How to Use Paste Wax As a Furniture Polish

Wipe the furniture piece with a soft cloth to remove any dust. If the furniture is soiled, clean the piece with a mild oil soap appropriate for furniture, then dry the piece thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

Select paste wax tinted to the same color or slightly darker than your piece of furniture. Avoid clear wax, especially if your furniture is dark, as clear wax will show in carved areas, indentations or cracks.

Apply the paste wax to the furniture, using a clean, lint-free cotton cloth. Apply the wax in long, even strokes, rubbing in the same direction as the wood grain. On large surfaces such as a dresser or table top, rub from one end of the piece to the other to prevent stop and go marks, which will require extensive buffing.

Coat the entire piece of furniture with a thin coating of paste wax, then allow the wax to dry according to the instructions included with the product. Wipe any drips immediately. Remove the excess wax with a clean cloth.

Buff the furniture with a clean, lint-free cloth. Wipe the furniture in long, even strokes, rubbing with the grain of the wood. Alternatively, wipe the furniture with #0000 steel wool, then buff the furniture to the desired sheen, using a lint-free cloth.