A wax distribution quantification procedure using digital image analysis and fluorescence microscopy techniques was developed. The procedure was evaluated by investigating the effect that variable application rates have on wax distribution. The effect of emulsion type and application on |B strength, thickness swell, water absorption, and linear expansion of flakeboard panels were also investigated. Tests revealed that increasing the wax emulsion flow rate and application pressure had a significant affect on wax coverage. A lower amount of flake surface area was covered when the flow rate and air pressure was increased. It was also found that the presence of resin on the flakes affected wax coverage. Resin presence generally increased the wax coverage variability. The application flow rate and pressure also seemed to affect the interaction present between the resin and wax spots. The fractional coverage area of spot size classes was also significantly affected by the emulsion's application parameters. Increasing the flow rate and air pressure was shown to create more variable wax spot distributions. The presence of resin spots on the flakes was also shown to significantly affect the spot size distribution. Changes in the emulsion flow rate and application air pressure also appeared to have a significant affect on wax spot distribution. The type of wax emulsion used, as well as increased application flow rate and pressure, was shown to significantly affect both 2 hour and 24 hour water absorption (by weight). It was found that using a soap based emulsion improved the water absorption characteristics, and that increasing the emulsion's application flow rate and air pressure adversely affected the water absorption. Differences in IB strength and 24 hour thickness swell were also seen between the panels made using increased flow rate and pressure and the panels produced with standard parameters. However, due to possible influence of press malfunctions on the boards performance, conclusions about the effect of increased parameters can not be clearly drawn. No significant difference in linear expansion was seen for any of the samples tested. / Master of Science