The rottenstone is not the issue. The finish itself does not become tacky, which is what makes the rotten stone stick in the pores, and helps with a visual to see if all the finish is rubbed off. Slackum and Trade secret used to set to a very tacky feel in about 2 1/2 hrs. then could be rubbed out using a little linseed oil and rottenstone. This recipe just dries and never gets sticky. To help with the wax question, any wood wax will help protect against water, but all will cloud if exposed too heavily or too often. The only finish that will truly protect the wood against water is epoxy which was used on the old Brownings.