In my own small journey exploring the variety of turning possibilities
I came upon a finishing product called Renaissance Wax (available at
Packards) Apparently it is a blend of micro-crystalline waxes. Has
anyone used this product or micro-crystalline wax in general?

"Kevin" wrote in message
...
In my own small journey exploring the variety of turning possibilities
I came upon a finishing product called Renaissance Wax (available at
Packards) Apparently it is a blend of micro-crystalline waxes. Has
anyone used this product or micro-crystalline wax in general?

Doesn't take much shine away due to internal scatter like larger particle
types. If that's what you're about, works fine. Note that if you scar the
surface of your finish with steel wook, the scatter will still be there due
to different refractive indexes, so use it only when you want high gloss.

Many suppliers of microcrystalline waxes are available, Renaissance is
popular (especially in the UK) but probably the most expensive.
http://www.igiwax.com/microcrystallinewax/

Works well. Good waterproofing. Very expensive. Other finishes or another
finish in addition to MCW will give much better high gloss results, IMHO.
I use it when I don't want to apply a finish. Great for handled objects,
very little hand transfer, good fingerprint protection. Some MCW is food-
safe, used in cosmetics. Some have UV protection additives.
Slightly over-hyped. MCW is a good material, but still over-priced
considering it's manufacturing cost.

Hype:
Renews faded colors - Not unless they are there to begin with, does
nothing for UV or chemical fading.

Buffs to a high gloss - Not the same as a Urethane or poly finish. Best
gloss is in use over a urethane or poly base.

Unlimited applications - Who are they trying to kid. You will see build-
up unless you polish off the excess.

No polish smell - Total BS. There is a distinctive petroleum odor to it
and it will mask the natural wood aromas. Polish every object in the
gallery and you will faint from the smell (Renaissance, specifically).
Does it smell as much as lemon pledge or danish oil? No.

Return your objects to pristine condition - Sorry, all it does is allow a
good polish.

Retards weathering on objects - It is not a weatherproofing material.
Test some yourself and see the results in one season outdoors.

Renaissance Wax is what all museums use - Not quite true, Micro-
Crystalline Waxes are commonly used. Some museums may use Renaissance
brand but local museums and galleries here use other brands also.



Micro-crystalline waxes are a good expensive product for a variety of
uses.
My preferred use is small handled objects or as a final wax finish over
other base finishes.

I started using it last fall, and am happy with it so far.

I use it over two - 3 coats of blonde shellac, with a little sanding
between coats. Put it on, buff it up, and it gives an attractive
shine without looking plastic.

It's expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. I'd guess it cost
me 3-4 cents per bowl. Once it's buffed, it resists finger prints,
and will rebuff if I need to.

Best stuff I've used so far.

Old Guy

On Mar 20, 12:09*pm, Kevin wrote:
In my own small journey exploring the variety of turning possibilities
I came upon a finishing product called Renaissance Wax (available at
Packards) *Apparently it is a blend of micro-crystalline waxes. *Has
anyone used this product or micro-crystalline wax in general?

On Mar 20, 12:09*pm, Kevin wrote:
In my own small journey exploring the variety of turning possibilities
I came upon a finishing product called Renaissance Wax (available at
Packards) *Apparently it is a blend of micro-crystalline waxes. *Has
anyone used this product or micro-crystalline wax in general?

Great stuff....
Gives a nice shine and wears well.

Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com

Hello,

I use Renaissance Wax all the time... It's a super wax with many benefits
over other forms of wax. Here is a link to an article I wrote on microwaxes:

http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com...lline-wax.html

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Take care
and all the best to you and yours!
--
Better Woodturning and Finishing Through Chemistry...

Steven D. Russell
Eurowood Werks Woodturning Studio, The Woodlands, Texas
Machinery, Tool and Product Testing for the Woodworking and Woodturning
Industries

Website: http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com
Free Monthly Woodturning Newsletter * Your email is kept confidential
Sign up at: http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com/lathe-talk.html


On 3/24/08 2:42 AM, in article
,
"randyswoodshoop" wrote:

On Mar 20, 12:09*pm, Kevin wrote:
In my own small journey exploring the variety of turning possibilities
I came upon a finishing product called Renaissance Wax (available at
Packards) *Apparently it is a blend of micro-crystalline waxes. *Has
anyone used this product or micro-crystalline wax in general?

Great stuff....
Gives a nice shine and wears well.

Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com