Today in Canadian Antiques History: The CPR Legacy Lives On!

🗓️ Today in Canadian Antiques History – July 11th

Hey there antique lovers,

Did you know that on this day in 1885, the brand-new Canadian Pacific Railway was reshaping how goods and Canadian-made craftsmanship spread across the country?

As trains rolled into small towns, so did beautifully crafted furniture, tools, and station fixtures made by our own Canadian artisans. Today, these items are some of the most collectible relics of our nation-building years.

🚂 What Should You Look For?

Here’s what we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for:

CPR-branded relics (think old timetables, luggage tags, or station signage)

Railway lanterns & signal lamps (bonus if stamped with maker's initials)

Station furniture (hefty, handmade pieces using Canadian hardwood)

🇨🇦 Did You Know?

Grand Trunk Railway, CPR’s rival, also left behind a collector’s dream: brass keys, conductor caps, parts and signage are all considered rare due to post-nationalization scrapping.

Identifying Early Canadian Stoneware Jugs: A Guide to Colonial Craftsmanship

The ceramic artifacts of early Canadian life offer a window into the material culture of the 19th century. Among these, stoneware jugs stand out as both utilitarian vessels and objects of folk art. Originally produced for storing everyday necessities—such as molasses, whiskey, vinegar, and oil—these jugs have evolved from household staples to highly collectible items. Understanding how to identify early Canadian stoneware jugs requires knowledge of pottery traditions, regional characteristics, and specific stylistic markers that distinguish genuine pieces from later reproductions or American imports.

Stoneware in the Canadian Context

Stoneware is a durable ceramic material fired at high temperatures, rendering it non-porous and functional for liquid storage. In the Canadian context, stoneware production began in the early 1800s and continued well into the early 20th century. The craft flourished particularly in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces, where abundant clay deposits and local demand created the conditions for thriving pottery businesses. These early jugs were typically hand-thrown or mold-formed, then coated in a salt glaze and often decorated with cobalt blue designs.

Material and Surface Features

One of the most critical elements in identifying early Canadian stoneware is the clay itself. Early jugs were formed from local clay deposits that typically fired to a grey or buff tone, often with a slight blue or brown hue. The texture of these pieces is dense and gritty, reflecting the nature of the raw materials and the firing process. Most jugs from this period feature a distinctive salt glaze, created by introducing salt into the kiln at high temperatures. The resulting surface has a glossy, sometimes orange-peel-like texture, especially evident on the jug’s shoulder and neck.

Decorative Motifs and Cobalt Blue Painting

Cobalt blue decoration is one of the most iconic visual identifiers of early Canadian stoneware. These hand-painted designs were both decorative and indicative of the potter’s workshop. Common motifs include stylized flowers, leaves, birds, or abstract flourishes. In earlier examples, the designs tend to be simpler and more spontaneous, while later jugs may exhibit more elaborate, symmetrical, or commercially refined decoration. The presence and style of these cobalt embellishments can assist in dating and attributing a jug to a particular region or potter.

Maker’s Marks and Inscriptions

Perhaps the most conclusive means of identifying Canadian origin is the presence of a maker’s mark or impressed stamp. These marks often include the potter’s name, location, and sometimes the capacity of the vessel (e.g., “2 gal”). Notable examples include “J. Fisher, Lyons” from Ontario or “F. P. Goold, St. Johns” from Quebec. These markings serve both a commercial and historical function, aiding modern collectors and historians in tracing the jug’s provenance. The lettering style and placement of the mark can further aid in determining authenticity and approximate date of production.

Form and Functional Evolution

The shape and design of the jugs also evolved over time. Early examples often exhibit ovoid or squat bodies with rounded shoulders, while later forms trend toward more cylindrical, standardized shapes. The jug’s spout, lip, and handle can provide clues as to the period and method of production. Earlier, hand-thrown jugs may have asymmetrical features or minor imperfections, which are increasingly absent in the mass-produced wares of the late 19th century.

Regional Variation Across Canada

Geographic origin plays a substantial role in the jug’s stylistic attributes. Ontario potteries were particularly prolific and are known for bold cobalt decorations and clearly stamped markings. Quebec-produced jugs, while also widespread, often show greater French influence in their form and markings, with a more utilitarian appearance. In the Maritimes, smaller-scale potteries operated with more modest decorative styles and forms, often with limited or no maker's marks, making them more challenging to identify without regional familiarity.

