I think the best way to apply paste wax to keep it thin and reduce the effort involved in removing the excess after it dulls is to put some wax onto a cloth and wrap it into a ball so the wax seeps through the cloth when rubbing it onto the object.
I’ve stated many times that finishing can be difficult for amateur woodworkers because the manufacturers who target them provide poor directions that don’t produce great results. One reason for many of these bad directions is that these manufacturers believe amateur woodworkers want to be able to finish their projects in a day, or even in just an afternoon.
Danish Oil is one example of such bad directions. It instructs you to pour oil on the surface and allow it to penetrate for 30 mins. Then, apply the oil again, let it penetrate another 15 minutes, and then wipe off. Watco Danish Oil says the wood is ready to use in 8-to-10 hours. These directions are not the best because the first coat isnt given time to dry and be sanded smooth, so a smooth satin sheen cant be achieved.
Another example is wood conditioner, oil or varnish thinned with about two parts mineral spirits (paint thinner), used to reduce blotching when staining. Usually, the directions say to wipe it off in two hours and then apply the stain immediately. It is recommended that you let the wood conditioner dry overnight before applying stain.
How do you complete the project if you want to give it to a friend, relative or client the next morning?
Oil and varnish, including polyurethane varnish, are out because they dry too slowly. To achieve depth, sheen, and smoothness, you must allow the first coat to dry overnight. Moreover, the stink from the curing can last for several days, so you would need to wait at least this long before delivering the project.
There are many types of solvent lacquer. Two coats could be applied in one day, and they would dry fast enough to apply the next. However, as with oil or varnish, the smell from solvents that is still evaporating makes it dangerous to do so.
This leaves water-based finish and shellac as possibilities. You could also apply paste wax to a small object, such as a jewelry box, that wont receive much wear.
Water-based finishes dry in about an hour or two, so it would be easy to get two coats applied in one day and, with almost no residual smell, there wouldnt be any problem delivering the project the next day.
Shellac is almost the same, though there might be a slight residual smell of alcohol.
So if you are faced with a one-day time frame in which to get a project finished and ready to be delivered, think water-based finish, shellac or wax.
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