Business Details
47 Years
experience
Handmade Beeswax Wood Care Products
Established in 1979, Cambridge Traditional Products has dedicated itself to preserving heritage through natural, handmade beeswax products. Our commitment to traditional methods began with Adrian Perkins' rediscovery of a 19th-century Victorian recipe, which we continue to use exclusively. We specialise in creating high-quality wood care solutions using natural turpentine and sustainably sourced beeswax, avoiding synthetic alternatives to maintain superior quality. Our team of experienced craftspeople produces every item by hand in our Cambridge workshop, ensuring each product meets our exacting standards.We serve both individual customers and commercial clients across the UK, Europe, and Japan, offering bespoke solutions for wood restoration and crafting needs. Our environmental responsibility extends to ethical beeswax sourcing and sustainable production practices that protect bee populations. With over four decades of experience, we combine historical expertise with modern applications to deliver exceptional results for furniture restoration, timber conservation, and artisanal projects.
Services
Beeswax Furniture Polish
Beeswax Sticks
Timber Reviver
Zip Lubricant
Food Safe Wax
Wood Restoration Products
Crafting Supplies
Historic Building Conservation
International Export
Wholesale Supply
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We use natural turpentine instead of synthetic white spirit for superior wood nourishment
- Our products follow a 19th-century Victorian recipe rediscovered in 1979
- All items are handmade in our Cambridge workshop by experienced craftspeople
- We maintain strict ethical standards in beeswax sourcing and production
- Our team has over 40 years' experience in traditional wood care product manufacturing
What people say
Superb silky finish
Restored antique furniture
Natural ingredients
Superior quality
Excellent results
Services
Beeswax Furniture Polish
Our signature beeswax furniture polish enhances and protects natural wood surfaces using a traditional Victorian recipe. This cream emulsion combines natural turpentine and ethically sourced beeswax to nourish timber while providing a protective finish. Ideal for oak, mahogany, and other hardwoods, it restores antique furniture while maintaining modern wood surfaces with a warm, silky glow.
Beeswax Sticks
Available in golden, black, paraffin, and pharmaceutical grades, our beeswax sticks serve multiple craft and restoration purposes. Originally developed for lace making and batik printing, they now cater to furniture restoration, thread waxing, and cosmetic applications. The pharmaceutical grade formulation meets strict safety standards for food contact and personal care products.
Timber Reviver
Specifically formulated for historic building conservation, Timber Reviver penetrates deeply into aged wood structures. This specialist product revitalises weathered beams and timbers through brush application, making it ideal for large-scale restoration projects. Developed initially for church conservation, it now serves both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts working with aged wood.
Zip-Slip
A precision-engineered zip lubricant designed for extreme environments, Zip-Slip protects waterproof zips in diving suits and outdoor gear. This durable formulation prevents corrosion while maintaining smooth operation under challenging conditions. The integrated applicator ensures precise delivery to zip mechanisms, extending equipment lifespan in marine and outdoor applications.
Chopping Board Wax
Our food-safe chopping board wax protects wooden kitchenware while maintaining hygiene standards. This non-toxic formulation creates a protective barrier on cutting boards, utensils, and food preparation surfaces. Certified safe for contact with food, it's also suitable for children's toys and nursery furniture where chemical exposure must be minimised.
People
Adrian Perkins
Founder
Adrian discovered a 19th-century beeswax polish recipe in 1979, leaving teaching to establish the company. He developed the business from his garage to a dedicated workshop, retiring in 2005 after building a reputation for quality. His legacy continues through the preserved Victorian formulation.
Steven
Managing Director
Joining in 1981, Steven progressed from temporary helper to MD, overseeing production expansion. He maintains the traditional formulation while managing modern operations. His woodworking expertise and commitment to heritage methods ensure product consistency and quality.
Paul
Production Supervisor
Paul manages production while preserving traditional techniques. He ensures each batch meets quality standards using methods unchanged since the 1970s. His technical knowledge combines with appreciation for historical craftsmanship in daily operations.
Julie
Office Manager
Julie has managed administrative operations since 2008, ensuring smooth business functions. She coordinates logistics while maintaining the company's customer-focused ethos. Her organisational skills support both domestic and international distribution networks.
Zach
Beeswax Stick Maker
Zach produces beeswax sticks following traditional methods since joining in 2010. His hands-on approach maintains product consistency across formulations. He represents the new generation preserving the company's heritage manufacturing techniques.
Questions
Why does your furniture polish have warning labels?
Our polish contains natural turpentine requiring standard safety warnings. While flammable and needing ventilation, it's safe when used properly with appropriate precautions during application.
Why is your polish more expensive than others?
We use natural turpentine instead of cheaper synthetic white spirit. This traditional ingredient costs more but provides superior wood nourishment and longer-lasting results compared to chemical alternatives.
Can I use your polish on all wood types?
Our polish works on most natural woods but avoid lacquered or varnished surfaces. Test on a small area first, especially for light woods that might darken slightly with application.
Is your beeswax ethically sourced?
Yes, we source beeswax sustainably without harming bee colonies. We implemented protective measures in our workshop to prevent bee accidents while maintaining ethical production standards.
Do you supply internationally?
We export to Japan, Germany, Holland and other countries. Our team handles hazardous goods shipping requirements and can coordinate with your preferred freight provider for international deliveries.
What makes your products different?
We follow a 19th-century Victorian recipe using natural ingredients. Our handmade production maintains traditional quality standards while modern applications ensure relevance to contemporary wood care needs.
