microcrystalline wax is a versatile and highly regarded material used in various polishing and finishing applications, including woodworking. Here are the main properties of microcrystalline wax as a polish:

1. Fine Crystalline Structure: Microcrystalline wax has a very fine crystalline structure, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture when used as a polish. This fine structure allows it to be applied thinly and evenly on surfaces.

2. Excellent Adhesion: Microcrystalline wax adheres exceptionally well to surfaces, including wood. It forms a strong bond with the surface, ensuring a long-lasting finish.

3. High Lustre: Microcrystalline wax is known for producing a high lustre or shine when applied as a polish. It can create a glossy and reflective finish on wood surfaces.

4. Flexibility: This wax is flexible and less brittle than some other waxes, such as carnauba wax. It can adapt to the wood's movements, which is beneficial for wooden items that may expand and contract with changes in humidity.

5. Water Resistance: Microcrystalline wax offers good water resistance, helping to protect wood from moisture damage and staining.

6. Durability: It is a durable wax that can withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for items that experience regular use.

7. UV Resistance: Microcrystalline wax provides some protection against UV rays, which can help prevent wood from fading or deteriorating when exposed to sunlight.

8. Temperature Tolerance: It has a higher melting point compared to some other waxes, making it more temperature-resistant and less likely to soften or melt in high temperatures.

9. Minimal Odor: Microcrystalline wax typically has a neutral or minimal odor, making it suitable for use on items that come into contact with food.

10. Versatility: Besides woodworking, microcrystalline wax is used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the preservation of historical artifacts.

11. Custom Formulations: Microcrystalline wax can be blended with other waxes and oils to create custom polish formulations tailored to specific needs and preferences.

12. Minimal Residue: When properly applied and buffed, microcrystalline wax leaves minimal residue or streaks on surfaces, resulting in a clean and attractive finish.

Microcrystalline wax is prized for its versatility and is often used in combination with other ingredients to create specialized wood polish formulations. Its unique combination of properties makes it a popular choice for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists looking to enhance the appearance and protection of their wood projects.

Carnauba wax, often referred to as the "queen of waxes," is a popular choice for making wood polish and various other finishing products due to its unique properties. Here are the main properties of carnauba wax as a polish:

1. High Gloss Finish: Carnauba wax is renowned for its exceptional ability to produce a high-gloss finish. It can create a brilliant, deep shine on wood surfaces, enhancing their visual appeal.

2. Hardness and Durability: Carnauba wax is one of the hardest natural waxes available. When applied as a polish, it forms a tough, protective layer on the wood, which can withstand wear and tear over time.

3. Water Resistance: Carnauba wax provides good water resistance, helping to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and potentially causing damage or staining.

4. Heat Resistance: This wax is heat-resistant, which means it can endure moderate temperatures without melting or deteriorating. This property makes it suitable for use on items that might encounter heat, such as tabletops.

5. Smooth Texture: Carnauba wax creates a smooth and silky texture on wood surfaces, making them pleasant to touch.

6. Clarity and Transparency: When properly applied, carnauba wax doesn't cloud or obscure the natural colour and grain of the wood. It maintains the wood's clarity and transparency.

7. UV Protection: Carnauba wax offers some protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can help prevent fading and damage to wood exposed to sunlight.

8. Natural Origin: Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, making it a natural and renewable resource. It is non-toxic and safe for use on food-contact surfaces when appropriately prepared.

9. Easy Application: Carnauba wax is available in various forms, such as solid bars or liquid formulations, making it easy to apply to wood surfaces. It can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients like oils.

10. Enhanced Depth and Clarity: Carnauba wax can deepen the colour and enhance the visual depth of wood, bringing out its natural beauty.

11. Versatility: Besides wood, carnauba wax is used in various industries, including automotive, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, highlighting its versatility.

Keep in mind that while carnauba wax provides exceptional gloss and durability, it can be more challenging to work with than some other waxes due to its hardness. It may require some additional effort during the application process to achieve the desired results. Additionally, it is often used in combination with other waxes and oils to balance its properties and create custom wood polish formulations.

Other waxes and oils to consider.

Certainly, there are several other waxes and oils that you could consider incorporating into your wax polish mixture to achieve different properties and effects. Here are a few options:

Waxes:

1. Montan Wax: Similar to carnauba wax, montan wax offers high gloss and durability. It can be a good alternative or addition to carnauba wax.

2. Paraffin Wax: Paraffin wax is known for its ease of use and affordability. It provides a protective layer and can be combined with other waxes for a balanced polish.

3. Soy Wax: Soy wax is a natural alternative to petroleum-based waxes. It can add a smooth finish and provides water resistance.

Oils:

1. Tung Oil: Tung oil provides a rich, deep finish and offers good water resistance. It's known for enhancing the natural beauty of wood.

