Wax brush or cloth? Both are needed.

Wax brush or cloth? You need both

When it comes to waxing chalk-painted surfaces and wood, the question is often: a wax brush or a cloth? The right answer is both, but for different purposes.

The best waxing results come from using a wax brush and a cloth together. The brush applies and works the wax evenly into the surface, while the cloth removes excess and finishes the surface.

Thin coats, circular motions, and the right tools make waxing easy and successful. You'll quickly fall in love with waxing using the smooth, soft Frenchic waxes - read our tips on waxing tools here. 

Why is a wax brush superior? 

A wax brush is the most effective and fastest tool for applying wax. It outperforms a cloth, especially when working on entire pieces of furniture, decorative surfaces, or grooves and profiles.

A good wax brush

• has stiff bristles, unlike a soft paintbrush
• works the wax evenly into the surface
• easily reaches decorative details, recesses, and grooves
• makes the work much faster
• A larger wax brush for large surfaces and a narrow brush for small details

We recommend having a separate wax brush for each wax shade. This prevents the shades from mixing and keeps the finish clean.

For waxing small details, you can use a narrower, slightly softer brush, but large surfaces always need a sturdier brush designed for waxing.

What is the cloth used for?

Waxing with a cloth alone is slow and laborious. A cloth does not replace a brush for applying wax. It cannot spread wax into decorative grooves, carvings, and detailed areas as effectively as a wax brush. 

The right use for the cloth is

• removing excess wax
• smoothing and finishing the surface
• polishing a dried wax surface

Always use a lint-free cloth (never paper) so no fibers are left on the surface.

Thin layers, 'wax on - wax off'

Apply a generous amount of wax to the surface, but don't leave a thick layer on it.

Do this:

1. Apply the wax with a wax brush
2. Rub the wax into the surface using circular motions
3. Let the wax dry a little
4. Always wipe off excess wax with a cloth
5. Repeat until you get the finish and shade you like
6. If you polish the surface at the end, let the wax dry for at least 1 hour. Polishing is recommended for countertops and furniture used regularly. 

Here's how to achieve an even, beautiful wax finish that dries properly.

Circular motions help the wax get into every nook and create a natural-looking finish. Long horizontal strokes can leave a streaky surface, especially with dark waxes or if clear wax hasn't been applied underneath.

Layers and drying times

You can add several thin layers of wax, especially colored waxes, if you want to deepen the shade.

Remember:

• let each layer dry for 30 minutes – 1 hour
• don't add another layer too soon
• one overly thick layer easily stays sticky

Thick layers of wax aren't suitable for furniture used regularly and feel wet for a long time. Even a thick layer of wax can't be polished to a beautiful finish - apply wax in several thin layers. 

What if waxing goes wrong?

Wax can be removed with alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, and, if necessary, by scraping it off mechanically.
If you're waxing for the first time, always test a small area before treating the entire piece of furniture. A previously waxed piece of furniture cannot be painted over the wax; the wax must first be removed. For removing the wax, have a paint scraper, sander, and denatured alcohol on hand. 

More tips and examples

In the Frenchic community Facebook group, you'll find technique videos, project photos, and real before-and-after examples of waxing with different tools.

FAQ about waxes

Wax brush

What wax is suitable for and what it isn't