Pigmented Waxes

Introduction

To enhance the finish from wax, the addition of pigment offers endless possibilities for adding color to wood grain. Old furniture, floors or other wood can be revived, or new wood given a safe, non-toxic finish with a hint of color. Black pigment is often used to deepen the grain, or white to give a bleached effect, thus the name liming wax. But the use of other colors adds a more complex finish to floors or furniture. As an added bonus it imparts a wonderful aroma. Those wishing to use a ready-made wax or consumers sensitive to solvents may prefer to use our ready-made Black Bison Paste Wax because of its pleasant aroma.

Black Bison Paste Wax Recipe

Using a palette knife or a butter knife, mix wax with pigment in a small dish until completely combined. Use a wire brush on your wood before applying wax to deepen the grain and remove any soft wood. Apply wax with soft steel wool or a lint-free cloth, being sure to leave the wax worked in the grooves and pits of wood. Leave on for 2 hours or more to allow the wax to dry. A shoe brush is great for buffing afterwards to create a polished, water-repellent sheen. A non-scratching plastic pan scrubber can also be used for burnishing.


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Polishing Plaster or Lime Paint with Wax

The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans appreciated the beauty of polished marble. However, when their buildings started to sink in the mud, the builders in Venice had to come up with an alternative solution. Thus Venetian plaster was born. One of the many variations of this versatile finish is a highly polished look achieved with a final waxing over the burnished surface. The best product for this is our Liberon Black Bison Wax, a combination of waxes in a pleasant smelling, nontoxic neutral colored paste that can be used alone or mixed with our pigments or Mica Powders to create a brilliant or subtle sheen on walls.

For those not yet skilled in the technique of Venetian Plaster, there is a way to obtain the same look on painted walls. By painting with our Old Fashioned Milk paint, a milk protein and lime paint, you can choose any color pigment for the base and do a final burnishing and polishing with wax or a wax mica mix to create a wonderous finish. It has never been simpler to create this timeless beauty in your home.

Waxing as a final step in Plaster or Lime Paint enhances color and texture. It serves as a surface sealer that can be buffed to a soft sheen or a high gloss. After your final plaster or paint coat is dry and burnished, apply wax using a clean blade or cotton cloth. Blade application on plaster enhances blade patterns. A thinner application with a soft cloth on plaster or paint can be dabbed and feathered as it as applied making it even more soft and subtle. Wax will darken the surface somewhat so this should be taken into account. Test samples are always recommended to determine the final result. After the wax has dried (about 2 hours) buff to the polish desired.

Liberon Black Bison Wax can be used in its neutral color, mixed with pigments for a color effect or micas for a metallic one. The formula is 1 part mica or pigment to 3 parts wax. You can add less pigment or mica for a less intense effect, but do not use less wax than this ratio. Only one application is required. A 500 ml can will cover approximately 200 sq ft.

Color ideas might include antiquing by using Umber or Sienna pigments; creating a two tone effect by mixing another color over your tinted plaster or lime paint. Complimentary metallic mica colors over wall colors might be Majestic Gold over Yellow Ocher; Bright Silver over Charron Blue; Super Bronze over Havana Ocher. The possibilities are so varied it invites great artistic expression.


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Home made Paste Wax — Basic

You can easily create your own basic floor and furniture wax. Beeswax can be used alone, or made into a harder finish with the addition of Carnauba wax.

In a large, wide mouthed glass jar or bowl, place beeswax. Set this in a pan of water and gently melt over low heat. The melting point will be 144 ºF. Beeswax is flammable so be careful not to overheat. Remove from heat and slowly stir in Iso-Pure Safe Solvent or turpentine. Cool to a smooth paste.


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Home made Paste Wax — Harder

To create a harder finish wax, melt the Carnauba wax first (melting point 184 ºF) then add and melt the Beeswax. Thoroughly stir together then remove from heat and stir in solvent as above. Apply wax paste to wood using a soft, lint-free cloth then buff to shine. Carnauba wax will create a shinier, tougher surface than beeswax alone. Use on painted, finished or unfinished wood.
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More Finishes & Waxes Recipes:

• Oil Glazes
• Shaker Stain
• Beer Glaze
• Imitation Gesso For Furniture
• Non-toxic Shellac
• Stonewashing On Textured Plaster
• Color Mixing Guide

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