Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Paul Duffy · 3rd June 2010, 01:47 PM

I've followed the comments on repair and conservation with great interest.For wood,and sometimes metal[eg old arms & armour],I use Renaissance Wax Polish.This was originally formulated in the British Museum research laboratories in the 1950s.The Museum found that all commercial waxes based on the usual natural waxes contained acids which,in time,could spoil original finishes on historic collections of furniture.
This wax has a crystalline structure much finer than totally natural waxes,it confers a highly efficient moisture resistance.
I've used it on old pistol and rifle stocks,and keris hilts & sheaths.And gun barrels.
The wax is Ph neutral and should not damage even sensitive materials.
I've also used it on 18&19th century sword blades,but not on keris blades only because of the rougher finish of the keris blades.
I live near the sea,so my collection is susceptible to salty sea spray,and the wood to moisture and dry heat,and mould.
Has any one else tryed this wax?

3rd June 2010, 01:47 PM	#22
Paul Duffy Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 31	preserving wood I've followed the comments on repair and conservation with great interest.For wood,and sometimes metal[eg old arms & armour],I use Renaissance Wax Polish.This was originally formulated in the British Museum research laboratories in the 1950s.The Museum found that all commercial waxes based on the usual natural waxes contained acids which,in time,could spoil original finishes on historic collections of furniture. This wax has a crystalline structure much finer than totally natural waxes,it confers a highly efficient moisture resistance. I've used it on old pistol and rifle stocks,and keris hilts & sheaths.And gun barrels. The wax is Ph neutral and should not damage even sensitive materials. I've also used it on 18&19th century sword blades,but not on keris blades only because of the rougher finish of the keris blades. I live near the sea,so my collection is susceptible to salty sea spray,and the wood to moisture and dry heat,and mould. Has any one else tryed this wax?