Maintaining/Beautifying Wrongkos (Ways, Tips, Materials, Pitfalls)

[David]

I am a big fan of Butcher's Bowling Alley Wax. I think they went out of business, but i believe a company called BWC is still making this product.

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by David

I am a big fan of Butcher's Bowling Alley Wax. I think they went out of business, but i believe a company called BWC is still making this product.

David, do you use just wax or do you oil first and then apply the wax?

[David]

Originally Posted by yuuzan

David, do you use just wax or do you oil first and then apply the wax?

That would depend on the condition of the wood when i receive it.

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by David

That would depend on the condition of the wood when i receive it.

Well noted I've found Bowling Alley Wax online so I'll give that one a try!

[David]

Originally Posted by yuuzan

Well noted I've found Bowling Alley Wax online so I'll give that one a try!

One caveat. The product i have come to like is the Butcher's product. I have been told the BWC which took over this product has kept the same formula. I don't know about other bowling alley waxes, but i think there is more than one out there.

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by David

One caveat. The product i have come to like is the Butcher's product. I have been told the BWC which took over this product has kept the same formula. I don't know about other bowling alley waxes, but i think there is more than one out there.

I found the BWC online, so that should not be an issue. I'm also considering Birchwood Casey Tru Oil; do you have any experience with this? It seems to require quite a few coatings. How many coats does the BWC Bowling Alley Wax require?

[David]

Originally Posted by yuuzan

I found the BWC online, so that should not be an issue. I'm also considering Birchwood Casey Tru Oil; do you have any experience with this? It seems to require quite a few coatings. How many coats does the BWC Bowling Alley Wax require?

Yes, i have used Tru Oil. If i recall it is really like a finish more than something you would revitalize the wood with. I believe i put on a few coats, letting it dry in between and then took down the shine just a touch at the end with some 0000 steel wool.
With the BWC wax you cover it with a thin layer of wax, let it sit for a few minutes and then polish it with a soft cloth. It creates a really nice temporary finish that protects the wood nicely. But be prepared to pick out any globs of wax left in the crevices with a toothpick if you have a lot of carved details.