[TheForge] Renaissance wax formula

Wed Oct 1 08:12:38 EDT 2025

"Absolute fluff" could also be called "dangerous lies."  When seeking a
source for wax, that might not be a big deal, but ...
... a few months ago I was seeking a readily available material that I
could use to keep a friend's EpiPen at room temperature despite high or low
temperature short-term storage.  (That would be equivalent to putting
something in an ice-water bath, in which case, the temperature would remain
at 32 F = 0 C for a time, regardless of the ambient temperature.)  The
material had to be nontoxic, melt at about room temperature, and preferably
have a high heat capacity.  I tried using ChatGPT but it kept recommending
TOXIC materials, and when I pointed that out to it, it would say something
like "my mistake" and recommend some other toxic material.  Dangerous.

Bruce
NJ

On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 4:19 PM <lorne at smithlist.net> wrote:

> A word of caution on the AI. While very useful and a pretty big
> timesaver it is a master of slipping absolute fluff into its responses
> and wrapping it up so it looks like it belongs. I have even had it slip
> in simple math mistakes, something it really shouldn't do.
>
> Verify everything when you can.
>
> Cheers,
> Lorne
>
> On 2025-09-30 16:10, dhayes at dthayes.com wrote:
> > Mark,
> >
> > AI can be very effective at digging deep into questions like that. The
> > amount of information being entered into the databases is downright
> > scarey (but that's another subject, more for forums like the old
> > ARTmetal mailing list). Not only does AI come up with deep dive answers
> > to direct questions but it also suggests where to go with the answers
> > and dive deeper. Anyway, here is the AI response to the direct question
> > on sources of high quality microcrystalline wax as well and the first
> > follow up question and answer. The responses can get quite lengthy so I
> > tried to keep it to a length appropriate for this list. Questions and
> > answers separated by asterisks. Hope you find it helpful.
> >
> > **********
> >
> > "Please find a source for high-grade microcrystalline wax. General Wax
> > in California may be one. Are there others?"
> >
> > **********
> >
> > Yes, Daniel — General Wax is one option, but here are several other
> > reputable suppliers of high-grade microcrystalline wax worth
> > considering:
> > 🏭 Top Suppliers of Microcrystalline Wax
> >
> > 1. IGI Wax (International Group, Inc.)
> > - Location: Texas-based, serving North America
> > - Grades: Cosmetic, food, and industrial-grade waxes
> > - Specs: Melt points from 145°F to 194°F; hardness from 7 to 36 ASTM
> > D1321
> > - Formats: Bulk liquid, granules, pellets, slabs
> > - Highlights: Offers custom blends and has a fully integrated supply
> > chain
> >
> > 2. Blended Waxes Inc.
> > - Location: Wisconsin
> > - Grades: BW-405 to BW-431, ranging from soft/tacky to hard/brittle
> > - Specs: Melt points from 145°F to 195°F; FDA-compliant for food and
> > cosmetic use
> > - Applications: Cosmetics, candles, adhesives, coatings, sculpting
> > - Highlights: Over 45 years of experience in custom wax blends
> >
> > 3. King Honor International
> > - Location: China (bulk export available)
> > - Grades: M70, M80, and hydrogenated variants
> > - Certifications: ISO9001
> > - Applications: Chewing gum, cosmetics, dental materials, industrial
> > coatings
> > - Highlights: Competitive pricing and broad product range for global
> > buyers
> >
> > 1) igiwax.com
> > 2) blendwaxes.com
> > 3) www.khonorwax.com
> >
> > If you're looking for domestic sourcing with high purity and
> > customization, IGI and Blended Waxes are especially strong contenders.
> > Want help comparing melt points, oil content, or bulk pricing across
> > these? I can model that next.
> >
> > **********
> >
> > "yes"
> >
> > **********
> >
> > Here are several verified sources for high-grade microcrystalline wax,
> > including General Wax and others that cater to industrial, cosmetic,
> > and conservation-grade needs:
> > 🧪 Verified Suppliers of Microcrystalline Wax
> >
> > Supplier:
> > Location:
> > Grade Offered:
> > Notable Features:
> >
> > Supplier: General Wax & Candle Co.
> > Location: North Hollywood, CA
> > Grade Offered: Cosmetic, candle, industrial
> > Notable Features: Known for custom blends and bulk supply
> >
> > Supplier: IGI Wax (International Group, Inc.)
> > Location: Houston, TX
> > Grade Offered: Food, cosmetic, industrial
> > Notable Features: Offers high-purity waxes with detailed spec sheets
> >
> > Supplier: Blended Waxes Inc.
> > Location: Oshkosh, WI
> > Grade Offered: BW-405 to BW-431
> > Notable Features: FDA-compliant, tailored blends for conservation and
> > cosmetics
> >
> > Supplier: Paramelt B.V.
> > Location: Netherlands (global distribution)
> > Grade Offered: Microcrystalline and paraffin blends
> > Notable Features: High-end waxes for packaging, coatings, and pharma
> >
> > Supplier: King Honor International
> > Location: China
> > Grade Offered: M70, M80, hydrogenated
> > Notable Features: Bulk export, ISO-certified, competitive pricing
> >
> > Supplier: Strahl & Pitsch Inc.
> > Location: West Babylon, NY
> > Grade Offered: SP-89, SP-105, SP-179
> > Notable Features: Premium grades for cosmetics, dental, and
> > conservation use
> >
> > 🧭 Tips for Sourcing
> > •     Conservation-grade: Strahl & Pitsch is often preferred for museum
> and
> > archival use (e.g., Renaissance Wax replication).
> > •     Bulk industrial: IGI and Paramelt offer robust supply chains and
> > technical support.
> > •     Custom blends: Blended Waxes and General Wax are flexible for
> > small-batch or specialty formulations.
> >
> > Would you like help comparing melt points, oil content, or sourcing
> > samples for testing? I can model specs or help draft outreach language.
> >
> > **********
> >
> > Getting the above answers took seconds, re-formatting the table into
> > test-only mailing list format much longer.
> >
> > AI is an incredibly useful research tool but it can also be deep and
> > tempting  rabbit hole to fall into.
> >
> > Dan
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> > <theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Mark Williams via
> > TheForge
> > Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 3:16 AM
> > To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> > Subject: Re: [TheForge] Renaissance wax formula
> >
> > Dan,
> > If you can find a source for high-grade microcrystalline wax let me
> > know. I found one source as General Wax located in California. In
> > looking through my collection of old containers, I found some wax I had
> > made a long while ago but the spirit has gone. I'll try to melt this
> > outdoors and mix white spirit with it, storing the result in screwtop
> > glass jars so the spirits don't depart.
> >
> > Mark
> > