Application Tips

Raw wood
  • Apply the Maxwax to the surface from close proximity, avoiding direct impingement which can "impact feed" the wood leaving a darker spot.
  • Using a rag, sponge or brush, spread the Maxwax gently over the surface to ensure good, even penetration.
  • Keep the surface from drying out for ten minutes or so while spreading.
  • Leave to soak, the longer the soak the better the wax build on the surface (Overnight is good).
  • Buff up with a clean dry cloth to a healthy lustre.
  • Results will improve with every application thereafter.
Lacquered surfaces
  • Apply enough Maxwax with a cloth to just moisten the surface.
  • Allow to stand for about 5 minutes.
  • Buff up to a healthy sheen with a clean dry cloth.
Leather
  • Remember that Maxwax will darken leather, so avoid application to light coloured leather that you want to keep that way.
  • Always test a small inconspicuous area to confirm you are satisfied with the result before proceeding.
  • Leave to soak, the longer the soak the better the wax build on the surface (Overnight is good).
  • Either soak (saddles straps etc) or apply light coats (shoes, handbags etc) as above.
Plastics
  • Apply sparingly as you would to "lacquered surfaces".
Granite tops
  • Apply as you would to "raw wood", but more sparingly.
Barbeques
  • Maxwax is amazingly effective at removing the "fat splatter" from all non-cook surfaces of your BBQ, including stainless steel, plastic, paint and wood. Apply liberally and wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel after a short soaking time.
  • Apply Maxwax to the stainless steel surfaces and see the finger marks disappear! Allow 24 hours to dry after application, before finally buffing to provide a surface that actually resists further finger marking.

Cautionaries

  • Because Maxwax "cleans while it polishes" it will tend to strip off softer waxes and replace them. This is only a problem when the softer waxes contain stains (a very poor method of enhancing wood).
  • If applied too thickly on a lacquered surface, will need excessive rubbing to eliminate streakiness. Use a paper towel to help remove excess Maxwax in this case.
  • If the first coat is applied too thinly on raw wood, it will not develop colour adequately and the sealing effect of the first coat will resist subsequent coats from penetrating effectively. Always flood the first coat and allow a good 5 to 10 minutes for the Maxwax to soak in.
  • Always shake the bottle before use to ensure good mixing of the Maxwax.
  • Do not squirt directly onto raw wood from a height as this can "impact feed" the wood and leave a darker mark. When treating raw wood, make sure that the wax is evenly spread and the surface kept "moist" during the soaking stage. Some woods are more porous than others and so will behave differently.
  • For best results apply and allow to stand overnight before buffing. This allows the wax to penetrate and the surface wax to build.
  • Maxwax, as with all wax products, will repel water but not seal against ingress completely.
  • To avoid water marking your wood surface, do not allow water to "stand" for any length of time.
  • To remove a water-mark from the wood surface, apply Maxwax liberally to the area affected and allow to soak overnight. If that is not successful, a full sanding removal is required.
  • This product will support combustion and should be handled accordingly. Keep away from naked flames and other sources of ignition.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • In the case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting (to prevent it entering the lungs), give 1 to 2 glasses of water and seek medical attention. The carrier is defined as "slightly toxic" by Pan toxicology ratings. By comparison, vinegar is rated "moderately" toxic by the same authority.