Posted by Frenchic Admin
The two-wax technique: an easy way to create depth and patina
The secret to using colored wax is the “two-wax technique.”
With the two-wax technique, clear wax is always applied first. Brown or another colored wax is then worked on top, giving you a controlled, deep and authentically patinated finish. Clear wax acts like an eraser, making the technique forgiving and easy.
The two-wax technique makes it easy to create beautiful highlights and shadows on furniture, worn and patinated edges that resemble an aged finish, and other details.
When you sand through the paint on the edges of a piece of furniture to reveal the bare wood and create a worn look, it’s worth waxing the wood: brown wax adds depth, while clear wax protects it.
When should you use this technique?
The two-wax technique is especially suitable when you want a painted surface to have
an old, worn and three-dimensional look. It’s an excellent choice for drawer fronts, cabinet doors, sanded-back edges and decorative details on furniture, for example.
Example: waxing a drawer front
The surface is painted in a light shade, such as Stone Rosie. The aim is to add depth with brown wax, leaving the center lighter and the edges darker.
Here’s how to use the two-wax technique, step by step
1. Apply clear wax as a base over the entire surface
Once the paint is completely dry, apply a thin layer of clear wax. Wipe away the excess with a soft cloth. The finish should be thin and smooth, not sticky.
2. Apply plenty of brown wax over the entire surface
Apply brown wax over the entire drawer with a wax brush. At this stage, you can be generous with the wax.
3. Blend and shape the color
Start wiping the brown wax from the center of the drawer with a cloth that has a little clear wax on it.
Remove more of the brown wax from the center using circular motions. Leave more color around the edges. This creates a natural sense of depth.
4. Finish at your own pace
Wipe the surface lightly and, if needed, apply more brown wax with a brush. Remove some again with a wax cloth. Repeat until you’re happy with the result.
Why is clear wax the most important part of the technique?
A layer of clear wax acts like an eraser. It allows you to remove, lighten and blend colored wax in a controlled way.
Without clear wax, colored wax soaks into wood and paint unevenly, and the result is difficult, often impossible, to fix.
What if colored wax is applied directly to a wooden surface?
In this case, the wax may soak into the wood unevenly. The result may be blotchy, patchy or uneven, depending on the application method and how porous the surface is.
That’s why clear wax is always the foundation when using wax to create a patina and add depth to furniture.
Does a Frenchic-painted surface always need to be waxed?
Frenchic paints already contain protective agents, so wax isn’t necessary. Wax can be used with paint to add character, especially if the surface is sanded to create distressed areas, as the wax then protects the exposed spots. Using wax takes your furniture painting to a whole new level and gives it a personal, unique look.
Use wax to highlight a piece of furniture’s beautiful decorative details, moldings and carvings, or the grooves and crevices in log and wood surfaces.
A tip for the active painter
Always keep clear wax in your paint supplies. When you try the two-wax technique in practice, you’ll immediately notice the difference in how easy the wax is to control and in the quality of the result. Invest in good-quality wax brushes and use a separate brush for each wax shade so the colors don’t accidentally mix.
Tip: Mix Frensheen metallic pigment into clear wax to create a beautiful shimmering wax. For example, brown wax and gold Frensheen make a stunning combination. Mix them in a small, separate container with a lid. Shimmering wax keeps well.
Frenchic waxes are smooth, non-toxic natural waxes that are pleasant to work with. You only discover the real difference compared with other waxes by trying them, and this technique is often what makes people fall in love with wax for good.
