diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_honey/init.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_honey/init.lua
index e4b403875..e3b958a7d 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_honey/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_honey/init.lua
@@ -16,10 +16,11 @@ function mcl_honey.wax_block(pos, node, player, itemstack)
 
 	local def = minetest.registered_nodes[node.name]
 
-	if def and def._mcl_copper_waxed_variant then
-		node.name = def._mcl_copper_waxed_variant
+	if not def or not def._mcl_copper_waxed_variant then
+		return
 	end
 
+	node.name = def._mcl_copper_waxed_variant
 	minetest.set_node(pos, node)
 	awards.unlock(player:get_player_name(), "mcl:wax_on")
 	if not minetest.is_creative_enabled(player:get_player_name()) then