Using Wax to Darken Tone?

Wax instead of toner to fix a few too-light doors? Well ... maybe not. August 16, 2012

Question
Just finished a fireplace cabinetry installation. All good, except two of four raised panel doors are just a little lighter than their frames and the rest of the job. (They're also against a sliding door, so get more light naturally than the other two.) Finish is standard nitro lacquer. I don't want to mess around trying to tone them, but wonder if dark wax actually has a darkening effect. I could wax the light ones with dark wax and the other two with regular wax, so the sheen stays the same on all.

Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor L:
Might work if you find the right tone of wax.

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From contributor T:
I should have mentioned the wood is African mahogany.

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From contributor R:
I wonder if it's possible to soften the wax and then add some powders or oil to alter the color. I think my concern would be the durability of the wax versus the topcoat.

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From contributor O:
I have used dark waxes in the past, particularly on mahogany. It doesn't do much to darken the overall color of the wood. I am afraid you will only be stripping it back off to apply a toner later if the color must be adjusted.

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From contributor E:
Contributor O is correct. When done properly, waxing leaves such a thin film on the surface that any color added to the wax is inconsequential. To significantly change the color you would have to leave too much wax on the surface. Try making a toner or shading lacquer instead.