Re: Waxing the mandolin
Lots of good advice here, especially cautioning against using anything with silicone. I'm not a luthier, but do a good amount of woodworking so I'll only offer a few tidbits here. Applying wax typically leaves a layer only a few microns thick. Adding a second coat dissolves the first coat and after buffing you end up with same finish of a micron or two. The idea of building a finish with wax doesn't really happen. It can add a very minimal amount of protection, such as beading up water before it gets a chance to do any damage. And maybe restore a little luster. But your base finish does the real protection.
Personally I don't think it would add anything to the tone of an instrument. Lessen the tone? My ears probably wouldn't know the difference.
If you really want dig deep into the world of wood finishing, including lacquers, varnishes, shellacs, solvents, and waxes read up on books and articles by Bob Flexner, Michael Dresdner, or Kevin Southwick among many others. These guys are the pros, not me. It's a whole science unto itself.
Ratliff R5 2007, Capek A5 2003, Washburn M5S-SB Jethro Burns 1982, Mid-Mo M-2, Epiphone MM 30 Bk mandolins, Harmony Batwing 1970's, George Bauer bowlback early 1900's Philadelphia.
"Don't cloud the issue with facts!" Groucho Marx
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