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RENAISSANCE Wax Polish
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 micro-crystalline 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 a 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.
What makes Renaissance wax so different?
It has a crystalline structure much finer than totally natural waxes, a property that confers a highly efficient moisture resistance. Countless statues and monuments in city streets are now protected by Renaissance wax from weathering corrosion. Arms and armor, steel and kitchen equipment of brass and copper, in historic house museums, are kept bright and corrosion-free.
When thinly applied and rubbed out to full luster, the wax film is (and remains) glass-clear, with no discoloration either of the wax or the underlying surface. Renaissance wax is free from acids (pH neutral) and will not damage even sensitive materials. For example, photographs for exhibition or of historic value are waxed to protect the image from the natural acidity of hands or environmental pollutants. The wax does not stain or darken even white paper.
On furniture or wood carvings the wax delicately enhances grain or ‘flame’ patterns. It protects existing finishes such as French polish and it can be applied directly to sanded, unfinished hardwoods without need of sealers. Waxing is the last process in hand-made furniture and in the creation of wood, stone or metal sculptures. But it is the first aspect to be appreciated by hand and eye. The clarity and luster of Renaissance wax makes an instant visual appeal. The silk-smooth touch of the matured wax film gives added pleasure, compared to the ‘drag’ of fingers leaving trails across the softer beeswax polishes.
No matter how often the wax is used there is no loss of clarity, so that fine surface detail is never obscured. Repeated used of the wax deepens the luster, reflecting more light from surfaces and making them more ‘lively’.
Picreator receives hundreds of enquiries from around the world asking if Renaissance wax is suitable for a specific surface or project. Invariable the answer is ‘yes’. Its unique qualities make it idea for protecting all surfaces from environmental attack or handling. The wax is, for example, replacing the preservative oiling of arms and armor in museums. The wax is hard and dry and does not, like oil, remain sticky and attract atmospheric acidity. Exhibits are more comfortable to handle.
Greasy dirt on waxed surfaces is easily removed by gentle use of a soft rag dampened with paraffin; alternatively, warm water with a little liquid soap. The surface should be dried thoroughly before re-waxing. Neither cleaning method will harm the wax film.
Should surface repair or restoration be needed, Renaissance wax can be completely removed by rubbing with white spirit (a petroleum distillate). In professional fine-are conservation all treatments must be ‘reversible’ without dame to the original surface, to allow use of a better technique.
New ideas for using the wax continually reach the manufacturers. For instance, a model ship maker reported that dipping small-diameter wood drills into the wax almost eliminated drill breakage when working on hardwoods. Steel tools in the workshop no longer suffered from rusting.
Paper kites and model airplanes can be water-proofed. The wax reduces ‘drag’ on model boats racing in the water.
Leather shoes of all colors are protected positively with a brilliant shine by use of Renaissance wax. There is no ‘fall-out’ of colored waxes from brushes to spoil clothes. Ladies’ leather/plastic handbags are proofed against rain.
Marble is easily stained by contact with colored liquids. The stains can quickly sink into the surface, which will usually need re-grinding (expensive and inconvenient) to eliminate the marks. Makers and restorers of marble-top furniture appreciate the highly protective qualities of Renaissance wax to avoid staining.
Makers/restores of violins, cellos and guitars use the wax to protect the varnish from players’ natural acid contact and also from the sticky powdery residue of rosin on bow hair.
On the automobile, Renaissance produces a great shine with an unrivalled service life in all weathers. It can be used successfully on all surfaces: coachwork paint, bright metals, rubber or plastic sears. Inside the car the wax is perfect everywhere, especially on leather upholstery. The wax’s micro-crystalline structure has amazing plasticity. The dry film ‘flows’ under pressure and will not fracture when the seat is sat on.
When applied correctly – in thin layers – the wax is extremely economical in use, so that its initial cost compares very favorably with ordinary commercial waxes. In room temperature, with the can firmly capped, Renaissance has a shelf life of many years. This is due mainly to the extraordinary solvent-retention power of the wax. It will remain in perfect condition long after other waxes have caked hard and become useless.
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