Paste Wax – The Little Known Secret to Quick, Simple and Rustic Finishes

 I’m not sure what it is about polyurethane finishes that I dislike.  It could be the smell, the mess, the brushes to clean or maybe even the fact that it makes things look a tad too industrial for me (even satin finish). My go to finish is a paste wax that can be found in your local hardware store.  It does not add any color, but rather brings out the natural glow of the wood while adding some protection.  It also adds a little shine to things, but it’s not a uniform high gloss.  It almost makes things look a tad rustic.

The best part is that all you need is an old rag.  It goes on really easily and then just wipes off.  It’s dry and good to go really quickly too.  I’ve used this on many projects and while it does not protect as well as a polyurethane, I seem to prefer it. I use Minwax only because it's the only brand I find in stores.  Try it for yourself and let us know your thoughts! 

The two projects below were finished with paste wax.

Adds a subtle sheen.  Very easy to apply. 

The wax gave it a nice aged look and brought out the distressing.