What Does Beeswax Do To Wood?

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees to construct the walls of their honeycomb nest. It consists primarily of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. Some of the key properties of beeswax that make it useful for wood finishing are its water-repellency, emollient properties, malleability when heated, hardness when cool, and pleasant honey-like aroma.

Beeswax has been used to treat and finish wood for centuries. Historical records show that by the 14th century, beeswax was already being used in France to finish inlaid wood and parquetry floors. The earliest known use of beeswax as a wood finish dates back to ancient Egypt over 2000 years ago. Beeswax wood finishes gained significant popularity in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries before other alternatives like shellac and varnish became available. It has remained in use into modern times due to its renewable nature, ease of application, protective qualities, and warm luster.

Composition of Beeswax

Beeswax is made up of a complex mixture of over 300 chemical compounds. The main components are esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids, which each make up significant portions of beeswax.

Esters comprise about 70-80% of beeswax. They give beeswax its hardness and ability to withstand high temperatures. Hydrocarbons make up around 10-15% of beeswax. They provide elasticity and malleability. Free fatty acids account for less than 10% of beeswax. They provide pliability and ability to soften with heat.

This unique chemical composition is what enables beeswax to remain solid at room temperature, while being pliable enough to mold when warmed. It can also withstand high heat without burning or changing chemical composition. The blend of components gives beeswax versatility for many applications.

Beeswax as a Wood Finish

Unlike many other wood finishes that just coat the surface, beeswax is able to penetrate deep into the wood pores to protect and nourish the material. According to Claphams, beeswax furniture polish can “penetrate the oak to nourish the wood and create a protective layer that can help prevent the wood from cracking.” The wax soaks into the grain, filling pores and binding to the wood on a molecular level.

This penetration provides long-lasting preservation for wood pieces. As Pickers Ridge notes, beeswax has “fantastic penetrating properties allowing the wax to soak into the timber.” Once absorbed, the wax helps seal out moisture and prevents drying or splits.

Unlike many finish options that leave a plastic-like coating, beeswax enhances the natural look and feel of wood. As described by Touch of Beeswax, their product “leaves a soft, natural, matte finish that will not crack, peel or flake.” Beeswax highlights the inherent beauty of the wood grain while allowing it to breathe.

Water Resistance

One of the key benefits of using beeswax on wood is that it provides water resistance. Beeswax is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. When applied to wood, the beeswax forms a protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating the wood surface (1). This water resistance serves multiple purposes.

First, it prevents the wood from swelling and cracking when exposed to moisture. Unfinished wood will quickly swell, warp and split when it gets wet. The beeswax barrier protects the wood from moisture absorption and maintains the wood’s stability (1).

Second, beeswax’s water resistance gives wood surfaces protection against water damage and stains. Spilled liquids are less likely to be absorbed by the wood, allowing them to be wiped away before causing any damage. The beeswax helps repel water to keep the wood looking its best.

Overall, beeswax’s hydrophobic properties are hugely beneficial for wood finishes by locking out moisture and preventing the deterioration that can occur over time with untreated wood (2). The beeswax provides a durable, water-resistant shield.

(1) https://www.quora.com/Does-beeswax-make-wood-waterproof

(2) https://takethewood.com/is-beeswax-a-good-wood-sealer/

Antibacterial Properties

Beeswax has natural antibacterial effects that help protect wood finishes from microbial growth. According to research, beeswax contains esters such as myricyl palmitate that exhibit antimicrobial activity against common bacteria and fungi (Fratini, 2016). When used as a wood finish, the beeswax forms a protective coating that prevents mold, mildew, and bacterial growth on the wood surface.

Multiple studies have confirmed the antimicrobial effects of beeswax, showing inhibition of bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli (Szulc, 2020). Beeswax also demonstrates antifungal properties, preventing the growth of Candida albicans and other fungal species (Fratini, 2016). By limiting microbial growth, beeswax helps preserve wood finishes and prevent deterioration of the wood itself.

When applied to wood, beeswax penetrates the porous structure of the material. The wax acts as a barrier that prevents moisture and water from seeping in, creating conditions that discourage the development of mold and mildew (Fratini, 2016). This helps maintain the integrity of the wood surface and prevents staining or discoloration due to fungal growth.

Overall, the natural antibacterial and antifungal properties of beeswax make it an effective protective finish for wood. Beeswax limits microbial growth while also sealing and preserving the wood structure itself.

