Liming Wax Tutorial

Thank you for all the sweet comments on the dining room before and after post!  It has been so fun reading all of them (especially for my clients who are thrilled with your response).  So, I promised to show you how they limed the table.  Honestly, it's amazing that with a few steps you can take a table from this . . .

To this . . .

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It does take some elbow grease and attention to detail, but the results are so worth it.  Here's the process.

Step One

In a well ventilated area, sand the entire piece to remove any vanish or lacquer.  This couple wanted some of the original color to show through so they did not sand to bare wood.  I think this added to the patina of the finished piece.  

Also remember, the liming wax will look different depending on the tone of your wood.  So, you'll need to experiment with it a bit.  I actually tried the liming wax on our mantle after staining it and did not like the look, so we went back to a simple stain.  (Here's that post for reference). A simple way to do this is to sand and lime a section that is not visible (aka, underneath the table) before going to all the trouble to do the entire piece. 

Step Two
After sanding, wipe the entire piece down with the tack cloth to ensure there is no residue on the surface.  You want the wax to go on as evenly as possible.

Step Three
Using steel wool, apply the wax to the table in a circular motion.  This will ensure the wax clings to the grain of the wood creating the perfect effect.  The goal is to get this stuff down into the crevasses of the wood.

Remember you need to be liberal with it.


The more you apply the greater the contrast in the grain of the wood.  Notice the cute hubby applying the wax!

Here is a shot of the table after you've applied the liming wax.  You do need to let this sit overnight to dry thoroughly.

Step Four
The next day, apply a clear wax over the entire piece.  This will act as a seal and protect the piece.

Wax On . . . Wax Off . . . (sorry, I couldn't resist).

I should mention since this piece has not be coated with a varnish that the wood is still "open" so you may get water marks, etc. from daily use.  But, honestly, I think this adds to the character of a piece like this.

And the results . . . 

A big thanks to my clients for all these great pictures of the process.  I hope you'll find something to try this technique on in your own home! M.