Final answer:
You should apply oil before wax to your project, as oil needs to penetrate and condition the material, while wax is meant to seal and protect the surface.
Applying wax first would prevent the oil from properly absorbing into the material.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying oil and wax to a project, it's important to apply the oil first. This is because oil, typically being a drying oil that will polymerize and harden over time, needs to penetrate the surface of the wood to condition it and enhance its grain.
Once the oil has been applied and has had time to dry properly, then a layer of wax can be applied. Wax, with its long hydrocarbon molecules, provides a protective surface layer that is water-resistant.
Applying wax first would create a barrier that might prevent the oil from properly penetrating and bonding with the wood.
By using oil before wax, it ensures that the wood is optimally conditioned and the surface is properly sealed. This technique is widely used in woodworking and furniture maintenance to both enhance the appearance and to protect the material.