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Microcrystalline wax
- Thread starter mitch8
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2009
- Messages
- 576
I did use a rough piece of canvas to apply some to the handle on my helle harding and it gave it a little extra shine but I haven't tested it's water resistance or anything yet. Plus all the articles I've found online are for a microcrystalline mixture and they only apply it to very old and or decaying pieces.
This is the wax everyone talks about
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?...campaign=PLA&gclid=CIXPzse4nbECFQgFnQod-BEm4g
But I have a brick if what I'm pretty sure is pure microcrystalline.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?...campaign=PLA&gclid=CIXPzse4nbECFQgFnQod-BEm4g
But I have a brick if what I'm pretty sure is pure microcrystalline.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,499
Micro-Crystalline wax blends of carnuba and other waxes are usually buffed onto the wood or rubbed on turnings on the lathe.
What brand and type do you have? Most are for candle making, carving wax models in jewelry making, and for skis and snowboards. When mixed with other oils and waxes, some are used as high gloss wood finishes. The MCwax has little protective property on its own.
On knives, the microcrystalline wax we use is usually Renaissance Wax, which is a small amount of micro-crystalline wax ( 10%) added to a solvent (30%) and cosmoloid oil/wax ( 60%). The bulk of Renaissance Wax is the carrier and cosmoloid. The "Micro-crystalline" catch words are the hype of modern marketing. It is good stuff, but the adds make it sound like something from super high-tech science. What the MCwax does is raise the stability ( lower the volatility) of the wax/oil mix, and make it last longer before re-application is needed.
What brand and type do you have? Most are for candle making, carving wax models in jewelry making, and for skis and snowboards. When mixed with other oils and waxes, some are used as high gloss wood finishes. The MCwax has little protective property on its own.
On knives, the microcrystalline wax we use is usually Renaissance Wax, which is a small amount of micro-crystalline wax ( 10%) added to a solvent (30%) and cosmoloid oil/wax ( 60%). The bulk of Renaissance Wax is the carrier and cosmoloid. The "Micro-crystalline" catch words are the hype of modern marketing. It is good stuff, but the adds make it sound like something from super high-tech science. What the MCwax does is raise the stability ( lower the volatility) of the wax/oil mix, and make it last longer before re-application is needed.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,494
Have modeled with it for years for lost wax bronze casting; not sure about for wood treatment. How would you use it? You'd have melt and blend it with other stuff I'd think. I've made a passable nontoxic wood treatment with beeswax and mineral oil for wooden toys. Also have made museum wax type finishes with bees wax, linseed oil, turpentine and Japanese hardener. A little research on the web might ferret out a recipe or two with microcrystalline you could try. Good luck!