What is the best way to remove wax from a wood carving?

Question

i bought a wood carved dolphin and it was covered in wax to protect it and i was wondering what would be a safe inexpensive fast way to remove the wax? have already tried sanding and it is too time consuming.

Answer 1

Try putting it in the oven at low temperature... The wax will melt, but the wood will stay intact as long as you don't go above 450 degrees.  A couple hundred degrees should melt the wax.  Put it on a rack or something with a tray below to catch the wax.

Answer 2

A match. Melt the wax and have it drip off. Beware not to burn your wood. this is the ONLY way to remove every bit of wax. I know I've done this before several times.

Answer 3

I am not sure why someone would put a thick layer of wax on a carving that you would feel you have to remove and a thin layer should stay there to protect it.  If it is thick, then the obvious answer is heat.  Almost all waxes will melt by 220F so if the carving is put over a tray and the heat of an oven is gradually brought up from warm to 200, the wax should drip off.  The wood, as long as it is not heated too fast, will suffer no harm below 300 or so.

  If you have a thin layer that was intended as a finish, try denatured alchohol with plenty of ventilation.