A significant concern among collectors is distinguishing authentic Canadian pieces from American imports or modern reproductions. During the 19th century, U.S. stoneware was widely exported to Canada, and many American jugs bear a strong resemblance to their Canadian counterparts. However, subtle differences in clay body, glaze tone, and maker's marks can often reveal their origin. Likewise, reproductions from the 20th century may mimic the style of early jugs but are typically machine-made, overly uniform, or glazed with modern materials. Damage can also offer clues to authenticity: genuine age-related wear often manifests as rounded chips or crazing in the glaze, whereas recent damage appears sharp and clean.

Early Canadian stoneware jugs are tangible artifacts of a formative period in Canadian craft and commerce. Their value lies not only in their historical significance but also in the artistry embedded within utilitarian forms. Through careful attention to clay color, surface texture, cobalt decoration, impressed marks, and regional characteristics, collectors and historians alike can develop a keen eye for authenticity. These jugs tell the stories of settlers and workshops, of local trade and transatlantic influence and through the process of identification, we reconnect with those narratives one artifact at a time.

Cast Iron Artifacts in Early Canada: Historical Significance and Restoration Value

Cast iron played a critical role in Canada’s industrial development during the 19th century, particularly in Ontario, where local foundries produced a range of utilitarian and ornamental goods. From domestic stoves and cookware to industrial machinery and decorative grates, cast iron artifacts not only served functional needs but also reflected technological progress and aesthetic sensibilities of the time. Today, these objects are invaluable to architectural historians and restorationists, offering tangible connections to Canada's industrial and cultural past.

In the 19th century, the proliferation of cast iron manufacturing in Ontario laid the groundwork for Canada’s industrial ascent. Cast iron’s malleability and durability made it the material of choice for a wide array of domestic, commercial, and civic uses. This paper focuses on Ontario’s cast iron production and its enduring legacy, highlighting artifacts of particular relevance to restorationists who seek to preserve or recreate historical environments with fidelity.

Ontario became a hub for ironworking in the mid-1800s, with foundries emerging in both urban and rural areas. The province's abundance of timber and ore, coupled with water-powered industrial infrastructure, facilitated the growth of ironworks such as Findlay Foundry in Carleton Place, the Ontario Malleable Iron Company in Oshawa, and the Guelph Stove Company. These enterprises produced not only the tools and machinery needed for a growing nation, but also the domestic items that defined everyday life in 19th-century Canada.

The Birth of Ironmaking in Upper Canada

Furnace Falls / Lyndhurst (circa 1800–1811)

Around 1800, Wallace Sunderlin established the first blast furnace in Upper Canada at Furnace Falls on the Gananoque River. Using local hematite ore (scaly red iron oxide) sourced just five kilometers north in Bastard Township’s Potsdam sandstone, the furnace produced approximately a ton of cast iron daily and 400 lb of wrought iron . The site included a sawmill, forge with trip hammer, grist mill, and even a hotel and bridge—all powered by water . Unfortunately, a fire in 1811 wiped out the works, and the project was never revived; Furnace Falls later became Lyndhurst .

Marmora Ironworks (Peterborough area, 1822–mid‑19th century)

Inspired by this early effort, the Marmora Ironworks, started in 1822 near Peterborough, became the second major enterprise. Featuring twin charcoal‑fired blast furnaces and forges powered by water, it produced bar iron for both domestic and military use . Despite this promising start, the foundry struggled to compete with later coke‑fired operations and closed by the late 19th century .

Early Blast Furnaces and Mining Challenges

Colborne Iron Works (Essex County, 1831–mid‑1830s)

Eleakim Field and Benjamin Cahoon launched the Colborne Furnace in 1831, smelting 4–5 tons of pig iron daily, using a steam‑powered blower—a rarity at the time—and locally produced charcoal . High production costs, reliance on timber and steam, and competition from U.S. products ultimately hindered profitability .

Normandale (Long Point, 1820s–1840s)

Joseph Van Norman’s Long Point furnace and foundry produced cast iron stoves and household items, focusing on export to Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, and London . Still, ore supply issues and market pressures posed persistent challenges.

