How much wax do I need?

At roughly 35g per m² per coat, a standard 400g tin covers about 11 m² per coat (400 ÷ 35). Apply thin coats — thick wax stays soft and attracts dust. Two thin coats buffed well give a better result than one thick coat. Dense paste waxes applied heavily (Liberon Black Bison, Briwax) can use 70-90 g/m² before buffing, so raise the Spread Rate for thick application.

Can I wax over varnish?

Yes. Wax over varnish adds a soft sheen and extra protection. Apply a thin coat, let it dry 15-20 minutes, then buff vigorously with a soft cloth. Do not wax over water-based finishes intended for floors as it makes them slippery.

How long does furniture wax last?

A wax finish on furniture typically lasts 3-6 months before needing a refresh. High-use surfaces like tabletops may need waxing monthly. A quick buff between applications maintains the sheen.

WoodCalcs

Wax Coverage Calculator — Furniture Wax Quantities

Calculate wax quantities for furniture and wood surface finishing.

Surface Area

Total wood surface area to wax (e.g. tabletop length × width)

Number of Coats

Price per Tin (optional)

Price of one tin (matching the Tin Size below) for cost estimate

How We Calculate This

Wax (grams) = Surface area × Coats × 35g per m² × (1 + waste)

Based on average coverage of ~35g per m² per coat. A standard 400g tin covers roughly 11 m² per coat (400 ÷ 35). A 10% waste allowance is added for buffing and touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.