Wax in the crannies question

[Michael Barry]

I turned a Myrtle Burl bowl for my neighbor. After buffing it out with the Beall system the little burly type imperfections have wax stuck in them. I tried using a toothbrush to try to clean it out but to no avail. the wax really detracts from the look of the bowl, IMHO. Any ideas on how to get it out?

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

I turned a Myrtle Burl bowl for my neighbor. After buffing it out with the Beall system the little burly type imperfections have wax stuck in them. I tried using a toothbrush to try to clean it out but to no avail. the wax really detracts from the look of the bowl, IMHO. Any ideas on how to get it out?


I don't know for sure, but can you heat the bowl a little and melt the wax without hurting the finish? :confused:

Bruce ;)

[Michael Barry]

I don't know Bruce. Maybe I'll microwave it or leave it out in the sun tomorrow

[Michael Barry]

Microwave didn't work.

[Joe Melton]

You might try a rag soaked in paint thinner.
Joe

[Michael Barry]

Paint thinner didn't work either.

[Jim Ketron]

Did you use the white diamond on it? or just the carnauba wax?
I know they say not to use white diamond on dark woods. that stuff is tuff to get out! also you might be using to much wax on your wheel it only takes a sec to load the buffing wheel.
Jim

[Michael Barry]

Yeah Jim, I used the diamond paste. Should I start over but skip the diamond paste?

[Jim Ketron]

I dont think that would help to do over the buffing!
you might try to wet sand by hand starting with 400 grit and work your way up to the highest grit you use I have never tryed it but it might just work!
Then buff with the Tripoli and the Carnauba wax
That old White Diamond is bad news on dark wood and darker parts like inclusions.
Maybe some one else will chime in with something that they have used!
BTW Thats a nice bowl!!!!!!!
Jim

[John Shuk]

I know it's a little late but I have heard that if you have imperfections wax isn't a good idea. I would get a dental pick and work on it manually. Time consuming yes but you should be able to do well. it is a nice bowl and worth the effort. Sometimes there is just no quick fix. I think you did a great job on the bowl. The form is really attractive and appropriate to the piece. Good luck.
john

[Michael Barry]

Thanks John, I' ll try that. Maybe I can do some cleaning on myself while I'm at it. This is only the second time I've used my new Beall system so its still a learning experience. Let's review....No white diamond on dark woods....avoid waxing over imperfections and inclusions...Any thing else I should know?

[Fred LeBail]

Have you tried blowing out the areas with compressed air ?
Fred

[Jerry Clark]

I would try a stronger thinner like laquer or acetone with a tooth brush. I really like the form and color of the bowl. We all learn from the mistakes- even if it is not ours!

[Michael Barry]

Compressed air didn't work. I'll try acetone next. Thanks for the compliments on the bowl, it really is a nice piece of wood.

[Michael Barry]

Buffed the bowl with the tripoli then scrubbed it with a toothbrush dipped in acetone. This seems to have cleaned off most of the debris. I put on another coat of Waterlox. We'll see how it looks tomorrow.