Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m excited to share my passion for using natural materials in my woodworking projects. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about creating a beautiful finish from scratch, and beeswax has become a staple in my workshop. It’s environmentally friendly, easy to work with, and gives wood a warm, natural glow that enhances its inherent beauty.
Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of making your very own beeswax wood finish. It’s surprisingly simple, requires just a few ingredients, and the results are well worth the minimal effort.
aCuriousCreator
Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this project. I always find that having my materials prepped and ready to go makes the crafting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s a list of what we’ll be using:
- Natural Beeswax: I prefer purchasing beeswax blocks because they’re visually appealing and store well. However, pre-shredded beeswax chips work just as effectively if that’s what you have available.
- Jojoba Oil: While you can experiment with other oils like olive oil, I highly recommend jojoba oil for its long shelf life and resistance to rancidity.
- A Slow Cooker or Crock Pot: This will be our melting vessel, providing a safe and controlled environment for working with the beeswax.
- A Measuring Jug: For accurate measuring of our oil.
- A Sharp Knife: For cutting the beeswax blocks into smaller pieces.
- A Stirring Utensil: A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works well.
- A Metal Tin with a Lid: This will be the container for your finished beeswax wood polish. I like to repurpose old sweet tins, but any clean, dry metal tin will do the trick.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Beeswax Wood Finish
Now that we have our materials assembled, let’s walk through the process of creating your very own natural wood finish.
1. Preparing the Beeswax
- If you’re using beeswax blocks like I do, start by cutting them into smaller pieces. This will help the beeswax melt down more quickly and evenly.
- I typically use two 1oz blocks of beeswax for this recipe, but you can adjust the quantity depending on the amount of wood finish you want to make.
2. Melting the Beeswax
- Place the beeswax pieces into your slow cooker or crock pot.
- Set the slow cooker to a low heat setting and allow the beeswax to melt completely. I find this method to be the safest and most controlled way to melt beeswax, as it’s highly flammable.
- While the beeswax is melting, take the opportunity to prepare your metal tin and other materials.
3. Adding the Jojoba Oil
- Once the beeswax has melted completely, it’s time to add the jojoba oil.
- For this recipe, we’ll use a 1:3 ratio of beeswax to oil. Since we’re using 2oz of beeswax, we’ll need 6oz of jojoba oil.
- I recommend pouring about half of the oil into the melted beeswax, stirring well, and then adding the remaining half. While I’m not entirely sure if this gradual process makes a difference, it’s become a habit that seems to work well for me.
4. Mixing and Transferring the Finish
- Stir the melted beeswax and jojoba oil thoroughly to ensure they’re completely combined.
- Carefully pour the mixture from the slow cooker into your measuring jug. This will make it easier to transfer the finish into your metal tin.
- Pour the finish into your prepared tin.
5. Cooling and Setting
- As the finish cools, give it a stir every 10 minutes or so for the first hour. This helps ensure that it cools down evenly and prevents any separation or uneven texture.
- After the initial hour, allow the finish to sit undisturbed for approximately 3 hours to solidify completely.
- The finished product should have a smooth, firm consistency that’s easily workable when applied to wood.
Using Your Homemade Beeswax Wood Finish
Congratulations on crafting your very own all-natural beeswax wood finish! This versatile finish is perfect for protecting and enhancing a variety of wood projects.
Application Tips:
- A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of finish and apply it to your wood surface using a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Work the finish into the wood using circular motions, allowing it to penetrate the grain.
- For a more polished look, buff the surface with a clean cloth after the finish has had time to dry.
Storage:
- Store your beeswax wood finish in a cool, dry place. The jojoba oil helps extend its shelf life, making it last for approximately two years. However, this can vary depending on the type of oil you use and storage conditions.
Conclusion: The Joys of Homemade Craftsmanship
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the satisfaction of creating your own natural wood finish. It’s a simple yet rewarding process that adds a personal touch to your woodworking projects.
If you decide to embark on this crafting adventure, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Share your thoughts, ask any questions you may have, and let’s inspire each other to explore the endless possibilities of handmade craftsmanship.
And don’t forget to browse the unique, handcrafted treasures available on the Robert Kline Art website! We offer a curated selection of one-of-a-kind gifts for every occasion.