How to remove waxy preservative?

[Terry Flowers]

Since finishing involves the use of solvents, this is hopefully the right forum for this question.

I have a block of burl wood that has a heavy, waxy preservatice coating. To avoid scraping it off, is there a solvent that will remove this coating? It is cut flat on 4 sides and the bottom, but the top is a natural surface that is hummocky and pointy, for lack of a better description, and scraping would be a lot of delicate work.

Thanks,
Terry

[Matt P]

try mineral spirits..

[Howard Acheson]

What species is it? What are you planning to do with it?

Be careful with mineral spirits. It will thin the wax and force it deeper into the wood. In addition, it may leave an odor.

[Terry Flowers]

I don't know what species it is. It was unidentified when I bought it. it has a reddish tan color and is not too hard. I can make a scratch with a fingernail, but it seems to heavy for redwood, unless redwood burl is denser than what I have seen in redwood boards. The most characteristic feature is the natural surface that I mentioned above, although that is a poor description. The surface is almost like miniature Cypress knees that I have seen is swamps. I should post a picture if I can.

I plan to make a holder for my wife's makeup brushes to sit on the counter just by drilling holes in it and finishing it. Nothing fancy, but the wax is a royal pain.

Terry