The Rise of Foundries in 19th‑Century Ontario

By the mid‑1800s, the province witnessed growth in specialized iron foundries—urban firms focusing on cast‑iron goods rather than smelting from ore. Among them:

**St. Lawrence Foundry, Toronto (founded 1851)**

Under William J. Hamilton, the firm cast industrial hardware, became a railway car wheel supplier, and produced pipes and infrastructure components through the late 19th century .

**Scott Foundry (Caledonia, 1854–1881)**

Known also as the Caledonia Foundry and Iron Works, it manufactured mill gears, farm implements, stoves, and even supplied ironwork for bridges .

**Empire Foundry, Hamilton (1864–c. 1899)**

Founded by Anthony and William Copp, Empire Foundry employed around 60 workers by 1871, producing stoves and agricultural machinery before merging into larger firms .

**Ontario Malleable Iron Company (Oshawa, from 1872)**

Built to serve agricultural machinery manufacturers, this firm expanded rapidly, at times employing over 800 workers and overpowering American imports before a devastating fire in 1894 .

**Cornwall Brass and Iron Foundry (c. 1884–1920s)**

Operated by Denis Mahoney, this small foundry crafted farm implements, threshing machine parts, and offered repair services in Cornwall .

Cast iron stoves and ranges were central to Canadian domestic life. The Findlay Foundry, established in 1862 in Carleton Place, became famous for its ornate and highly efficient parlour stoves. These stoves were known to retain heat overnight, providing continuous warmth in winter months. Their decorative castings and unique designs make them prized restoration pieces today (Ottscot, 2024).

The Moffat Company, founded in Markdale and later based in Weston, produced traditional and eventually electric stoves by the early 20th century. Similarly, the Guelph Stove Company, operational from 1897 and later acquired by Eaton's, manufactured a range of "Idea" stoves and household heaters that remain collectible among restorationists (Olivetreegenealogy, 2011).

Canadian foundries such as James Smart Manufacturing, McClary’s, GSW, and Javelin produced cast iron skillets, griddles, and pots comparable in quality to their American counterparts. Smart’s “Diamond G” heat-ring skillets are especially sought after today for their craftsmanship and performance (CastIronCollector, 2023). While many Canadian skillets remain unidentified in private collections, they provide restorationists with historically accurate kitchenware options.

Floor and wall grates crafted by companies such as James Smart Ltd. of Brockville are essential components of Victorian-era buildings. These adjustable cast-iron grates, often with ornate patterns, allowed regulation of warm air and are key features in the architectural restoration of period homes (Letoolman, 2023).

Canadian foundries also produced fireplace surrounds, andiron sets, bookends, doorstops, and water pumps. These decorative yet functional pieces—sometimes cast from custom molds—demonstrate the aesthetic sensibilities of 19th-century Canadian design. While often overlooked, such items are crucial to creating an immersive historical restoration.

Larger foundries such as Goldie & McCulloch of Galt and the Ontario Malleable Iron Company in Oshawa specialized in heavy castings for steam engines, agricultural implements, and industrial infrastructure. Restorationists involved in museum displays or industrial heritage sites often seek original machine parts, gears, and housings to preserve or reconstruct period-accurate machinery.

Preservation and Restoration Practices

Preserving cast iron requires specialized knowledge to avoid damaging the artifact. Preferred methods include:

• Electrolysis cleaning for cookware and small items to remove rust without harming surfaces.

• Thermal cycling for stabilizing warped cookware.

• Protective coatings like beeswax or linseed oil for non-cooking pieces.

• Replication of broken components using historical molds or modern 3D casting based on originals.

Historical salvage yards in Ontario, such as Salvage Garden, frequently provide authentic cast iron pieces, while platforms like Kijiji and Etsy remain viable sources for Canadian-made wares.

Restorationists like our team here at Find It All Antiques focus on preserving the visual and functional integrity of these cast iron artifacts not just for function but to showcase the unique designs and constriction and to outline the historic importance of early Canadian cast iron artifacts.

