Tip Tuesday is the Art of Waxing

On this 2-2-22 I’m talking wax. Not on your legs or eyebrows, as much as that could be used right now in the dead of winter, but on your wood projects. Yep, wax is a great substance that woodworkers have used for centuries to protect and smooth out their projects.

A Little History

As I said, woodworkers have used wax on projects, like furniture, for centuries. Originally the most popular type of wax used was beeswax. One challenge with it was that it stayed sticky for a while. Another carnauba, derived from Brazilian Palm leaves, or are mineral based. It really is just a matter of finding a wax you like and sticking with it. Lucky for you Chalk Couture has taken all the guesswork out of finding a wax you will love

Waxing Essentials: Chalk Couture Surface Wax

Chalk Couture Surface Wax protects Chalk Transfers from raw surfaces and creates a smoother and more even pasting experience for indicated Chalk Couture™ surfaces and non-Chalk Couture surfaces. Testing a small area first is advised if you are unsure of your surface. It comes in a nice tin that fits right in your hand to hold onto best. Just don’t mistake it for pomade and get it in your hair. That’s no fun for anyone.

Waxing Essentials: Chalk Couture Wax Applicator

A new for Chalk Couture Product with this catalog is the Wax Applicator. It kinda looks like one of those fabric frisbee things. It’s the perfect 3” microfiber cloth for waxing your favorite surface. Scoop out and apply wax with one side, buff it into your surface with the other side. Applicator washes easily with dish soap. Reusable. Use with Chalk Couture Surface Wax (item T203112) to create a smoother and more even pasting experience.

Waxing Essentials: Why Wax?

So you may be asking, “Jess? Why should I wax before using my transfer?” Well, I’ll tell ya why I do. It allows improved paste adhesion and smoother creative experience on some surfaces. It smoothes out the surface and protects your transfer from permanently sticking. Wax fills in any pits scratches and makes a smooth surface for the design to be placed on. It’s great for between paste layers, so the bottom layer doesn’t lift. You can even seal your project with it. Just wait for the paste to dry, apply wax, buff and you’re golden. Best of all, it helps prevent the paste from bleeding out from under the design. Yay!

Waxing Essentials: How to Wax

So Jess, how do I wax my surface? It’s real easy, like Mr Miyagi always said…Wax On. Wax Off.

Take your Chalk Couture Wax Applicator (or clean rag or a piece of paper towel) and put a small amount of wax on it. Check for a wood grain on your surface, and wax in the direction of the wood grain. If it is a wood surface with no visible grain or any other surface, apply the wax in circles. Cover the entire surface. Different people say different things about how long to wait to buff off the wax. I leave just leave it for a couple of minutes Flip your Wax Applicator, and rub over the wax thereby buffing it. When you’re done buffing, go right ahead and lay down your transfer and you can start chalking right away.

In Conclusion

Waxing your surface before you chalk is recommended for most wood surfaces to protect, your transfer, smooth your surface and prevent transfer bleed. And it’s so easy to do straight from Chalk Couture with the Chalk Couture Surface Wax and the new Chalk Couture Wax Applicator.

Stay safe and Chalk On

Jessica Wilson

 

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