Furniture wax is a popular product used to protect and enhance the appearance of a piece of furniture. When I think of furniture waxes I think of polishing a beautiful wood tone on an old vintage furniture piece. But what about painted furniture? How do you seal it and what products should you use?
Painted furniture is often used in high-traffic areas, making it more susceptible to wear and tear. Furniture wax for painted furniture can help protect the paint from scratches, dings, and other damage. It can also add a layer of shine to the furniture, making it look like new. The great thing about wax is that you don’t have to worry about adding brush strokes to your newly painted piece like you would if you used a clear polyurethane finish.
That being said, If you are looking to seal painted furniture for a lot of use, check this post out. In this article today, I’ll be going over furniture wax only. There are other sealers that work a little more effectively and create a more durable finish (for surfaces like a table top) than waxes. Here are some of my favorite clear coats for wood and painted furniture if you are interested in a more durable finish.
When looking to purchase wax for painted furniture (for paints like milk paint and chalk paint especially), it’s essential to pay attention to the type of wax and the ingredients used. Some waxes contain harsh chemicals that can damage the paint or even be toxic to humans and pets. It’s crucial to choose a wax that is specifically designed for painted furniture and made with safe, natural ingredients. Just FYI, most of these products need to be purchased online and not from a big box hardware store.
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Best Wax for Painted Furniture
We know that you take pride in your painted furniture and want it to look its best for years to come. These are some of the best brands of wax and will help protect and enhance the finish of your painted furniture. Check out our list below for the perfect furniture wax. In my opinion, they are the best way to protect that newly painted surface.
Jolie Finishing Wax
If you’re looking for a furniture wax for painted furniture, Jolie Finishing Wax is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Odorless and non-hazardous
- Water-resistant sealing wax
- Soft consistency and easy to apply
Cons
- Can take a long time to dry
- Can leave a residue if not buffed properly
- Can be difficult to remove excess wax
Jolie Finishing Wax is a premium chalk finish paint wax that is available in a variety of colors like white wax, black wax, clear wax and even brown wax. It creates a durable matte (flat) finish or it can be buffed to add a subtle sheen. This wax finish is perfect for highlighting texture and moldings and creating custom finishes.
To use Jolie Finishing Wax, simply apply it to the painted surface or directly on raw wood. For best results, always apply Clear Finishing Wax to your piece before applying colored Finishing Waxes. Use a clean, absorbent, lint-free cloth to remove the excess wax. Use gentle pressure and be sure to keep turning the cloth to a clean spot so that it can continue to remove the excess wax rather than simply move it around on your surface.
On surfaces that may need added protection, such as kitchen table tops or cabinets, wait at least 8 hours before applying a second thin coat of Clear Finishing Wax.
Overall, Jolie Finishing Wax is a great option for anyone looking for a furniture wax for painted furniture. It’s odorless, non-hazardous, and water-resistant, making it a safe and effective choice for sealing and protecting your painted furniture.
Soft Southern Strokes Wax
Protect your painted furniture with Soft Southern Strokes Wax, a natural and non-toxic product that will keep your furniture looking great. I’ve never used this product but it comes highly rated on Amazon with over 1600 positive reviews.
Pros
- Dries quickly to a matte finish with little or no buffing required.
- The 8 oz. container is double the size of typical wax tins, giving you more wax for your money.
- Petroleum distillate-free and non-toxic, making it safer for you and your family.
Cons
- Soft wax may shift in the jar during extreme summer temperatures, but this does not affect the performance of the wax.
- Buffing is not required, but some users may prefer a shinier finish.
- Some users may prefer a different scent.
Soft Southern Strokes Wax is easy to apply with a soft cloth, wax brush, or your fingers, and dries clear without yellowing or changing the color of your chalk paint. The delightful citrus and honey scent is a welcome smell in your home, with no harmful fumes.
This wax is perfect for arts and crafts, chalky finish painted projects, and to seal and protect any wood surfaces. It’s even safe for serving pieces, thanks to the all-natural formula. Soft Southern Strokes Wax is the perfect companion to Soft Southern Strokes Chalky Matte Finish Paints, but will work well with any brand of paint.
Apply a thin coat with a soft cloth or brush, wipe away excess, and let it dry for 2-24 hours, depending on temperature, humidity, and surface type. Buff if desired, but buffing is not required. Soft wax may shift in the jar during extreme summer temperatures, but this does not affect the performance of the wax. To further soften wax, set the container in a shallow bowl of hot water.
Soft Southern Strokes Wax is made in the U.S.A. and contains pure, all-natural white beeswax, carnauba wax, walnut, and plant oils with a citrus and honey scent. Get your 8 oz. container today and protect your painted furniture with ease!
Amy Howard Light Wax for Wood and Chalk Paint
Amy Howard makes some of the best wax products. I’ve used her liming wax in the past for a lime washed coffee table makeover and it worked beautifully.
Pros:
- Great on most surfaces such as painted furniture and raw wood
- Reliable quality
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- The golden color might alter a bright painted furniture piece slightly (not a good idea to use on white paint or bright paint colors)
- Leaves a wax residue if not buffed out properly
This wax product creates a golden brown protective top coat patina on newly painted or vintage furniture without the hassle. It helps create that aged look. Use the furniture wax for chalk paint, wood, or metal surfaces as it creates a hard protective seal in addition to a worn-vintage finish.
FolkArt Home Decor Antiquing Wax
If you’re looking for a versatile wax to protect your DIY projects, FolkArt Home Decor Antiquing Wax is a great option.
Pros
- Provides a durable, satin antique finish on furniture, raw wood, and more.
- Easy-to-use formula with creamy texture for exceptional coverage.
- Simple to maintain and clean up.
Cons
- Takes 1-2 hours to dry before buffing.
- May require repeat application every 6-12 months for maximum protection.
- Some users may prefer a glossier sheen.
FolkArt Home Decor Antiquing Wax is a dark wax product perfect for adding a beautiful antique finish to your DIY projects. The easy-to-use formula provides exceptional coverage on all decor projects, big and small. Simply load a small amount of wax onto your project and work it into all the crevices and details with a downward, circular motion.
Once dry, the wax will provide a durable, satin antique finish that will protect your furniture, raw wood, and more. To maintain the finish, simply wipe up any extra wax with a paper towel and keep waxed surfaces free of moisture and heavy use for a couple of days after application.
FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax
Protect and seal your painted furniture projects with FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax.
Pros
- Provides a durable, satin finish on furniture and raw wood
- Easy to apply with the FolkArt Home Decor Wax Paint Brush
- Versatile and convenient size
Cons
- May dry white on certain surfaces
- Some users reported difficulty with buffing
- May not be suitable for high-use surfaces
FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax is an easy-to-use paraffin-infused wax sealer and protectant that comes in an 8 oz bottle. Simply load a small amount of wax onto the FolkArt Home Decor Wax Paint Brush and apply a thin layer with a downward, circular motion to all the crevices and details of your project. Once dry, the wax provides a clear, smooth finish that protects your DIY home decor projects for years to come.
Clean up is a breeze with FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax. Simply wipe up any extra with a paper towel and keep waxed surfaces free of moisture and heavy use for 7 days after application. Repeat the application every 6-12 months, or as needed for maximum protection.
If you are looking for a Beeswax product specifically, check out my review of my favorite three Beeswax products tried and tested. Even though I tried this wax product on unpainted wood, they all still work on painted surfaces as well.
I hope I’ve covered all your questions about some of the best wax products for painted furniture. Good luck on your project! As always, leave a comment if you have any questions.
Lindsey**