[RogerC]

Been reading a book on Carving in the Round and some of the participants talk about using a liquid wax both dark and neutral to obtain various shades so they don't have to use stain, etc. I have heard Watco makes a wax but I can't find what they have. Are there other manufacturers? What could be some sources of what you suggest?

Roger.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I have not used liquid wax, but here's what I have used and still use.

Minwax Special Dark
Minwax Natural

both are paste waxes

Various colors (including neutral) of Kiwi shoe polish (the wax not the liquid).

Can't speak to the liquid.

[Irish]

Hi Roger,

I have used Watco's liquid and it's pretty good especially for very very detailed work. It has one small draw back, in my opinion, and that's the odd smell that it has for about the first 3 or 4 days. Then the smell goes away. So when I have used it I have always placed the carving outdoors afterwards until the smell goes away. It may just be me as Michael, my husband, has never noticed it.

Try www.rockler.com

Susan

[RogerC]

Thanks, Susan. I looked at Rockler's catalog then did a search on their web site and did not find it. I finally found it is manufactured by Fletco Co., a division of Rustoleum. Fletco did not have a site (at least I could not find it). I found the Watco Satin Wax listed on the Rustoleum web site but could not find who carried it. Evidently they only have the one type but I guess I could tint it with oil pigments, if I can ever find it. Thanks.

Roger.

[Irish]

Roger,

Have you tried your local hardware store???? My can on liquid wax honestly is so old because it just goes so very far that I can't remember exactly where I got mine. But there is a huge chance that it was probably at our local Ace Hardware store! Or if you have a Lowe's in your area give them a call and see if they stock it.
You will only need one can to start with because it does go on forever.

Susan

[kaiserb]

Roger,

You can order Watco wax from Woodcraft, or sites like:

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bi...tool&query=Wax


Or Contact Fletco

Manufacturer: Fletco Co., Inc.
Div., Rustoleum Address:
22 S. Center Street
City: Hickory
State: NC
Zip Code: 28602
Telephone Number: 416-421-3300
Toll Free Number: 800-635-3286

[Canopener]

I got my can of Watco at Home Despot, but have seen it at Ace and other places. Watco oil is pretty popular. I like both liquid and paste, just personal preference on different pieces. Check out "Paste Wax" down below, a lot of good opinions and advice. Have fun.
Jim

[decoycarve]

Originally Posted by Plain_Ol_Ed

I have not used liquid wax, but here's what I have used and still use.

Minwax Special Dark
Minwax Natural

both are paste waxes

Various colors (including neutral) of Kiwi shoe polish (the wax not the liquid).

Can't speak to the liquid.

Ed,
The kiwi shoe polish will turn a nasty purple color after a about a year sooner if exposed to sunlight.
Everyone else,
The watco liquid wax went off the market for awhile. If the rags or brushes that are used are not disposed of properly they could self ignite. I think the newer stuff was reformulated but stil needs to be disposed of properly. Briwax is almost as bad. I had a trash can catch fire in the shop about five years ago. Not much damage but put enough of a scare in us that we have changed over to all acrylic products and only use minwax paste wax in the light and dark.
Goody

[Irish]

Goody, Such an excellent point. I keep a 3 pound coffee can full of water mixed with a fair amount of Dawn dishwashing soap in the shop. Any rag that has been used with an oil or wax product goes right into that can. Then the can is set outside of the shop until I can dispose of it properly or wash the rag out well for re-use.

Having the can there and pre-mixed makes it easy to deal with rags right away.

Susan

[kaiserb]

That is why steel trashcans are so nice...


FYI for everyone Linseed oil is also Exothermic.