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Wood wax vs. oil finish for hardwood upkeep

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pat_williams
6 posts

WAX FINISH STILL WINS FOR ME

- I get what you mean about that buttery look - wax does give old floors a depth oil alone just can't.
- In my experience, wax is more forgiving on the dings and scratches too. You can buff out small marks without redoing a whole section.
- Downside: if you've got pets or heavy foot traffic, wax needs more frequent touch-ups. I've spent a few weekends crawling around with a buffer...
- For historic floors, I lean wax for authenticity, but I do a thin oil base first. Seems to help with durability and keeps the wood from drying out.
- Cleaning's easier, but you do have to watch out for buildup over time. I use a mild soap and avoid water as much as possible.

Not everyone has the patience, but for me, it's worth it for that classic look.


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