The cast iron products of early Canadian foundries are more than antiquarian curiosities—they are essential components of Canada’s industrial and cultural legacy. Ontario’s foundries, in particular, crafted goods that merged utility with artistic flair, shaping domestic, industrial, and civic life. For restorationists, these castings offer a means of preserving heritage with integrity, ensuring that the legacy of early Canadian craftsmanship endures for generations to come.

Recent trends are showing an increasing interest in both collecting and using antique cast iron pieces.

The story of cast-iron in early Ontario is a testament to colonial ambition—transforming raw ore into essential infrastructure and goods amid adversity. Though many early enterprises faltered, they laid the groundwork for the province’s industrial rise. From the spark at Furnace Falls to the roaring furnaces of Hamilton, Ontario’s iron story is one of innovation forging a nation.

Woodworking Across Early North America: European Influences, Cultural Styles, and Furniture Makers That Shaped a Continent

Wood design in early North America is more than just a story of utility—it’s a visual language of heritage, migration, and adaptation. As settlers from across Europe arrived and began carving out a new life on unfamiliar soil, they brought with them centuries of woodworking tradition. These traditions evolved with the land, available materials, and cultural intermixing to create a rich tapestry of regional styles that are now sought after by collectors, historians, and restoration experts alike.

This essay explores the diverse wood design cultures introduced to early North America from Europe, highlighting both common and rare stylistic elements, as well as the notable artisans, builders, and manufacturers that helped define the craft, particularly in Canada and the broader continent.

European Roots: The Cultural DNA of North American Woodworking

Early North American wood design was heavily influenced by European craftsmanship, particularly from Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Each group brought a unique aesthetic sensibility rooted in their homeland, which intermingled over time to create distinctive regional hybrids.

British and Colonial American Styles

English settlers brought with them a range of classical influences, including Jacobean and later Georgian styles. Early American furniture, particularly in New England, reflected the sturdy, no-frills look of English country craftsmanship. Oak and pine were commonly used, with mortise-and-tenon joinery being the standard technique. Simplicity and durability were the hallmarks, though more ornate designs like the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles began to take hold by the mid-18th century in wealthier colonies.

French-Canadian Influence

In Quebec and other parts of New France, woodworking drew heavily from French Provincial designs—practical yet artistic. These pieces often featured hand-carved flourishes, cabriole legs, and scalloped aprons, made from local woods like maple, birch, and pine. Armoires, sideboards (buffets), and “habitant chairs” became staples of French-Canadian households. These designs tended to remain more rustic and folkloric even as other regions moved toward industrial production.

German and Pennsylvania Dutch

German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania and upstate New York brought their own distinctive styles—colorful painted furniture, often featuring floral motifs, hearts, and birds. Known for their craftsmanship and ornamentation, Pennsylvania Dutch furniture is instantly recognizable. Chests, cupboards, and benches were functional, but often doubled as canvases for folk art.

Dutch and Scandinavian Settlers

The Dutch in the Hudson Valley and Scandinavian groups in the Midwest contributed less common but still important stylistic cues. Dutch colonial furniture often emphasized low profiles, broad arms, and ball feet, while Scandinavian woodworking leaned minimalist with clean lines, echoing early Gustavian influences. These rarer styles are now prized for their uniqueness and scarcity.

Common vs Rare Design Styles in Early North American Woodworking

Common Styles:

Shaker: The Shakers, a religious group known for their asceticism, created furniture with clean lines, functional form, and superb joinery. Their ladder-back chairs, peg rails, and trestle tables were widely influential.

Windsor Chairs: Originating in England, these spindle-backed chairs became wildly popular in the colonies due to their lightweight, ergonomic design.

Chippendale and Queen Anne: With their cabriole legs, claw-and-ball feet, and rich veneers, these styles were adopted by more affluent North American craftsmen.

Rare/Regional Styles:

Acadian or Cape Breton Folk Furniture: Rustic, functional, and often made with hand tools, these pieces sometimes featured painted details and regional carving patterns.

Huron and Indigenous Hybrid Pieces: Occasionally, colonial and Indigenous styles merged, particularly in areas where trade and cooperation were frequent. These pieces are rare but show unique blending of European forms with Indigenous materials or motifs.

Notable Figures and Furniture Makers in Early Canada and North America

Thomas Nisbet (Saint John, New Brunswick): A Scottish immigrant, Nisbet became one of Canada’s most respected early 19th-century cabinetmakers. His work reflected both Scottish traditions and emerging North American tastes.

