Using Minwax Paste Finishing Wax Special Dark

If this is new furniture and is finished, I don't understand why you want to wax it. Is it too shiny? Just be aware that by waxing it, since it will be dining room furniture, that the wax will make it susceptible to drink rings and heat marks.

If its the difference in color between the two tops that bugs you, realize that matchy matchy is not as in fashion as it used to be.

If its too shiny, buff off the finish with steel wool, and use a satin clear coat on top.....here you could darken the table top to match the buffet top by adding some pigment to tint it darker. If your using a water-based clear coat add some artists concentrate water color or for oil-based use artists oil colors (add very little, a dab and mix, test before adding more color).

If your set on using wax. here is the procedure I use on fine furniture, after staining and giving a light coat of spar varnish, allow to dry, I buff off the shine with 0000 steel wool, then apply paste wax with soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain, and then buff out by hand. Realize you will have to continue refreshing with paste wax and buffing periodically. Don't use Pledge or other spray furniture waxes, or liquid gold etc.

Thank you for such a thorough answer.

The furniture came finished. Stained wood tops with painted everywhere else. I am/was going to use Minwax Paste Wax Special Dark on the very slightly lighter table top and Minwax Paste Wax Neutral on the sideboard Top. Yes, I fell into the matchy matchy trap. I thought it was good to Paste Wax new table tops.

Should I not wax them at all?

Well you could live with it as is for a month and see if it really really bothers you that bad. If you are going to use a wax to cover it, buff it by hand. Nooo do not use a power tool to buff. Always use a protective barrier between hot, cold, or wet items when placing them on wood, wax or no wax. Sharon sums it up really well. - Laurie

I did not use the Minwax waxes. Instead I used Johnson's Paste Wax. Using a automotive round very soft cloth pad to apply and buff with very soft cotton towels. Sideboard and table top polishing turned out beautifully.

Wish I had not wasted money on a wax application brush (used for chalk paint) and power drill buffing brush (used to buff waxed chalk paint). Did not use either item. Discarded both after discovering bad comments. Thanks to all who replied.