Creator Martin Saban-Smith answers some of the most common questions he gets asked about Hampshire Sheen.
Do you have a catalogue of products?
Click the link below to download the latest catalogue.
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Is Hampshire Sheen really blended by hand?
Yes! it really is. Every batch of Hampshire Sheen of each style of the product is measured by hand, blended by hand and poured by hand in the ‘Hampshire Sheen Global Headquarters’ (a 20×10′ shed) and exported to Europe and US from there, too. It is also made by hand in Canada and Australia under license.
The content of my tin is very stiff. Is that right?
No problem – Hampshire Sheen is different to paste waxes you may have used before. There is no beeswax in any of the Hampshire Sheen paste waxes which stiffens the mixture up, ensuring you have a rock-hard finish – superior to others available. And I use less solvent than other manufacturers ensuring you are buying top quality wax rather than solvent.
How much do I need to use?
You only need apply enough to coat the wood in a single coat which is less that you probably think. It is best to apply multiple thin coats and ensure an even coverage rather than one thick one. Check the ‘How To’ videos for more detail.
What is the best way to apply Hampshire Sheen?
There are various methods to apply each of the products. The play list from our YouTube channel takes you through the recommended way to apply each of the variations.
How long will it last?
As you need to use less than you normal paste wax, it will last longer than you think. It is best used within 12 months of purchase to ensure the best results possible. My own tins are perfectly good 18 months after making them.
Please define your ‘splash resistant’ test.
Hampshire Sheen Original, High Gloss and Microcrystalline waxes are fingerprint and splash resistant in nature. Items finished with these products (in accordance to the instructions (at least 2 coats of the product applied)) need a few days to cure properly from the time of application to reach full density. In testing, bowls finished according to the instructions and left to ‘harden’ for at least 5 days were filled with tap water and then emptied and immediately dried with paper towel. The outside of the same bowls finished in the same way were held under running tap water for a few seconds before being dried. Neither method of testing resulted in tarnishing marks on the sycamore pieces tested. Of course, wax finished products should be protected from prolonged contact with water or products containing solvents at all times! This test was conducted on UK manufactured products. Please refer to your local manufacturer for test results for non-UK products. Due to differences in like for like ingredients between UK and non-UK manufactured products, water resistance qualities may vary.
It’s flaky when I apply it.
Yes, that’s fine. There is a very large proportion of wax in the mixture and some does come off the paper towel when you apply it. It’s not a problem.
I’ve done something to it (heated it to soften it, added solvent to thin it, it’s dried out a bit or something else) and I think it’s ruined.
Uh oh. The best thing to do is not do anything to your tin once you receive it. Heating it to soften it will dry it out quickly; Adding solvent will make it thinner, yes, but will also be detrimental to the quality of the finish….in other words, leave it alone! Even a dry pot of Hampshire Sheen will apply perfectly well. Paste waxes with solvents are flammable and should be kept away from heat sources and naked flames at all times. You are strongly advised not to try to rejuvenate a drying tin of wax.
Is Hampshire Sheen foodsafe?
None of the Hampshire Sheen tinned wax products have been tested for foodsafe standards. The only product that is certified foodsafe is the Food and Toy Safe Danish Oil which conforms to EN71 standards.