Wax vs Grout

[TX Poolnut]

Please excuse my ignorance guys, but what are the pros and cons for using wax or grout to seal the slate joints and screw holes?

When I first got my table, they used some kind of grout type stuff. I don't know what it was. When I had my cloth redone, they used wax. It felt much smoother with wax, but I'm out of my league here so gimme the scoop.

Thanks.

 

[Poolschool]

There are ups and downs to both. I prefer to use wax over plaster of paris or water putty. I have seen just about everything used in between the joints and I have to say wax works best.

Natural beeswax has a very high melting point somewhere around 145 degrees, therefore it sets up really hard. Just any old beeswax will not get the job done. Beeswax has to be carefully filtered before reaching your hands to rid of all impurities. These impurities will cause the wax to have a milky hard state which i not sufficient for pool tables. I used to re use my wax until this theory was explained and proven to me. I buy all of my wax from a bee farm in Washington.

 

[Dartman]

Most use 100% natural beeswax which works fine if applied correctly and the excess is shaved off before it gets too hard. We've used Daps fast dry light duty joint compound for years with no problem, swelling or shrinking. Apply with a putty knife just like making a drywall repair. Let it dry for 10 min then lightly smooth out with a damp cotton cloth. No sanding needed. Works on slate screw holes also. Folks use all sort of other material such as plaster of paris and denture compound which imo is more trouble then its worth.