Among the different types that are worked, the wax finish for wood is one of the most aesthetic and easy to apply.
And, of the different types of wax used, carnauba wax of the different types of wax used, carnauba wax stands out for its ability to provide a natural shine and a protective barrier, preventing the material from being exposed to moisture changes in humidity that can cause deformation or expansion.
Learn more about the benefits of this type of finish and how to apply it properly with María Machado, luthier and part of the Maderas Barber team.
María graduated in luthiery at the National University of Tucumán, Argentina, and specialized in viola and baroque violin at the Luthier's School of Violin Making in Cremona, Italy. For the past few months she has been working in the development of the area of woods, tools and accessories for the construction of fretted stringed instruments, and today she shares her knowledge on the benefits of wax in wood finishing and some tips on how to apply it correctly.
If you are thinking about why you should choose wax for wood finishing, we can tell you that this traditional method offers a number of advantages, we can tell you that this traditional method offers a series of benefits that make it one of the most widely used.
The wax provides a warm, natural glow that enhances the appearance and texture of the wood. wood. This natural sheen is difficult to replicate with other finishing methods.
These waxes form a protective barrier against dust, moisture and other environmental factors that can damage wood.
Unlike other finishes, wax is relatively easy to apply and maintain. It does not require special tools, a clean cloth is sufficient to apply the wax and polish the surface.
Easy to repair, the wax is easy to touch up if the surface becomes scratched or worn. A new layer can be applied without sanding or removal of the previous finish.
There are several types of waxes that can be used in wood finishing, each with its own characteristics and advantages, among which we highlight a few.
From the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, carnauba wax is one of the most durable waxes available.Among its benefits are that it is highly resistant, provides an intense shine and is perfect for finishes that require extra protection.
This artificial wax has a high melting point, is relatively hard and offers good protection.
These are waxes containing pigments that stain wood. They are a good choice for changing the color of the wood or to cover stains.
The process of applying the wax to the wood is simple, but requires attention and care to ensure optimal results.
Before applying the wax, it is crucial to prepare the wood surface.
After removing the excess wax, it can be polished by hand or with a polishing machine. We will be very careful, because if we polish too much we could remove all the wax, and we would need to apply it again.
The maintenance of the finishing is simple and easy to perform repetition of the process.
Wax finish on musical instruments not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood, but also provides long-lasting protection and a smooth surface to the touch.
It consists of applying thin layers of natural or synthetic wax, which are meticulously polished. The wax penetrates into the wood fibers, sealing the pores and protecting against moisture and wear.
It also allows the wood to breathe,which is crucial for maintaining the resonance and sound quality of the instrument.
The result is a finish that combines aesthetics and functionality, preserving the instrument's integrity and improving its longevity.
Carnauba wax in musical instruments is a very common finish. This wax has a melting point above 85º C, which gives it a higher hardness than others, it is diluted with Tung oil, which has a high natural dryness, polymerizes by oxidation and keeps its color over time.
Equal parts of oil and wax are used in the mixture, and once it has been made, it can be applied hot with a brush or cloth. Another option is to wait for it to cool and apply it as a wax when it is more solidified and takes a paste texture.
When it is dry, we remove the excess with a blade carefully. To do this work, the ideal is to do this on a clean table, because the wax that you remove with the blade can be reused again and again.
Wax finish is an excellent choice for those who want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood and provide a long-lasting protective barrier. The different types of waxes offer many advantages, the application process is simple and it is a process that can be done by anyone, with a little patience and attention to detail.
Find the best wood finishing products at Maderas Barber. In addition to a wide variety of finishing products, we have everything you need for the construction and maintenance of musical instruments.
