You might find products that contain a mixture of beeswax and carnauba wax, which make the polish more durable.

For example, select liquid wax for intricately carved chair or table legs.

If you do use a floor wax, you’ll probably need to reapply the wax every few months instead of once or twice a year.

Open a window to ventilate the room. This also helps your furniture dry faster.

Use lint-free cloths or cloths that don’t have loose edges. This prevents fibers from getting into the wax.

Ensure that there aren’t loose threads on the cloth that could release fibers into the wax. You could also use a soft cloth or rag if you don’t mind getting a little wax on your hands.

It’s better to apply several small, thin layers of wax rather than a thick coat, which would dry dull and hazy. If you see ridges of wax on the furniture, you’ve applied too much wax and you’ll need to buff it off. Try to apply the wax gradually as you go. [10] X Expert Source William & Shannon LatilFurniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.

It might take longer for the wax to dry if you’re in a cold or poorly ventilated space. To tell if the wax has finished drying, touch it gently in an inconspicuous spot to see if it’s no longer sticky.

You’ll achieve a shinier finish by using a really soft cloth. In addition to using soft cotton cloths, you could use a terry cloth, an old T-shirt, or a cotton diaper. It doesn’t matter if you buff with or against the grain of the furniture. You can also use a buffer drill attachment to buff the wax. [13] X Expert Source William & Shannon LatilFurniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.

Once you finish waxing and buffing the furniture, wait about 30 minutes before placing things on the furniture or using it.

Wax gradually wears off and oxidizes over time, which is why you have to reapply it.