Wax for finishing stone sculptures

[Cantab]

For polishing I currently use a wax called 'Renaissance', which is a micro-crystalline formula, used by the British Museum and restorers. Highly recommended. However, when I am applying it at the end of the sanding stage, I find it dries too quickly, with the result that it streaks, and polishing up with a cloth does not remove this streaking. Anyone have any thoughts on this, or other products? (I live in England).
I sculpt in limestone and marble - both streak in this way. I often like a good shine on my work, and it is against this shine that the streaking is particularly noticeable.

[G. Murdoch]

Cantab,

Greetings, I posted a similar querie back in the fall and recieved a variety of responses. Check out the thread "Finishing Marble". I just tried to provide a direct link as others sometimes do, however I got a security warning pop up. Anyway, good luck.

Graham

[AKoch]

My system is to apply the wax, then heat the surface with a hot air blower(like that used to strip paint). After the wax melts, you wait till it cools, then polish, and Bob's your uncle. This system also covers small scratches and tool textured surfaces.

[Cantab]

Thanks Graham and AKock - will try the heat treatment later today!

[Matt Kerley]

Here in North Carolina we're a big fan of Butcher's Wax or Bowling Alley Wax. I prefer Bowling Alley Wax. You can use it on metal, stone, and especially wood.
Last semester I used it on a limestone carving that I did and it worked incredibly well. I dont know if they offer it near you.
I had to find it in a small mom n pop type of hardware store.

matt kerley
www.mattkerley.com

[Cantab]

Thanks, Matt. I'm getting the impression that waxes with a high fat content are better than what I have been using.

[G. Murdoch]

Cantab,

A technique that I've recently seen used to good effect on marble is two coats of danish oil (apply thin, wait 20 minutes, wipe off excess, repeat) followed by carnuba wax.

Graham

[Cantab]

This sounds good, Graham. Do you have any idea what Carnuba wax is called in the UK? I haven't seen it. I've been told to try Dubbin wax, from a cobbler. Is this similar?

[jvc stone]

A friend uses beeswax on his limestone carvings, and heats the stone in an oven. As for myself, I've never been a fan of topical coatings on the stone.
If the stone accepts a natural (mechanical abrasion) polish good, if not, I go with what the stone does give me.

JVC

[grommet]

This sounds good, Graham. Do you have any idea what Carnuba wax is called in the UK? I haven't seen it. I've been told to try Dubbin wax, from a cobbler. Is this similar?

carnauba wax from the carnauba palm tree (leaves)
Sounds like Dubbin wax has other stuff in it. Most car waxes have carnauba in them.

[wnr]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Carnauba wax is sold through woodworking supply stores. Axminster supplies Liberon branded carnauba in the UK. contact at axminster.co.uk.

[Cantab]

In case anyone's interested - apparently Michelangelo used a combination of beeswax with a little linseed oil mixed in. The makes sense: the linseed is viscous and may counteract the tendency in beeswax to streak. I'll try it.....