Using Dark Wax to Age Furniture

I get a lot of questions about when to wax, what wax to use, etc. So here is a quick before, during and after for you so you can see the difference between waxing and not.

I picked up this piece off of Craigslist:

I decided on a light, light blue/gray color and then proceeded to have a debate with my almost 4 year old about the paint being white or blue. He decided it was white....and I was done arguing. How can you argue with this?

Getting back to furniture, I painted 2 coats, waxed most of it and then took this picture:

This is the difference between using dark wax and using paint only. Dark wax leaves an amazing aging effect that glaze, in my opinion, can't compare with. If you really want something looking aged out, dark wax is the way to go.

I use Fiddes Wax and I order it from Amazon and use Jacobean (very dark) and Rugger Brown (medium brown). I recently ordered Antique Brown and I am not a fan of the color.

Another tip I learned is the magic of using very fine steel wool to blend  the wax after it dries. Amazing! And it makes it feel like butter!

Here is the end result:

What do you think? Wax or no? I realize the "aged out" look isn't for everyone, but some love it!

On a totally different note, does anyone have any idea how old this rocking horse is or what it might be worth? It's made of mostly solid wood with some plaster pieces too. No markings anywhere.

Any help would be appreciated :)

~Allison