Traditional Wax

[mick61]

G`day just a quick question on Trad Wax if it dries out what do you put in it to make it usefull again.Thanks Mick

[MacS]

Try a little white spirits or turps.

[astrid]

I think white spirits is different over here to the States. we use it in dry cleaning
If you have traditional bees wax, its usualy thined with gum turpentine not mineral turps.

Astrid

[ubeaut]

G'day mick61 - Mineral Turpentine.

NOT White spirits, which will work, but is much harder to get in Aus than US.

NOT pure or gum turpentine which is much dearer, but more importantly can have some rather nasty side effects to it's use, like sending you crazy, and is thought to cause kidney failure and other stuff if absorbed through the pores of the skin.

For those who just have to dispute everything in the finishing forum... Don't go looking for evidence to dispute this as it's pretty well hidden. Just believe me when I say, I did extensive research for our products (one of which is the Traditional Wax in question) and I'm happier by far with the safety aspects of mineral rather than pure.

Cheers - Neil

[Groggy]

The line-up. Pick #2 and don't lose the labels!

[astrid]

This would probably explain all those crazy artists.
Fair comment re the safty aspects.
How much exposure to gum turpetine is dangerous?.
I go through less than 250ml a year.
I only use it because the recipes i have for wax polish ask for the grated beeswax to be disolved in it. And because it smells better.
(clients always comment on how good the workshop smells)

Astrid

[Groggy]

Astrid, a quick search found this comment at the Art Materials Information and Education Network

"Mike,

Thanks for posting.

Let everyone be aware that "English Distilled Turpentine" is no safer than any other gum Turpentine. In general, all the turpentines present serious health risks on the order of higher organic solvents, principally in its risk for skin damage and allergic reactions to the vapors. Avoid it. Use a conservator's services unless you can protect your health. "

In relation to the 'mad artists', there may be more concerns to them in the old days because of lead and the glues they used. Hatters and milliners (makers of female hats) also suffered as they used mercury, hence the term "mad as a hatter".

Little more info in the Wikipedia

[MacS]

Mineral Spirits, is equal to your White Spirits, your Mineral Turps is also listed in the same solvent class.

These solvents replaced the Gum and Wood Turpentine in alkyd paints over here years ago. Many painters and finishers are either sensitive or allegic to Turpentine ( I being one of them ) I use to get 'pins and needles' in my hands, so I have not used Turpentine in decades. I use Mineral Spirits and it does the job, it evaporates much faster, and is less expensive.

[astrid]

Thanks guys
Guess I have to find somthing else to create the aromic atmosphere.
I'm not kidding here, Being a woman restorer in my part of the world atmosphere is a big sales thing, creates an old world mystique which appeals to Brighton ladies.

A woman in a predominently male profession has to fight with every trick in the book.

Thanks for the interesting info re Hatters, I always thought it came from Lewis Carrols' March hare, as in as mad as a march hare, who happened to be a hatter

Astrid

[Big Shed]

Here you go Astrid, maybe we can both learn something.

Love finding that sort of stuff, thank you Google

[astrid]

Thank BS,
We learn something everyday.

Astrid

[jerryc]

Astrid,
Mad as a March hare comes from the fact that the hare lives above ground in a "form" and moves in large and erratic leaps especially, when disturbed so as to shake off pursuit.

Jerry

Everyone is entitle to my opinion

[jerryc]

asrid,
On the point of making your polish more aromatic, just a suggestion. I'm no expert in this field but perhaps the addition of lavender oil or something similar might help.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[astrid]

Were getting somewhat off topic here but "mad as a march hare" is reference to their behavior in spring when they "dance" for their mates.

Astrid

[ravlord13]

Thanks guys
Guess I have to find somthing else to create the aromic atmosphere.
I'm not kidding here, Being a woman restorer in my part of the world atmosphere is a big sales thing, creates an old world mystique which appeals to Brighton ladies.

G Day Astrid,
If you want I'LL send you some Tas Musk offcuts, The Bl_ _dy shed smells like a Lolly factory after I cut it, all the local kids hang around waiting for free lifesavers or something.
Let me know I'll send you a bag of shavings, I sell it as potpourri.
Catch ya Andrew