Some of the recent scales I've gotten are coated with a thick layer of wax. Any best way to get it off?

I either grind it off or use acetone. Or both.
                              Lin

Scrape the worst off with a blade, then sand.

If you use acetone please wear gloves. It is how I received liver and kidney damage. Acetone is very dangerous because it can be absorbed both through the skin and lungs. I would just buff it.

uhdet,
       Good advice. I'm sorry to hear of your damage. Did you use it long term or from such uses as we are discussing?
                                        Lin