Katherine’s cat – aptly named Kitty – is always game to help sell Soft Wax 2.0. And after two long days of making wax in the workshop, Katherine has made another big batch that’s for sale in her etsy store.
(Side note: Katherine was looking for a summer job. But then she realized that she could make far more money by working for herself. So hence we have more wax….)
This is my favorite finish for chairs and other wooden objects. It is basically non-toxic and is made from flaxseed oil, beeswax and squeezings from orange peels. It’s made and bottled here in our garage by Katherine alone. I couldn’t be more proud of her.
Instructions for Soft Wax 2.0
Soft Wax 2.0 is a non-toxic finish for bare wood that is incredibly easy to apply and imparts a beautiful low luster to the wood.
The finish is made by cooking raw, organic linseed oil (from the flax plant) and combining it with cosmetics-grade beeswax and a small amount of a citrus-based solvent. The result is that this finish can be applied without special safety equipment, such as a respirator. The only safety caution is to dry the rags out flat you used to apply before throwing them away. (All linseed oil generates heat as it cures, and there is a small but real chance of the rags catching fire if they are bunched up while wet.)
Soft Wax 2.0 is an ideal finish for pieces that will be touched a lot, such as chairs, turned objects and spoons. The finish does not build a film, so the wood feels like wood – not plastic. Because of this, the wax does not provide a strong barrier against water or alcohol. If you use it on countertops or a kitchen table, you will need to touch it up every once in a while. Simply add a little more Soft Wax to a deteriorated finish and the repair is done – no stripping or additional chemicals needed.
Soft Wax 2.0 is not intended to be used over a film finish (such as lacquer, shellac or varnish). It is best used on bare wood. However, you can apply it over a porous finish, such as milk paint.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (VERY IMPORTANT): Applying Soft Wax 2.0 is so easy if you follow the simple instructions. On bare wood, apply a thin coat of soft wax using a rag, applicator pad, 3M gray pad or steel wool. Allow the finish to soak in about 15 minutes. Then, with a clean rag or towel, wipe the entire surface until it feels dry. Do not leave any excess finish on the surface. If you do leave some behind, the wood will get gummy and sticky.
The finish will be dry enough to use in a couple hours. After a couple weeks, the oil will be fully cured. After that, you can add a second coat (or not). A second coat will add more sheen and a little more protection to the wood.
Soft Wax 2.0 is made in small batches in Kentucky using a waterless process. Each glass jar contains 8 oz. of soft wax, enough for two chairs.
Congratulations to Katherine ! I am curious why this would not be a good wax over Shellac ?
thanks
Kitty is awesome! So is Katherine!
looks like Kitty got into the Catnip scented wax, i don’t see that listed on the etsy shop.
Just out of curiosity how much time typically elapses between posting the availability of the wax and it being sold out in her etsy store? Is it measured in hours or minutes?
Two to three hours these days.
Glad to hear your daughter is self employed. There are all kinds of good lessons in that. Not sure if I shared this here or not, my solution for the rags while drying is place them spread out inside an old bbq I have that doesn’t get used for bbq anymore. That way, if they catch fire they are inside something designed for lots of heat and fire.