How to Remove Paste Wax from Furniture Like a Pro

Have you ever applied paste wax on a surface and ended up regretting it? I have. If you only want to remove paste wax from your wood because it is worn out, then you are on the right page. Stay here.

Paste wax can be applied to wood furniture to protect it from water vapors and extreme heat here and there. It also gives the wood a rejuvenated, shiny appearance.

We’ll cover several tried-and-tested ways you can use to remove paste wax from your wood furniture.

Read on.

How to Remove Paste Wax from Wood Furniture

Saturate a clean cloth in mineral spirits, then use it to wipe off paste wax from your wood furniture. Next, apply more mineral spirits to the waxy surface, then use a fresh cloth or steel wool to scrub off the loosened wax. Finally, rinse the surface using a damp rag. Naphtha and turpentine are good alternatives for mineral spirits.

How to Remove Paste Wax from Furniture – The Methods

This section has all the details you will need to help you maintain and repair your wooden furniture.

They can also help you remove old wax from wood furniture such as the dining room table and kitchen tables.

You can purchase the items you don’t have from a local hardware store. Always test each method on an inconspicuous area first and only proceed if it works for you.

Tools and materials

• Mineral spirits
• Wax
• Turpentine
• Acetone
• Vinegar
• Naphtha
• Denatured alcohol
• Gloves
• Mask or respirator
• Steel wool
• Clean rags
• Soft cotton cloths
• Hairdryer
• Spatula

How to remove paste wax from furniture using mineral spirits

Mineral spirits (also known as white spirits) are an all-around solvent for almost everything. It is effective at dissolving old wax from waxed furniture but will not harm the cured polyurethane over wax.

Soak a soft cotton cloth in mineral spirits and then wipe away paste wax from the surface. Use more mineral spirits and a cleaner side of the cloth as the wax accumulates and turn the cloth brown.

This helps you remove the most wax from the surface. You can also use a scrubbing pad or fine steel wool in place of a cloth.

Apply some mineral spirits on the waxed surface, then scrub it off. These abrasive options alongside white spirits will help break down the wax and detach it from the wood.

Lightly dampen a fresh cloth with plain water, then wipe the surface clean.

How to remove paste wax from furniture using wax

Use this method on a surface that was recently waxed and hasn’t dried. It works better this way.

Apply a thin layer of wax polish over the wax you want to remove. The fresh layer of wax will soften the pre-existing one on your furniture, making it easy to remove.

Use a clean cloth to wipe away the softened wax from your wooden surface before it has a chance to dry up.

Remember not to let the wax dry before you remove it: because then you will be dealing with a thicker and more complex layer of paste wax on your furniture.

Related: Beeswax wood finish pros and cons

How to remove paste wax from furniture using naphtha

Naphtha has a strong odor that can get overwhelming if inhaled. Therefore, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated space, wearing a respirator and safety gloves.

Wet a soft cotton cloth with naphtha and use it to rub on the waxed wooden furniture lightly. Saturate the cloth if necessary and continue rubbing it on the entire piece of furniture. 

Change the cloth from time to time or use paper towels; so you don’t end up re-spreading the removed wax back to the furniture.

Repeat the process until you are satisfied with the outcome. Finally, buff the wood using a soft dry cloth to remove any remaining residue.

How to remove paste wax from furniture using acetone

Acetone will help you remove paste wax from your wooden furniture. But before you begin, ensure proper ventilation in your workspace. Wear gloves and a mask. Proceed.

Apply a generous coat of acetone on the waxy surface, especially if it’s a large flat surface. Allow the wax to soften in the presence of acetone for about five minutes.

Use a plastic paint scraper or a firm bristled brush to remove the softened wax from the wood. You can also use fine steel wool to achieve the same results.

You can also sand away the loose wax using sandpaper, then wipe the wood dust with a damp rag.

Repeat the previous steps until no wax is left standing. Then give your wood surface a final wipe using a damp cloth. This practice ensures no more acetone and the waxy residue is lingering on the wood.

How to remove paste wax from furniture using denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol, also referred to as methylated spirits, is a more potent solvent that is effective at removing paste wax from wood furniture.

