Microcrystalline Wax

Chris Bell Guest Jan 15, 2009 1:33 PM	I have been on the look out for Renaissance Microcrystalline Wax for a while now and have recently seen it referred to in publications for preserving patina. In searching the web, I found it's main users to be museums and woodcrafters. I checked the woodcraft store on Overland just east of the freeway and they carry it. It's the 200 ml size and there is a 65 ml size out there somewhere but they don't carry it. The 200 ml size is the better value (18 for the smaller and 26 for the bigger) and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a little goes a long way. It dries immediately and the label says no fingerprints. It has many applications and my husband is already planning on using it for the next iteration of one of his telescope tubes.
Todd Guest Jan 15, 2009 2:40 PM	Ren wax has fans and detractors, I use it on some things and it gets a lot of use in the studio. I have some pieces, mostly textured, that it didn’t seem to hardly slow the tarnish at all. Occasionally Woodcraft has it on sale, check their monthly flier. It depends on the material and it surface treatment, on some rougher things I use and am happy with floor wax, I think the brand I like is Butchers. At his workshop Fenster recommended musical instrument lacquer, but you have to order it and shipping is probably more than the product of small orders, maybe a group buy if people want to try it? I can find the information (cost, minimum, etc.). Todd
Cynthia Swain Guest Jan 16, 2009 7:18 AM	If I make a ring out of fine silver (PMC3) and polish it to a high shine, will Renaissance Microcrystalline Wax keep the shine for a long time? What is the best way to retard tarnish? Thanks.
Chris Bell Guest Jan 16, 2009 9:58 AM	Cynthia-fine silver doesn't tarnish as quickly as sterling, but the Ren Wax is supposed to seal it. It does eventually wear off so a ring constantly worn may not be aided for long by the Ren Wax. I doubt it will help much with the chains that I make and would be interested in the instrument lacquer for "dipping" purposes. I have an older wire book that recommends something like this but since I have a tumbler with steel shot, I rely on that for my stuff. Customers aren't so lucky usually so I'm starting to use Argentium in my chain work.
Cynthia Swain Guest Jan 19, 2009 10:35 AM	My smooth fine silver pieces, that I have burnished well, stay bright for a while. Rougher pieces get tarnished amazingly fast. I have some PMC3 rings that I must polish every day I wear them. I'll try the Ren Wax. If Todd, Chris, or anyone else has a good product they want to buy co-op style, please let me know. I'd also like to use it on bronze metal clay pieces.

Idaho Metals Arts Guild                                     P.O. Box 5661                                 Boise, ID   83705