2. Walnut Oil: Walnut oil is a drying oil like linseed oil. It has a lighter color and can be used to create a more natural or pale finish on wood.

3. Mineral Spirits: While not an oil, mineral spirits can be used as a solvent to thin waxes and oils for easier application. It evaporates quickly, leaving behind the wax and oil components.

4. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a non-drying oil that doesn't turn rancid. It's often used for preserving and conditioning wood while maintaining a natural appearance.

5. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a versatile oil that can add a pleasant fragrance to your polish. It's often used in combination with other oils.

When experimenting with different waxes and oils, it's important to consider their compatibility, drying times, color changes, and potential allergenic properties. Keep in mind that the final polish's performance will depend on the specific combination and ratios you use. It's a good idea to start with small test batches and observe how they perform on different wood types before applying them to larger projects.

The Experiment

Creating ten different wax formulations by combining beeswax, carnauba wax, and microcrystalline wax, coconut oil and orange essential oil with either mineral oil or raw linseed oil provides a range of options with varying properties. Here are five attempted combinations with quantities used for each type of oil along with their potential properties, results of tests for each one has been outlined.:

Using Mineral Oil:

1. Beeswax 15g + Mineral Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Provides a warm, natural sheen and moderate water resistance. Easy to apply and buff to a shine.  
Result: combination worked well and produces a nice sheen but the wax polish was harder than expected so beeswax content could be reduced by 5g or more.

2. Carnauba Wax 15g + Mineral Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Offers a high-gloss finish and good durability. This mix can create a shiny, protective layer.

Result: combination worked well and produces a nice shine but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 5g or more.

3. Microcrystalline Wax 15g + Mineral Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Provides excellent water resistance and durability. Ideal for creating a tough, long-lasting finish with a moderate gloss.

Result: combination worked well and produces a nice shine but the wax polish was much softer than expected so wax content could be increased by 5-10g or more.

4. Mixed Wax (Beeswax 5g, Carnauba Wax 5g, Microcrystalline Wax 5g) + Mineral Oil 50g:

   - Properties: This blend combines the unique properties of all three waxes for a versatile polish. It offers a balance of shine, protection, and durability.

Result: combination worked well and produces a very nice shine, but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 2-3g each or more.

5. Mixed Wax ( Carnauba Wax 5g, Microcrystalline Wax 5g, Coconut oil 5g) + Mineral Oil 50g:

- Properties: Combines the durability of microcrystalline wax with the high-gloss finish of carnauba wax and the deeper penetration and gentle odour of the coconut oil. Mineral oil ensures smooth application and offers good water resistance.

Result: combination worked well and produces a very nice shine, but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 2-3g each and the coconut oil content increased to produce more aroma.

Using Raw Linseed Oil:

1. Beeswax 15g + Raw Linseed Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Gives a warm, natural sheen with added depth and richness due to the linseed oil. Good water resistance and durability once fully cured.

Result: combination worked well and produces a nice sheen but the wax polish was harder than expected so beeswax content could be reduced by 5g or more.

2. Carnauba Wax 15g + Raw Linseed Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Produces a high-gloss finish with enhanced durability and protection. The linseed oil can deepen the colour and provide added protection against moisture.

Result: combination worked well and produces a nice sheen but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 5g or more.

3. Microcrystalline Wax 15g + Raw Linseed Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Creates a smooth, durable finish with good water resistance. Linseed oil's drying properties can enhance the hardness and longevity of the finish.

Result: combination worked well and produces a nice sheen but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 5g or more.

4. Mixed Wax (Beeswax 5g, Carnauba Wax 5g, Microcrystalline Wax 5g) + Raw Linseed Oil 50g:

   - Properties: This blend combines the benefits of all three waxes with the added qualities of linseed oil. It offers a glossy, protective finish with excellent durability.

Result: combination worked well and produces a very nice shine, but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 2-3g each or more.

5. Mixed Wax (Beeswax 8g, Carnauba Wax 8g, 2-3ml orange essential oil) + Raw Linseed Oil 50g:

   - Properties: Combines the natural sheen of beeswax with the high-gloss finish of carnauba wax. Raw linseed oil deepens the colour and provides added protection. Offers good water resistance once fully cured. The orange essential oil adds a gentle fragrance to the polish when used.

Result: combination worked well and produces a very nice shine, but the wax polish was harder than expected so wax content could be reduced by 2-3g each and the orange oil content increased to produce more aroma.

When selecting which combinations to try, consider the specific characteristics you desire for your woodworking projects. For instance, if you're looking for a high-gloss finish, carnauba wax with either oil is a good choice. If durability and water resistance are paramount, consider microcrystalline wax mixed with your chosen oil.

Keep in mind that the exact properties can vary based on the ratios of wax to oil and the specific brands or grades of each material. To find the ideal formulation for your needs, start with small test batches, apply them to scrap pieces of wood, and evaluate the results before using the wax on your main projects.