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Clapham’s Beeswax Furniture Polish: What is the polish used for? Interior woodwork such as furniture, architectural woodwork, and wooden objects. It is widely used in the Film Industry. Does this product meet Conservator standards? Yes. It can be applied, (and is routinely) to museum quality furniture and paneling. How do I apply the Beeswax Polish? Apply it very thinly. A little goes a long way. If you can see any whiteness on the surface, you have applied too much. You can use your hand, or a pad made from tightly-woven cotton cloth, such as an old bed sheet. Leave it to dry for about five minutes, (this time will depend on the air temperature and the relative humidity.) It will take longer to dry when the air is cool and damp. When dry buff it lightly to a shine with a dry cotton pad. Can I apply the polish directly to bare wood? Yes, and you will get a beautiful finish which will gradually add to the patina. How many coats of polish should I apply to bare wood? A soft absorbent wood like Pine will need three coats, harder woods like Maple and Walnut will only need two. What should I do if I have applied too much polish? Buy some “Paint-thinner Solvent”, pour a little onto a cotton pad, and gently wipe the surface. The polish will dissolve away. Leave the surface to dry and then try again. How often should the polish be applied? From time-to-time, as you happen to feel like it. There is no official answer to this one, except the famous comment by Roger’s Mother, Veronica: “If you can’t relax at home, you can’t relax anywhere”! Is the polish flammable? Officially, Yes. But we privately believe that the risk is over-stated under the new Canadian labelling regulations. The fumes will not ignite spontaneously because we use a de-odourized mineral spirit solvent. The polish contains water. In our own tests we have had real difficulty in getting it to ignite. We cannot get it to burn with matches. - It takes a propane torch! Is it a Poison? Officially it is, but we do not understand why. It is not a Carcinogen, and no other risk or danger has ever been identified since we launched the polish in 1986. The problem lies in the fact that the new labeling requirements make no distinction between “Mineral Spirits”, which contain as much as 10% aromatic hydrocarbons, (which are carcinogens), and the “Deodourized Mineral Spirits” which we use, and which contain 0.01% Aromatic Hydrocarbons.We suggest that this is an important enough distinction to deserve milder wording. Is it water-proof? No. But it does offer some water-resistance. It is easy to re-apply if need be.

Clapham’s Beeswax Salad Bowl Finish: What is it used for? This is an edible finish for Cutting Boards, Salad Bowls, Butcher’s Blocks, Kitchen Counter-tops, whether wood or stone, and Children’s Toys. Flute makers are using it with great success. How should I apply it? It is really easy to use: Just rub it lightly over the wood. You can use the surface immediately after use, or you can wait overnight and buff it lightly for a soft shine. Can it used on Concrete Counter Tops? Yes. It works really well, and is carried by several companies who work in this field.

Clapham’s Beeswax Leather Dressing: What is it for? This is a Dressing. It is absorbed directly into the structure of the leather itself. It makes even the driest old leather soft and supple. It brings it right back to life again. It contains Beeswax and Carnauba Wax, so it gives a soft, rich shine. If you want a higher shine, apply regular polish once the dressing has had time to dry.It can be used on all types of Leather except Suede. Does it meet the standards for museum conservation work? Yes. It can be used on valuable and antiquarian leather. Does it contain Silicones? No. How do I apply it? Rub it into the leather. If the leather is dry you may be surprised to find how much of the dressing it absorbs. Keep applying it until the leather looks sleek. Then leave it to dry overnight, and buff it lightly. Is it suitable for Saddles and Tack? Yes. And they look wonderful. It will not rot the stitching.

Clapham’s Beeswax Barrier Hand Cream: What is it for? Soon after we launched our Beeswax Hand Lotion we began to receive a flow of requests for a heavier, waterproof version for people who work with their hands. This is it. Note that it can also be used on your feet and face. How should I apply it? Apply it before you start work, and re-apply it from time-to-time during the day, as you feel the need. Does it contain Propylene Glycol? It used to, but we have now dropped it entirely. Does it heal the skin? We make no medical claims whatsoever with respect to this product, or any other. It does however contain a number of ingredients which are associated with skin care, such as Allantoin, Lavender Oil.

Clapham’s Beeswax Cutting and Sanding Compound: What does it do? We developed this product at the request of Wood-turners. It serves a number of purposes: It helps to prevent the wood from cracking on the lathe. It sharply reduces the wood-dust. It helps maintain a sharp edge on the chisel. It makes for a cleaner cut with less risk of gauging, and by doing so makes the finishing process quicker and simpler. How is it used? You can paint it onto the wood with a brush, or wipe it on with a cloth on the lathe. Replenish as you feel the need.