Proof of how Maxwax Really Works to Protect Wood

We've conducted tests under controlled conditions to see how Maxwax performs on saligna gum samples .

We coated half of each sample on the upper surface only (a requirement for this particular test). One sample only had a minimal quantity of Maxwax applied, representing poor application which sometimes happens in reality. (the one on the left of the picture of 4 "wet" samples).

See below how Maxwax keeps the treated surface relatively dry compared with the untreated ends. This is because Maxwax has the ability to soak into the wood and protect from within.

Not only did we find that all "Maxwaxed" samples remained dimensionally stable, but more importantly, the Maxwax helped reduce the severity of cracking (a real problem with gum!).

This is due to Maxwax's ability to reduce the moisture transfer rate of wood*.

* When sun dries out the exposed surface of soaked (and therefore) swollen wood, that surface shrinks while the bulk of the wood below remains swollen. This leads to warping stresses that can both crack and split wood. Maxwax reduces this effect by controlling the rate at which moisture enters or leaves the wood, thereby helping to keep these forces at bay.

The evidence

These samples of Maxwax treated gum (also effective against Grafitti) were initially exposed to weathering for 6 months.

Note how the right hand (Maxwax treated) side of the timber still repels the water even after the 6 months.

The experiment then continued for a further 4 months. The samples were then removed from the rain and allowed to dry for 15 minutes. Note how the treated ends dry out much faster than the untreated, because of reduced water absorption whilst out in the weather.

Then they were allowed to dry out completely. Note how much less cracking was evident in the ends that had been treated with Maxwax. It is important to remember that this experiment entailed treating the UPPER SURFACES ONLY of the samples.

We normally recommend treating ALL surfaces (especially the ends where absorption peaks) when applying Maxwax for maximum protection.

For maximum benefit of Maxwax against cracking, all surfaces (especially the ends) need to have Maxwax soaked into the wood thoroughly