The Zuber Family (Québec): Known for their elaborately carved church furnishings and domestic furniture in the 18th and 19th centuries, often with Catholic iconography and strong French influence.

William Drum (Niagara region): A prolific Ontario-based cabinetmaker known for Empire and Victorian styles. His pieces are now valuable examples of early Canadian decorative art.

Duncan Phyfe (New York): Originally from Scotland, Phyfe became one of early America's most celebrated furniture designers. His neoclassical designs, influenced by Regency and Federal styles, became staples among upper-class households.

John Goddard and the Townsend Family (Rhode Island): Famous for their block-front chests and Newport shell carvings, this family helped define early American Rococo.

Ezekiel Belknap (Connecticut): While less widely known, Belknap was a standout rural craftsman whose painted furniture now resides in major collections.

Early Manufacturers and the Shift to Industry

As the 19th century progressed, demand for furniture grew beyond what individual artisans could produce. This led to the rise of manufacturing houses, many of which maintained high standards of craftsmanship while producing at scale.

In Canada:

The Gibbard Furniture Company (Napanee, Ontario): Founded in 1835, Gibbard became one of the longest continuously operating furniture manufacturers in Canada. Known for high-quality mahogany and walnut pieces, it blended classic English and Canadian tastes.

S. J. Ritchie & Co. (Toronto): Active in the late 19th century, they helped commercialize Victorian styles in Canadian homes.

In the U.S.A

Hitchcock Chair Company (Connecticut): Famous for mass-produced but well-made stenciled chairs, this company became a household name in the early 1800s.

Heywood-Wakefield Company (Massachusetts): Originally specializing in wicker and rattan, they later innovated with Art Deco and Mid-century styles.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

The cultural melting pot that formed early North America also birthed a woodworking legacy of unparalleled diversity. Whether it’s the humble craftsmanship of a French-Canadian pine armoire, the elegance of a Chippendale desk, or the rustic charm of a Pennsylvania Dutch painted chest, each style tells a story—not just of where it came from, but of the people who made, used, and cherished it.

Today, restoring and collecting these pieces—especially in places like Canada where the heritage is often under-documented—is more than a hobby. It’s a way of preserving cultural DNA carved in wood. And for businesses like Find It All Antiques, these pieces are not just historical objects—they're bridges between past and present, carrying the fingerprint of early artisans into modern homes.

Want to explore and preserve these legacies? Keep an eye on estate auctions, barn finds, and restoration shops near you—you never know when a hidden masterpiece might be found!

Monthly Newsletter July 2025

Welcome to Find It All Antiques – Our First Monthly Newsletter!

July Edition | Canadian-Owned Antique Restoration & Vintage Treasures

Hello collectors, restorers, vintage lovers, and curious wanderers —

We’re beyond excited to kick off the very first monthly update from Find It All Antiques, your new go-to destination for antique restoration, rare finds, and timeless craftsmanship — all proudly Canadian owned and operated.

Whether you’re here in Ontario or part of the wider vintage and heritage community, we’re here to serve you with expert knowledge, careful craftsmanship, and a shared passion for preserving the past.

🔧 Who We Are

At Find It All Antiques, our restoration professionals are experts in their craft, with years of hands-on experience breathing life back into antique furniture, heirlooms, and collectibles.

From refinishing wood and restoring delicate and complicated antiques, to carefully repairing delicate details and patinas, we treat each project like the historic artifact it is — preserving its story while restoring its strength and beauty.

We work with:

Private collectors

Vintage lovers and decorators

Film and television prop departments

Families with cherished heirlooms

Anyone with an old piece worth saving

---

🗓️ What’s Coming Soon?

This is just the beginning. We're building something special — not just a store, but a community hub for vintage enthusiasts across Ontario and beyond. Here’s what’s in the works:

🎨 Hands-On Workshops

This fall, we’ll begin hosting restoration workshops for beginners and DIYers who want to learn how to care for and refinish their own antiques. Whether you're new to restoration or just want to level up your skills, we’ll have something for you.

🏷️ Antique Sales Events

We’re hitting the road with local sales events and pop-up markets across Ontario. You’ll be able to see our work, meet the team, and find one-of-a-kind items in person.

