What sort of waxes do you use at The Industree Bar?
Where the item includes 'Traditional Beeswax' in the product names, then only a Beeswax is used. All wax and polish descriptions disclose the wax types for each product line, in the 'Essential Ingredient' section.
Why do you use different waxes?
Usually implied in each product description, is the function & result of the wax or polish. Beeswax is known to have been used to protect furniture (and leather) for centuries. However alternative waxes such as Carnauba, wax which is a plant-based wax, provides both a tougher and higher sheen finish on most timbers (like for like). For greater body & drying optimisation, we may also blend refined waxes.
No processed waxes are used as an economic alternative. In all our products the primary waxes are either Beeswax or Carnauba wax. Quite simply, we believe they'll produce the finest & most durable wax finishes.
Do you add chemicals to your waxes or polishes?
The term 'Chemical' generally refers to a compound artificially manufactured. So, to that extent, given some of the benefits of petroleum based waxes, then yes certain polishes perform just that bit better with a dash of refined wax or mineral additive. In the main though, essential ingredients are natural. Tung oil, Linseed oils, and Gum Turpentine make up the majority. These are plant based & natural additives.
What's the difference in waxes & polishes?
It's often about the type of timber, interior or exterior application, or surface you're applying the wax to - but we try to categorise our products into 'Base Wax' and Finishing Wax, or Polish'
Our Base wax contains an Oil, either Raw Linseed (not boiled with chemicals added), or Tung Oil.
In terms of application, oil is employed to thin the wax, together with the solvent, and penetrate the surface, moisturising and protecting. Oil penetrates, whereas wax is a surface application that sits 'on & in the grain' rather than beneath it, both oil and wax dry and both form barriers to moisture and spills.
Building and Finishing Waxes, are more-so designed to sit atop, and as such will not penetrate or offer as much in the way of moisturising. On interior furniture or timber you may not see the need for the oil. Perfectly good results can be achieved with wax alone and polish without oil will dry quicker, especially where the surface has already been treated. So, a rule of thumbs I keep in mind, is to apply Wax/Oil product to new, bare or restoration work where the grain is open (or perhaps to achieve a slightly darker finish), and Wax or Polish on previously treated surfaces. The best rule to be mindful of, is that there really are no rules!
How long will the wax or polish last for?
Unprocessed waxes will probably last forever. Once processed and if stored correctly, then easily 3-5 years, where after the solvent, after exposure to the air, may start to dissolve, causing the wax polish to dry out a little. A solvent or drying oil such as linseed can be added to make the polish workable again. To prolong the life of your wax polish, keep the lid on when not in use, and store at room temperature or in any case below 25 degrees. To that end, all of our waxes and polishes come in sealed containers, with a lid gasket locking in the freshness, and looking out the air. If you have any questions at all, please feel welcome to contact us, or use the comments below.
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