Today I’m going to share with you how to update furniture with liming wax. If you’re not sure you want to commit to painting a piece of furniture, liming wax might be something to consider.
Sometimes the best pieces of furniture are hand-me-downs. My secretary desk is an antique piece that I inherited but its value is all sentimental.
I’m pointing this out, because altering the finish of a priceless antique may not be recommended. I’m no expert, but I do watch the Antique Roadshow occasionally. 😉
On the other hand, a vintage piece like this one may just need some highlights to bring out its true beauty which is where the liming wax comes into play.
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If you’re new to my blog, you may not know that I’m a Maker with A Makers’ Studio. I’ve featured many AMS products in project posts including A Makers’ Studio Cerusing Wax or liming wax. For more inspiration see the candle sticks I updated in the Winter Decorating Ideas post or the DIY Kitchen Table Makeover.
Supplies
- Cerusing Wax
- Paint Brush
- Paper Plate or cardboard
- Cotton Cloth
- Extra Fine Steel Wool
Update Furniture with Liming Wax
Squeeze out a small amount of wax onto a paper plate or piece of cardboard. Load a small amount of wax on a clean paint brush or cotton cloth. Going with the grain of the wood apply the Cerusing wax working it into crevices and cracks.
I prefer using a paint brush on furniture pieces that have moulding or carved details because the bristles push the wax into those areas better than a cloth.
Working in sections, I allowed the wax to come to tack, about 15 minutes. Then I removed the excess wax with a soft cotton cloth. Extra fine steel wool can also be used.
In a few areas I repeated the process for an even look, then finished by buffing all areas with a clean cotton cloth. If desired Light Antiquing Wax can be applied to protect the finish.
Notice how the drawer on the left looks after the Cerusing wax was applied. The wax has settled into to areas where the wood grain pores are open and also in the crevices of the moulding.
My secretary desk has evolved into a beautiful piece of furniture that I love to photograph. Over time, I’ve updated drawer pulls, replaced an oversized cornice piece on top with simple moulding and repainted the interior of the bookshelf multiple times. I should go ahead and paint the back panel white and be done with it, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Now, I’ve taken the secretary desk another step further by updating the overall look by highlighting the carved details and the open grain of the wood.
Cerusing wax can also be applied over paint to highlight carved details in the same way.
Important Note
When deciding to update furniture with liming wax, note that all details including nicks and scratches will be highlighted where applied.
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I’m still tweaking the shelves to decide how I want them styled. One idea is to turn the book shelf into a liquor cabinet with interesting bottles lined up on the first shelf and an array of bar glasses above. Decisions, decisions.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Cheers!
©2019 How To Update Furniture With Liming Wax post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™
Wow… that looks just lovely, Michelle! I love the graying tint it gave the desk! Looking forward to seeing the back painted and styled!
Thanks Julie, I’m really liking the subtle change the liming wax created more and more.
Michelle that is a beautiful piece of furniture. I had never heard of lime waxing, will have to keep that in mind for future projects.
Thanks Sonya, it’s a great product and very versatile.
Looks really beautiful! I’ve never tried lime waxing before — thanks for sharing
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
Thanks Christene, it’s an easy way to update furniture.
I. Love. This. And it’s exactly the inspo I need for an old piece similar to yours that someone gifted to me.
Thank you Dorothy. The prospects of a new project are so exciting. Hope it turns out just the way you imagine.
Amazing what a difference the liming wax makes in adding character to this piece, Michelle! I just love all of your ideas. I’d be too scared to try something like this without your tutorial. 🙂
You’re so sweet Crissy and hey if I can do this so can you!!
We have a lot of furniture that I need to try this. Thank you for all the good information.
Hi Sue, it’s one of the easiest ways I know of to update furniture. Hope you will try it.
I really like how this turned out, Michelle! I have a hutch that I’ve been wanting to try this method on, but the wood is not very porous so I’m not sure how it will turn out. Have you ever tried it on a smooth piece?
Great question Kim. Yes I used liming wax on a plain black frame to add interest and texture. Works like a charm.
I really love these details Michelle. The way the wax subtly brings out the beauty of the furniture.
Thank you Mary, this is the easiest furniture update I can imagine.
Hi, I want to try the Liming wax on a cabinet similar to yours but the piece I have needs a good cleaning first. What is the best method for cleaning an old piece like this before applying the wax? I love the subtle highlight that the wax gives.
Hi Cecilia, I didn’t have to use a cleaner on the secretary but I have on other furniture projects. The same company that sells the wax I wrote about in the post, also sells a great product called Furniture & Cabinetry Cleaner. I highly recommend the product to remove dirt, wax, oil and other grime that may have built up over time. The link for A Makers’ Studio is in the post, click on SHOP then TOOLS and cleaner will be listed there. Hope this will help with your project.
I have an antique secretary that was my parents and it is nearly identical to yours. I cherish mine too.
Thank you so much for visiting Teresa! 🙂