Sources:

Fratini, F., Cilia, G., Turchi, B., & Felicioli, A. (2016). Beeswax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(9), 839–843. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764516301407

Szulc, J., Socha, M. M., Gałkowska, D., Borowski, P., & Fortuniak, W. (2020). Beeswax-Modified Textiles: Method of Preparation and Antibacterial Activity. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(5), 1123. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077388/

Durability

One of the greatest benefits of using beeswax as a finish for wood is its extreme durability. Beeswax forms a protective coating on the surface of the wood that resists wear and damage over time. Unlike many other natural finishes like oils or waxes, a beeswax finish does not easily scratch, fade, or deteriorate with normal use.

The durability comes from the properties of pure beeswax itself. Beeswax is a tough material composed of a mixture of organic compounds and esters. This makes it highly resistant to moisture, acids, and corrosive substances that can degrade other finishes. The longevity of beeswax’s protective abilities means that wood surfaces finished with it will maintain their beauty for many years with proper care.

According to testing by woodworkers and industry experts, beeswax outperformed most other finishes like tung oil or mineral oil in scratch resistance tests. It can stand up to the daily wear and tear of furniture use without showing signs of abrasion. The durability and longevity make beeswax an excellent choice for finishing and protecting valued antique or heirloom wood pieces.

Overall, beeswax offers a natural and environmentally-friendly finishing option for wood that also provides superior protection and durability compared to many other options on the market today (https://claphams.com/blogposts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-beeswax-furniture-polish/). The hardness and longevity of a beeswax wood finish means the true beauty of the wood can be preserved for many years to come.

Ease of Application

Warmed beeswax is easy to apply by rubbing into wood. It can be warmed either by placing the tin of beeswax in hot water, or melting a small amount and applying with a brush or cloth. Thin layers are recommended over applying all at once. Multiple thin layers allow the wood to slowly absorb the wax, resulting in a deeper, richer finish. Trying to apply too thick of a layer at once can lead to an uneven, sticky finish. Going slowly with several thin layers instead takes a bit more time, but allows the beeswax to fully melt into the wood for protection and enhancement.

Enhancing the Wood Grain

Beeswax is known for its ability to enhance the natural patterns and colors in wood. When applied to bare wood, beeswax penetrates the pores and accentuates the unique grain. It highlights naturally occurring variations in texture and color, adding depth and visual interest. Beeswax brings out warm honey tones in light woods like pine or maple and intensifies the rich reddish-browns of mahogany and walnut. According to furniture experts, “Beeswax nourishes wood and makes the grain ‘pop'” (Furniture Clinic).

In addition to enhancing the wood grain, beeswax leaves behind a soft, lustrous glow. The natural wax adds a subtle sheen, without an artificial plastic-like finish. Beeswax allows the true beauty of the wood to shine through. As one reviewer stated, beeswax polish “made the wood literally glow without looking ‘varnished'” (Amazon). The result is a rich, warm, satiny luster that brings out the best in natural wood surfaces.

Maintenance

While beeswax provides good durability as a wood finish, it does require some occasional maintenance over time. The beeswax finish will need to be reapplied every couple of years or as it starts to wear away with regular use and cleaning. Reapplication is quite simple – just rub a small amount of pure beeswax into the wood using a clean cloth. The beeswax will help refresh the finish and protect the wood again.

One of the benefits of a beeswax finish is how easily it can be repaired and refreshed, unlike some other wood finishes like polyurethane that require sanding or stripping for touch-ups. If the beeswax wood finish gets damaged or worn in spots, you can simply rub a bit of beeswax into those areas to repair it. The new wax will blend right in with the existing finish.

Overall, a beeswax wood finish requires minimal maintenance to keep your wood looking great for years. With occasional reapplication and simple spot repairs, beeswax is an easy, repairable finish.

Environmental Benefits

Beeswax is a natural product made by honey bees to build the honeycomb structures in their hive. Unlike many synthetic finishes, beeswax requires minimal processing and does not use harsh chemicals in its production. According to research from Touchoforanges, “using beeswax helps reduce pollution to our waterways and the air and it minimizes your impact on ozone depletion and global climate change with fewer smog-forming emissions.”

Beeswax itself is non-toxic and biodegradable. The Ecospaints guide to eco-friendly finishes notes that many traditional finishes contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can degrade air quality and contribute to environmental issues like smog. In contrast, beeswax does not release VOCs and will safely break down in the environment after disposal.

The beeswax production process is also considered eco-friendly. As explained by ESBFlooring, “Using a beeswax finish or timber wax is a more natural way of finishing a floor. Other finishes contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.” Beeswax represents a renewable and sustainable finishing product for wood surfaces.