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.
