More Soft Wax Now Available –
Not to be outdone by her sticker-selling sister, Katherine has just cooked up a big batch of soft wax and it is now available in her etsy store for $24 per 8 oz. jar.
This fall, Katy has made significant improvements to her soft-wax production process. You can read about them in detail here. Bottom line: She eliminated water from the process, she reduced the price per ounce and she improved the packaging – it now ships in durable glass jars with screw-on lids.
What is Soft Wax?
Katherine’s recipe started based on research done by Derek Jones in England on a high-solvent wax made using beeswax, mineral spirits and turpentine. While Katherine still uses those same basic ingredients, she’s adjusted the formula during the last few years to ensure all the solvent is combined with the wax.
Soft wax can be used on raw wood. It is particularly nice on the interiors of drawers where it imparts a pleasant smell and leaves a smooth, tactile surface.
It also can be used over other finishes, such as oil, shellac or similar film finishes. It is easy to apply because it is soft compared to paste wax. It flashes quickly because of its high solvent content. And it is easy to buff.
Soft wax is not a durable stand-alone finish. It is suitable for covering other finishes. And for finishing items that don’t see abuse – turnings, shelving, chairs.
People who own antiques like to use soft wax over old finishes that have deteriorated. It doesn’t repair old finishes. But it does add a soft sheen to finishes that have deteriorated.
We also use it on metalwork for Crucible Tool, where it helps protect steel from rusting and gives the metal a smooth feel.
Do not use soft wax as a skin lotion or beard balm – turpentine is an irritant to many people. Soft wax is for wood and metal.
— Christopher Schwarz