💌 Website Member Perks

Subscribers to our website will soon enjoy access to:

Exclusive content and restoration tips

Behind-the-scenes projects and stories

Member-only promotions and discounts

Early access to featured items before they go public

You can sign up right now to start receiving perks and updates directly to your inbox.

---

🎉 Grand Opening Bonus – 15% Off

To celebrate the launch of our online store and restoration service, all new subscribers in July will receive a 15% discount code for their first purchase or service order.

It’s our way of saying:

Thank you for supporting local business, Canadian craftsmanship, and the art of restoration.

---

📣 Join the Community

Antiques are more than objects — they’re stories, legacies, and pieces of living history. We’re honoured to be part of the journey to protect, restore, and pass them on.

Welcome to Find It All Antiques. Let’s bring the past back to life — together.

– The Find It All Antiques Team

📍 Serving Kingston, Ontario and beyond

🌐 www.finditallantiques.ca

📧 info@finditallantiques.ca

📸 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates & inspiration!

Picking Our Past in the Future – The Evolving Nature of Modern Antique Finding and Appraisal

At Find It All Antiques, we live and breathe history — not just the big sweeping events in textbooks, but the quiet artifacts of everyday life that have survived decades, sometimes centuries, and still have stories left to tell. Whether it’s a century-old wooden trunk, a mid-century modern lamp, or a hand-painted porcelain teacup, antiques are time capsules. They connect us to where we’ve been, and thanks to a growing public interest, they’re increasingly shaping where we’re going.

Antique collecting has long been a passion for historians, curators, and curious minds. But today, it’s evolving into something more dynamic — and surprisingly modern. From dusty attics to primetime television, the world of antique picking and appraisal is more competitive, more visible, and more appreciated than ever.

---

From Cabinets of Curiosity to Curated Collections

The roots of antique collecting go deep. As far back as the Renaissance, European aristocrats amassed “cabinets of curiosities” filled with ancient coins, religious relics, and archaeological artifacts. By the 18th and 19th centuries, industrial wealth and imperial expansion fueled the growth of personal and institutional collections, many of which became the foundations for major museums we know today.

But it wasn’t until the 20th century that antique collecting truly became democratized. Estate sales, flea markets, and eventually antique shops brought pieces of the past into the hands of everyday people. What was once seen as the domain of the elite became an accessible and passionate hobby for anyone with an eye for beauty and a love for history.

---

Television, Tech & the Rise of the Modern Picker

Fast forward to today, and the rise of shows like Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers, and Canadian Pickers has reshaped the public’s relationship with antiques. These programs don’t just entertain — they educate. They highlight the craftsmanship behind forgotten items, the cultural significance of old signage or tools, and the real stories behind people’s heirlooms.

They also turn the spotlight on the thrill of the hunt. Competitive antique picking has become a lifestyle. Treasure seekers crisscross rural towns and urban alleys alike, looking for hidden gems that can be restored, appraised, and passed on to new generations.

This media exposure has broadened the community of collectors — and raised the bar. More people are learning to identify valuable makers, date items by patina and material, and understand how provenance affects value. In turn, this has created more informed buyers and a healthier, more transparent market overall.

---

Digital Age Meets Dusty History

As we look to the future, technology is transforming how antiques are found, evaluated, and shared. Online marketplaces have opened the doors to international buyers. Image recognition tools and AI-powered databases are beginning to assist in identifying rare marks or verifying authenticity. Social media is turning niche collectors into influencers, educating thousands with a single post.

At Find It All Antiques, we see this as a win for everyone. The more accessible the world of antiques becomes, the more appreciation there is for the craftsmanship, context, and continuity of these items. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone picking up your first piece, you're participating in a living history.

---

Preserving the Past, Fueling the Future

As competitive picking and televised appraisals gain steam, they do more than just inflate prices. They spotlight underappreciated eras, styles, and creators. They revive interest in forgotten trades and techniques. They introduce younger generations to the value of objects that were built to last — and to be passed down.

The future of antique collecting will likely be faster, more connected, and more competitive. But at its heart, it will remain rooted in the same simple idea: finding meaning in the materials of our past.

