I find that a hard wax finish doesn't hold up well to moist cookies, fruit, nuts, cheese, etc. - time, dryness and sunlight either, now that I think about it. A lot of my pieces get used for parties as well as everyday use. As was stated above, even with extensive instruction people just don't take regular and proper care. Even the art pieces, over time, need to be maintained. People don't do it. My guess is that they look on them like furniture. How may people really maintain the finish on their end table or coffee table? I'm not talking about Endust or Pledge.