Renaissance polishing wax

Recognised as a standard product by museums worldwide!Renaissance ™ wax polish was originally formulated in the early 1950s in the research laboratories of the British Museum in response to a discussion among museum technicians at an international conference on 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 that could, over time, degrade the original finishes of the national historic furniture collections. He rejected them all and investigated the new so-called "fossil" or microcrystalline waxes, which were refined from crude oil. With their different properties depending on their geographical origin, the new artificial waxes could be precisely blended to meet the needs of many industries, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to heavy engineering. In this way, the waxes combined the best properties of nature with the benefits of modern technology.

The blend that emerged from this research was developed for the long-term protection of all classes of museum exhibits. At last, museum technicians and others who cared for important collections could use wax polish that would neither cause future conservation problems nor compromise the intrinsic values of their treasures. The varnish was finally commercially produced and distributed in 1968 by the London-based company Picreator Enterprises Ltd. under the trade name "Renaissance". The product was quickly accepted in the international museum world and has become a widely recognised standard conservation material - probably the most widely used due to its almost unlimited use.

What makes Renaissance Wax so different?

It has a crystalline structure that is much finer than completely natural waxes, a property that gives it highly efficient moisture resistance. Countless statues and monuments in the streets of the city are now protected from weather corrosion by Renaissance wax. Weapons and armour, steel and kitchen utensils made of brass and copper in historic house museums are kept bright and corrosion-free.

If the wax film is applied thinly and rubbed out to a full shine, it is (and remains) crystal clear without discolouring the wax or the underlying surface. Renaissance wax is acid-free (pH-neutral) and does not damage even sensitive materials. For example, photographs for exhibitions or of historical value are waxed to protect the image from the natural acidity of the hand or environmental pollutants. The wax does not even colour or darken white paper.

Properties

• Chemical description: Mixture of microcrystalline waxes in special petrol.
• Form: solid
• Solubility in water: insoluble

Included in the scope of delivery

• Renaissance polishing wax 65ml
• 1 x instruction