Replies

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 02, 2006 08:56pm | #1

   When you say wax buildup, are you talking about Pledge or Endust or similar?  They are mostly silicone.

   What are you trying to do?  Just remove the old wax/polish and clean it up, or are you planning on some refinishing?

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 12:04am | #3

   Thanks for your prompt reply.  I just want it to look better, I hope I don't have to completely refinish it.  There are real waxes, orange oil, pledge, etc. on the table.

2. 
   Sphere | Jan 02, 2006 08:57pm | #2

   1/4 cup of ammonia to a qt of water will do a good wax removal, but if anything like Pledge or such that contained silcone was used, you are looking at a real project.

   Try the ammonia wipe down and follow with naptha or mineral spirits, followed by ( you guessed it) wax.  Use a good quality was such as BRIWAX or in a pinch, Johnsons paste wax ( AKA Butchers or bowling ally wax).

   Good luck, lots of clean cloth and rubbing.

    

1. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 12:05am | #4

   Thank you.  I just sent my hiisband to the hardware store to buy ammonia and napatha and i will tackle it tomorrow.

1. 
   Danno | Jan 03, 2006 01:42am | #5

   Another thing that may work is TSP, if you can get it. Only problem is you have to use water, which is not good for wood--try other suggestions first.

2. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 09:39pm | #11

   I have cleaned the table with ammonia solution, let dry, wiped off with naphtha.  The wood looks good, no water marks or cloudy bits.  I have Briwax.  Should I do more than one coat?  If so, how long should I wait between coats?

   Really appreciate all the good advice from everyone.  thank you!

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 03, 2006 11:12pm | #12

   You might want to ask the wax question at Knots.  I thinik nthere is a way to dilute the wax with a solvent so that it soaks into the wood.

   I would apply about 3 coats of wax, buffing between coats.  I think you only have to wait long enough for your arm to recover between coats.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   Sphere | Jan 04, 2006 02:02am | #14

   Briwax builds up rather fast, Toluoul evaps right quick...3 might get her in trouble and back to too much...set a warm plate down and you have failure.

   I doubt she hit "raw" wood, but the actual lacquer finish? So my safe side says 2 coats at the most....

   I can hand plane white pine and apply 2 coats of BW, and youd think it was lacquerd and waxed. Really good stuff. 

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 04, 2006 04:46pm | #15

   I just use plain Johnsons Paste Wax.

   Maybe I'll graduate to the good stuff.  Especially now that I have a good tool.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   Sphere | Jan 05, 2006 02:54am | #20

   Use that pastewax on the bottom of the plane!

   Briwax is awesome stuff...tinted is available ( black is neat)...the best way to buff ( I forgot to tell the OP..my bad) is use a shoeshine type brush.

   Get yer self planing while I write to Doud and thank him for the roofing tongs! 

3. 
   VaTom | Jan 05, 2006 05:48am | #21

   while I write to Doud and thank him for the roofing tongs!

   Valley tongs?  Or are y'all regressing to the old stuff I used?  Pan tongs and stompers.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

4. 
   Sphere | Jan 05, 2006 09:05am | #22

   I ain't sayin... 

5. 
   mslee | Jan 04, 2006 10:25pm | #16

   I did two coats of Briwax and it looks fabulous.  Now the matching sideboards and chairs look like sh**.  Looks like I will have a busy winter doing all these pieces.

   Thank you everyone for all you helpful advice.

6. 
   FastEddie | Jan 04, 2006 11:48pm | #17

   Isn't it amazing how a simple project can mushroom ...

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

7. 
   Sphere | Jan 05, 2006 02:42am | #18

   So glad it worked out well for you. Count yourself as one who was lucky, I have had nightmare projects, doing exactly the same as you just did, that just didn't turn out too well...beleive me when I tell you, I was a bit scared!

   Good job, now on to the rest!. 

8. 
   FastEddie | Jan 05, 2006 02:47am | #19

   mslee ... how bout a picture?

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

9. 
   mslee | Jan 14, 2006 08:52pm | #23

   I'd love to post a phot of the gleaming table but my new digital camera is so simple a 10 year old could use.  Being way over 10, I can't figure it out!  Off to the store to get instructions.

2. 
   Sphere | Jan 04, 2006 01:59am | #13

   Use the Briwax SPARINGLY, it contains a strong solvent, and dries rapidly.

   One coat ought to do fine, the buffing is the hard part....wait a day or so..and see what you think.

   IF buffing it gets TOO hard, slighty moisten your rubbing rag with a bit of the naptha...do not try to thin the wax, just add some thinner lubricateing quality to the buffing..

   you will get the feel for it in a few swipes. 

3. 
   JTC1 | Jan 03, 2006 02:14am | #6

   I would try naptha - only concern would be the lacquer edging - test.

   Might also consider posting same question on Knots - more furniture makers / fine finish types there.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

1. 
   notascrename | Jan 03, 2006 02:45am | #7

   little overlapping tech here, when i nnne to make sure a surface is clear of wax/silicone, i go to the automotive paint store and buy final wash.  I would test in a small area but the stuff seems pretty bening. haven't had too much luck w/naptha. jim

1. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 05:40pm | #8

      Thanks for the responses.  I have started wiping down with ammonia.  My question is How many times do I need to do that?  The wet cloth and the dry cloths are still turning brown.  Does that mean I keep wiping with ammonia until no more brown comes off?  I can tell there is still wax on the table.

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 03, 2006 05:44pm | #9

   Since your goal is only to make the table look better, I would stop and wait a day or at least several hours to let the finish completely dry.  Then look at it and see if it's what you want.  If not, keep wiping.

   You might look on a can of pledge and call tech support ... ask them how to remove the stuff.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   mslee | Jan 03, 2006 06:08pm | #10

   Thanks.  My last pass both the wet & dry cloth were only slightly discolored.  Will let dry completely then proceed.