Thanks to lots of work on Megan’s part, Katherine’s soft wax machine is 99 percent back in business. (The 1 percent? The dispenser valve needs adjustment.) So she now has a large load of Soft Wax 2.0 for sale at her etsy store.
Today has been a big day here, and not only for soft wax. Katherine started her first job after graduation at Rookwood Pottery, working on the production line. We could not be more proud of her. She worked her tail off at art school and then landed a job doing something she loves – working with clay.
Despite her full-time job, Katherine plans to keep making wax. She cooks it up using the raw ingredients of yellow beeswax, raw linseed oil and a little bit of citrus solvent. She then packages it in a tough glass jar with a metal screw-top lid. She applies her hand-designed label to each lid, boxes up the jars and ships them in a durable cardboard mailer. The money she makes from wax helps her make ends meet. Instructions for the wax are below. You can watch a video of how to use the wax here.
Instructions for Soft Wax 2.0
Soft Wax 2.0 is a safe 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 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. (I have it on our kitchen countertops and love it.) 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 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 Covington, Kentucky. Each glass jar contains 8 oz. of soft wax, enough for about five chairs.
Congratulations on Katherine’s graduation and new job. Glad she is continuing with soft wax v2 product.
Rookwood Pottery, wow! I am so excited for Katie (does she still go by Katie?)
Congrats to Katherine – Rookwood! Might as well work for the best…that’s great.
Yay and congrats and … wait, what? Rookwood is making pottery again? I just remember the restaurant.
Congratulations Katherine! I’ve enjoyed seeing bits of your artwork over the years. Rookwood is lucky to have you.
Congratulations to Katherine for being able to follow her passions and to you and Lucy for raising two great kids. From the limited view of the blog it’s been like watching the neighborhood kids grow up. It’s been fun.