Renaissance wax polish was originally formulated in the British Museum research laboratories in the early 1950's, in response to a discussion amongst museum technicians at an international conference on fine-art conservation.
In accelerated ageing tests, the British Museum scientist found that all current commercial waxes based on the usual natural waxes (beeswax and carnauba wax) contained acids which, in time, could spoil original finishes on national historic collections of furniture. He rejected them all and investigated the new so-called ‘fossil’ or microcrystalline waxes being refined out of crude oil. With their distinct characteristics depending on their geographical origins, the new '‘man-made’ waxes could be accurately blended to meet the needs of many industries, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to heavy engineering. Thus, the waxes combined Nature's best qualities with the advantages of modern technology.
The blend which emerged from that research was ‘designed’ for long term protection of all classes of museum exhibits. At last museum technicians and others caring for important collections could use wax polish that neither caused future conservation problems nor detracted from the intrinsic values of their treasures.
Commercial production and distribution of the polish was ultimately undertaken in 1968 by the London-based company Picreator Enterprises Ltd. under its trade name ‘Renaissance’. The product was quickly accepted in the international museum world and has become a universally respected standard conservation material – probably the most widely specified – because of its almost unlimited uses
Description:
- Renaissance wax is a micro-crystalline wax polish
- all purpose cleaner & polish
Features and Benefits:
- High quality cleaner/polish, used by museums, galleries and conservators.
- Will gently lift the grime and murky deposits of other polishes.
- This wax may be used on any solid surface including wood, metal, bronze marble/onyx, shell, stone, ivory, plastics, leather, paper. It is used protect armour and historic weapons from rust.
- The translucency of the cleaner/polish allows unlimited applications without the polish ever staining or discolouring.
- The hardness of the matured wax coating gives excellent protection against normal spillages, finger marks etc.
- Freshens colours, imparts a soft sheen.
- As with all good conservation products, the application is reversible. An application of white spirits will remove the wax.
- Renaissance wax has been safely used on all metals, gems, glass, porcelain, bone, ivory, mother-of-pearl, gilding, patinas, enamel, leather, wood, stone, polymer, clay, and on musical instruments of all descriptions.
A comment via feedback:It works a treat in protecting gold plated tap handles.
Renaissance wax leaves no streaking, giving an excellent polished sheen. Ideal for use on polished objects which will be handled. We use it on glass, ceramics – particularly shiny black surfaces – brass and silver ware. Apart from its protective quality, it greatly enhances the object’s appearance.
If its good enough for the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, then its good enough for ...
Shipping
We supply the company leaflet with every can.
we try to provide same day shipping, so you receive the wax ASAP, however occasionally this may be a little longer.
Express postage is available.
Note: Purchasers of which we know include jewelers, conservators, a lapidary club who tell me it is good for all work and especially good on jade, a bronze sculptor, gun dealers, a clock club, sword collectors, a maker of custom-made knives and a restorer of metal trophies.The wax is also being used on an outdoor bronze statue, by a restorer of accordions and by at least one coin collector. Another customer is using it to finish brass shop-fittings, as he was frustrated by the traditional lacquer finish, which wears off, and was difficult to reapply. The wax is used by the fountain pen experts and restorers such as George Fischler and Stuart Schneider. All these customers appear to very happy with the wax. This list shows the diverse applications for which it is suited.
The US Mint has been using Renaissance Wax to protect their master hubs and dies which should be of interest to collectors of old coins.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York are using Renaissance Wax in the arms & armour department.
Vulpex Soap and Renaissance Metal De-Corroder (look in my store) are also popular with collectors of all sorts of metal objects, such as ancient coins. We sell to metal detecting clubs / companies supplying equipment for outdoor hobbies such as hunting & fishing.
Tips for gun owners:
A gun dealer we supply keeps a soft cloth impregnated with the wax in an airtight plastic container. After cleaning the gun as normal after use, he draws the cloth through the gun, easy, and it keeps the gun in pristine condition, corrosion free.
Doug Wicklund, the Senior Curator, National Firearms Museum, Fairfax, Virginia, has published a useful information sheet for gun owners. Google it.
There are several YouTube videos on waxing your gun.