Museum Wax

Vera B. Espinola <icona [at] gte__net> writes

>I've noticed that museum wax leaves an oily residue if in contact
>with paper and I'd like to try "sticky wax".

I too ran into the problem with quake wax and other so-called museum
waxes. On the advice of another museum (they had tested it), I
purchased a dental wax made by Kerr Corporation.  The product is
'Utility Wax Rods Round'; they are 11 inches long (27.9 cm) and
packed in a 1 lb. (454 gm) box; specify white rods.  It should be
available from dental supply houses in all large cities, worldwide.
I bought a box in the fall of 2000 for $42.95 (Canadian).  After
sending some with a traveling exhibit (153 figurines, 5 venues),
using it in our internal exhibits and giving rods to visiting
conservators, I still have 3/4 of the box left.  The wax is a
pliable solid at room temperature, but with the heat of the hand
becomes softer.  This wax does not smear or leave an oily residue;
it also does not tend to trap dust. It is also easily removable from
the object, leaving little residue.  Please note, I have not used
this wax with paper, so am not able to advise on its use for that
application, but testing would provide an answer here. After almost
3 years of use, I am much happier with this product than I have been
with 'Museum' and 'Quake' waxes.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:20
                 Distributed: Thursday, August 14, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-20-007
                                  ***