Whether you're browsing a dusty barn in rural Ontario or scrolling through our latest inventory online, remember — you’re not just buying an object. You're picking a piece of history, preserving a fragment of a story that still deserves to be told.

The Ultimate DIY Wood Restoration Wax Polish Paste that You can make at home!

If there’s one thing the team at Find It All Antiques knows better than anyone, it’s how to care for vintage wood. With decades of combined experience working with timeworn treasures, hand-carved heirlooms, and charmingly aged furniture, the team has developed a deep understanding of what antique wood needs to look its best. And this summer, they turned that passion into a mission: to create the ultimate DIY wood restoration wax polish paste.

The Summer of Wax Experiments

The project began like all good ones do – with curiosity, dedication, and a whole lot of trial and error. Over the course of the summer, the Find It All Antiques team tested nearly every traditional and modern homemade polish recipe they could get their hands on. From old-world formulas used in 19th-century workshops to viral Pinterest DIYs, nothing was off-limits.

They tested consistency, scent, ease of use, finish quality, absorbency, and – most importantly – the way the paste nourished and preserved the wood. Time after time, they refined their mixtures, kept notes, and let the pieces rest to see how the wax aged over time. What emerged from those weeks of meticulous testing is a truly artisan formula that is natural, effective, and easy to make at home.

Why Natural Is Better

The team strongly believes that the best care for wood comes from natural, gentle ingredients that don’t compromise the integrity of the piece. Harsh chemical polishes may give a temporary shine, but they can dry out or damage older finishes over time. That’s why this recipe uses a blend of natural oils, waxes, and butters – each selected for a specific benefit.

And now, they’re sharing their ultimate recipe with you!

🪵 Find It All Antiques’ Ultimate DIY Wood Restoration Wax Polish Paste

Ingredients:

Pure Beeswax – 4 tbsp

The heart of the polish. Beeswax protects and seals while giving a natural satin finish.

Candelilla Wax – 2 tbsp

A plant-based wax that adds firmness and shine without stickiness.

Carnauba Wax – 1.5 tbsp

The "queen of waxes" adds durability and a harder finish to protect against wear.

Shea Butter – 1 tbsp

Deeply nourishing and softening; helps condition dry wood.

Hemp Oil – 4 tbsp

A drying oil that penetrates well and restores wood’s luster.

Boiled Linseed Oil – 2 tbsp

Traditional and reliable; helps bring out wood grain and creates a protective layer.

Tung Oil – 2 tbsp

Excellent for water resistance and long-term wood health.

Fractionated Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp

Adds smoothness and spreadability while preventing stickiness.

Mineral Oil – 1 tbsp

Food-safe and non-drying, great for maintaining moisture balance in antique woods.

Vitamin E Oil – 12 drops

Acts as a natural preservative and helps extend shelf life.

Lemon Oil – 17 drops

Freshens the scent and gently cleans the surface.

Lavender Oil – 7 drops

Adds a calming aroma and mild antimicrobial benefits.

• 🔧 How to Make It

1. Melt the Waxes and Butters

In a double boiler, combine the beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and shea butter. Gently heat until everything is fully melted, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the Oils

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the hemp oil, linseed oil, tung oil, coconut oil, and mineral oil.

3. Cool Slightly, Then Add Vitamin E and Essential Oils

Let the mixture cool for about 2–3 minutes, then stir in the Vitamin E, lemon oil, and lavender oil.

4. Pour and Set

Pour the mixture into a glass jar or metal tin. Let it sit at room temperature until fully solidified – usually a few hours.

🪑 How to Use It

Apply a small amount to a soft microfiber cloth or foam pad.

Rub into the wood in circular motions, focusing on dry or dull areas.

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then buff with a clean cloth.

Repeat monthly or as needed

What sets this formula apart isn’t just the ingredients – it’s the experience behind it. Every element was chosen with purpose by seasoned antique restorers who understand wood’s history and heart. This isn’t just a polish – it’s a preservation paste, a love letter to the craftsmanship of the past.

Whether you’re restoring a beloved sideboard, reviving an old rocking chair, or simply maintaining the rich glow of your vintage coffee table, this wax paste is the perfect companion.

From the team at Find It All Antiques: Happy Restoring!

🧴✨ Your furniture deserves to be loved – and now, it will be.