Depends very much on how the cabinet is going to be used, wax provides essentially no protection. If it's going to sit in the corner like, say, a curio cabinet then wax would be fine. Kitchen cabinets no way. I've done a number of pieces with Watco (which is oil and a small amount of varnish) and topped them with wax but they basically just sit there.

As for the 1800's, they also went potty in the back yard. <lol> Probably not because it was so much fun but because they didn't have another option.

Wax will get dirt rubbed into it. Then it looks grimy. There's a reason why shellac, varnishes and polyurethanes were invented for finishing wood.

Wax had to be continuously renewed, stripped and reapplied.

Shellac is soft and is easily water damaged, but really easy to repair(add more shellac).

Polyurethane is a form of liquid plastic. Hard, chips, plastic looking, and difficult to repair.

Non Poly varnish is the best finish for most furniture. Hard enough to withstand normal wear, moisture resistant, and fairly simple to spot repair.
The only things I use furniture wax on are back scratchers and oven rack tools, for the soft feel.

All three of these post made me laugh. I am so glad I asked. I've read about cerused / lime wax on several blogs while researching cabinet styles, material and color. I decided on white oak. They are custom and I got my first peak at the several finished pieces a few days ago. They are georgous! The craftsmanship is top notch. However, he hasn't seemed to keen on any type of wax finish. The first thing he did was build several cabinet door styles and came up with exactly what I wanted. I also worked with with white oak samples until I figured out the stain and finish before he started. I just had a nagging need to learn more about the cerused finish. And now I know. I'll give it a go on a furniture piece or two but follow everyone's expert advise. While I am getting my dream kitchen, I've got to be realistic. We have a small horse ranch and my hubby sometimes skips the mud room and goes straight to the kitchen. I think this advice saved me from a big mistake. Thank you!!!!

Mike_Kaiser_gv and Apple pie order - please see my post above. I wrote it to all of you. Thank you so much!!