Carnauba wax(also calledBrazil waxor orpalm wax) is a naturally occurring product exuded by the fronds of theBrazilianCarnauba palm tree(Copernicia ceriferaorCopernicia prunifera). This is the Tree of Life, which the people ofBrazilutilize for many necessities. The leaves of thecarnauba palmare harvested from September to March. To obtain the wax, the fronds are dried for several days and then fed into beaters where the wax is removed and the wax powder is separated from the rest of the frond.

Wax colorsrange from pale yellow to a greenish brown, depending on the age of theleaves of the palm.

Carnauba, thehardest natural waxavailable is brittle, non-tacky and lustrous with amelting pointof 182 degrees. Its major application is in the production of carbon paper inks where it helps produce sharp, distinct, blur-free images. Other applications included aerosol, liquid and paste waxes, where its luster, toughness and wear resistance is highly desirable. Since it has manyemollientandhypoallergenicproperties, t is also used indental floss,eyeliner,mascara,deodorants, and as a polish for pills, candies, and fruit or can be combined withbeeswaxto create ahigh glossfinish on leather.

The Real Milk Paint Companyrecommendscarnauba waxfor a variety of wood projects.