Waxing old scaffold boards

[Padraig Clarke]

Hi all. In the middle of a project working on some old scaffold boards. I had them all sanded down to a fine finish and started to wax them. I am using Ronseal Interior Wax Dark Oak.

I did a test over one side and what I noticed after leaving it to dry, was my once smooth board, is now rough to the touch again. Can anyone explain why that is?

My assumption here is that as I have technically dampened the board, the grain opens and becomes rough again. Therefore am I expected to sand between coats and what about after the final coat? The can says nothing about needing to sand between coats. So a bit perplexed. Thanks for any advice.

 

[TheVictorian]

I've used a scaffold board for a rustic shelf in my utility room and the same thing happened, give it a fine sand and it should be smooth after a couple of coats.

 

[Nige F]

As you suspect the wood has been dampened - as far as I can see ( looking @ the Ronseal site) what you have is a water based product containing wax. A furniture restorer I know uses Briwax and applies it with very fine (000 ? ) steel wool.

 

[Padraig Clarke]

Thanks 'Vic' - this helps and I know is an option to still wax and get a smooth finish.

Thanks 'Nige' - correct it's a water based wax. Am I making a mistake with that product do you think? Is there something you recommend as a pro?