beeswax
A wax obtained from the hives of bees, i.e., an
animal wax. Beeswax is a complex substance
secreted by the worker bees for the purpose of
constructing honeycombs. The wax is obtained by
melting the honeycomb structure, and then
filtering the wax before it is allowed to set.
Beeswax usually contains a number of mineral wax
adulterants. The wax, which is often bleached by
shredding it into thin flakes and setting it out
in the sun, has a softening range of
62-66° C. It is used: 1) to lubricate the
thread used in sewing books by hand; 2) withLANOLIN and other
substances for LEATHER
DRESSINGS . In the latter use it is considered
valuable by some conservationists because, as it
is harder than most other waxes, it supplies body
to the dressing at a reasonably low softening
temperature, and also provides a polished or
glossy finish which some find desirable; its use,
however, as well as that of any wax on leather, is
considered by a number of authorities to be
detrimental to the permanence of leather; 3) as a
base for the colors used inMARBLING ; and 4) to
provide a suitable surface for burnishing the gilt
edges of books, although it is generally
considered to be inferior toCARNAUBA WAX in this
application, as carnauba is less likely to streak.
(29 , 291 , 335 )
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