How to Apply Wood Wizard®
Wood Wizard® may be applied directly from the jar with a clean terry cloth rag. The Wood Wizard jar may also be placed in the sun to soften/melt the formula, then it may be applied with a brush or rag. Apply sparingly, making sure to penetrate all surfaces and joints. There is no need to avoid metal surfaces as Wood Wizard is safe for metal and will not change metal patina, and Wood Wizard imparts a water protective barrier.
For best results apply to clean, dry wood. Not suitable for outside wood surfaces exposed to sun. Great for exterior wood surfaces in shade (as under patio covers). May be applied to unfinished wood (may darken some unfinished woods) or after staining in place of polyurethane or lacquer on furniture and wood to be used indoors. Remove all surface dirt and dust before application. All repairs should be completed before applying Wood Wizard as natural oils may impede glue adhesion. For newly stained wood, wait 5 to 7 days for the stain to cure before applying Wood Wizard.
Step 1: Make sure the surface you plan on waxing is clean. The best way to do that is to use a damp cloth to wipe it, removing any dirt or dust.
Step 2. Using the right tools to apply. Application with terrycloth is generally best but any cotton cloth such as old dishtowels, diapers or T-shirts will work. Cloth is perfect for primarily flat surfaces. For rough and contoured surfaces common on antique furniture, cloth will work but application with a brush can be helpful. For finely detailed wood and metal work, application with a toothbrush is very effective. Here, Wood Wizard may be liquefied before application as directed below.
Step 3. Apply an even amount of Wood Wizard on your surface and rub in either circular motions first or straight motions. Try to perform finishing motions. Aim for even amounts in layers across the piece. However, mistakes in amount or direction of rubbing can be easily corrected.
Step 4. Let Wood Wizard penetrate for a minimum of 10 – 60 minutes. Wipe excess off of all surfaces with a clean rag. Apply a second and even a third coat as needed.
Step 5: Go over all surfaces a final time with a clean rag using a buffing motion to bring out the natural sheen.
Step 6: Continue rubbing with cloth or brush to the desired sheen. Note that after application, simply rubbing the surface again at a later time without adding more Wood Wizard will bring the shine back.
Applying by Brush
As mentioned on Preparing for Wood Wizard Application, Wood Wizard may be melted to apply with a brush. Important: NEVER heat Wood Wizard in the microwave. Heat water instead, then set the Wood Wizard jar in the hot water. Wood Wizard can also be heated naturally by leaving it in sunlight, weather permitting.
Applying Wood Wizard with a brush:
- Is best for uneven surfaces like the trim of antique furniture or other intricate, non‑flat surfaces.
- Is recommended on any surface where applying an even coat would be difficult or impossible using a cloth.
- Can increase penetration by brushing across the grain.
Note that applying with a brush may also require buffing with a buffing brush especially on non‑flat or intricate surfaces.
Different Application Method: Wrapping Wood Wizard in a Cloth
Another application method is to apply Wood Wizard by wrapping a small but graspable amount in the middle of a soft cloth. After wrapping the cloth around the Wood Wizard, let it seep through the cloth as you rub it over the finish allowing Wood Wizard to seep through the cloth and onto the surface being shined. You can rub in any direction because you’re going to be wiping off the excess. Applying Wood Wizard this way controls the amount you deposit on the surface. The less Wood Wizard you deposit, the less you’ll have to remove, and it will be difficult to apply unevenly. If the Wood Wizard is cold and hard, knead it in your hand until it warms and softens.
To Smooth and Dull at the Same Time
To smooth and dull the finish at the same time, apply Wood Wizard with steel wool. Take care to rub the Wood Wizard with the wood grain so scratches will be less noticeable and the result uniform.
For Surfaces with Old Hardened Finishes
If you need to remove Wood Wizard to strip or start over, you can wash off all or most of it with a naphtha- or mineral spirits-dampened cloth.