Removing bees wax?

[jl]

Last week I turned a curly maple bowl for a friend. I finished it with a coat of paste wax (mix of beeswax and row linseed oil). My friend would like me to put a more durable finish on it, like danish oil. The piece is to be displayed at the hardwood mill, where he works.

Do I have to remove the beeswax first? How would I do that?

Thanks for your help.

[Tom Miller]

I guess I'd start with mineral spirits, and progress to lacquer thinner until you think you're getting it.

Any chance you can re-chuck it and lightly sand?

Regards,
Tom

[jl]

Thank you Tom. I'll try that.

I thought about putting it back on the lathe, but I can not. There is nothing left to grab and I don't have a vacuum chuck.

[scmhogg]

Jean-Luc,

Mineral spirits will dissolve wax. But, it will also allow the wax to penetrate more deeply.

I would use the MS to get the majority of wax off the surface and let it dry thoroughly. I would then finish with several coats of shellac. Most shellac already has some wax in it and should not have any adhesion problems on your bowl.

Zinssers has a pre-mixed shellac and a French polish, if you don't want to go through the hassle with flakes and alcohol.

Steve