charlesj46•2mo agoProlific Poster

Serious question, I always thought a hand rubbed finish was the only way to go for a table top

I was finishing a walnut dining table for a client in Austin and had to pick between a hard wax oil or a traditional varnish. I went with the wax oil because the client wanted a natural feel, and honestly, I was worried it wouldn't hold up. After three months, they sent me a picture and it still looks perfect, even with their two kids using it every day. Has anyone else had a good run with wax oils on high use pieces?

3 comments

3 Comments

parker_bell2mo ago

Wait, you did that for a client? I'd be way too scared to try something new on a paid job.

olivia_chen352mo ago

Honestly it depends on the client relationship. I pitched the new technique to my regular client, Sarah, first. We had built up enough trust over three projects that she was cool with me experimenting. If it was a brand new client, I'd probably stick to the safe, proven stuff. That trust has to be earned before you can get creative on their dime.

amymartinez1mo ago

My buddy had the same worry on a big kitchen island job last year. He used a hard wax oil after the client pushed back against poly. That thing gets used as a homework station, breakfast bar, you name it. He checked in after six months and it had held up way better than he thought, just a few light scratches that buffed right out. Totally changed his mind about wax oils for heavy use.