However, they also have a pretty strong odor and, therefore, are best handled with caution. First, apply the alcohol on the waxy surface using a paper towel.

You can also use a scrubbing pad to apply the alcohol and scrub away the wax from the wood. This combination quickly breaks down the tight hold of the wax and letting it lose.

Use more alcohol and clean scrubbing pads to get the job done. Finally, wipe the surface with a damp cloth once you have erased the existence of paste wax from your furniture.

Related Post: Is denatured alcohol the same as mineral spirits?

How to remove paste wax from furniture using vinegar and cream of tartar

Vinegar can remove paint as well as wood furniture wax. Since it’s acidic, it makes a strong natural wood cleaner.

Make a solution by mixing a cup of regular white vinegar and one tablespoon of cream of tartar. Mix well. This is a natural abrasive cleaner.

Dip a clean cloth into the solution and use the soaked part to wipe off paste wax from the surface. Then, wipe along the direction of the wood grain.

Once you have removed all the wax, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Finally,  buff the wood dry using a clean, lint-free cloth.

How to remove paste wax from furniture using turpentine

Turpentine is another commonly used industrial solvent. It is an option you can use to remove paste wax from your furniture. But, again, exercise caution while using it since it can be lethal.

Saturate a clean cloth in turpentine and use it to rub on the waxy surface. Rub gently but with firm strokes in the direction of the wood grain.

Reapply and use a clean cloth or scrubbing pad or brush to help remove the wax faster. Give the wood furniture a final wipe using a damp rag once all the wax has been removed.

Then buff the wood using a clean, dry cloth.

How to remove paste wax from furniture using hairdryer

Sometimes a simple hot air blown on the wax is all it takes to remove it. Switch on medium heat setting on your hairdryer and heat the paste waxed surface.

Use a cloth or paper towel to continue wiping away the melted wax from your surface.

Repeat the process on every inch of the wood you want to get rid of the wax: if it’s giving you the desired results. Finally, buff the wood using a soft rag, and voila!

How to remove paste wax from furniture using spatula

If you face layers of paste wax on your wood,  you can try removing it using a paint scraper or a spatula. You might not get it all out using this method, but it is an excellent place to begin.

Scrape off as much wax as you can. Then, when you can no longer get any out, use any of the solvents discussed above, and you can finish that project within no time.

Read More: How to Remove Old Stain From Hardwood Floors

Safety Precaution

Wear gloves, respirator, and goggles when using chemical-based cleaners—for example, mineral spirits, acetone, denatured alcohol, naphtha, and turpentine.

Also, work in a well-ventilated space to avoid intense exposure to chemical fumes that can cause serious health problems when inhaled. These products are also quite flammable, so exercise caution.

Now, find out more about waxing polyurethane in our guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paste Wax

What dissolves paste wax?

Mineral spirits dissolve paste wax without posing any harm to the varnish underneath. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits, then use it to rub the waxy surface. Try to maintain a fresh surface of the rag sitting on the wax by turning it around or using paper towels. You can use either naphtha or turpentine to dissolve paste wax.

How do you strip wax off furniture?

Prepare a naturally abrasive cleaner by mixing a cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of cream of tartar. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and use it to rub the paste wax off the furniture. Work in the direction of the wood grain. Finally, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any debris.

Do mineral spirits remove wax?

Mineral spirits are a widely used solvent that you can use to remove wax. First, saturate a clean cloth in mineral spirits and wipe away the wax from a wood surface. You can also use a scrubbing pad or sandpaper along with mineral spirits to scrub off wax. Finish by rinsing the surface with a damp cloth.

Does vinegar dissolve wax?

Vinegar dissolves wax. Therefore, avoid using it on waxed surfaces unless you intend to strip the wax. Vinegar is a reliable, natural cleaner you can use to remove build-up wax and grime from a particular surface. Use a wax cleaner suitable for waxed surfaces to avoid irreversible damage.

Conclusion

After learning how to remove paste wax from wood furniture, it is time for you to utilize this knowledge and get to work. Paste wax is an easy-to-handle substance when you know how to approach it.

Remember to adhere to safety precautions when handling chemical-based solvents. Then, plan and apply a quality wood waxing to give your wood another coat of shine and protection.

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