Most furniture has factory-applied varnish, polyurethane, or shellac to protect its wood surface. However, additional wax or polish can protect the manufacturer's original finish and help reduce surface scratches. Furniture polish gives wooden furniture luster but doesn't last as long as wax.
- Paste furniture wax gives wooden pieces a hard finish and long-lasting protection. Wax doesn't smear and is more durable than sprays or polishes. Paste wax finishes can last up to two years.
- Liquid wax is easier to apply but leaves a thinner coating and needs more frequent application than paste wax.
- Liquid furniture polishes, such as oil polish or emulsion cleaners, won't damage wood finishes and leave a lovely sheen, but they vanish shortly after the liquid dries.
- Some aerosol furniture polishes are easy to spray and apply, but they have a downside: They contain silicone oil and other solvents that can eat through varnish.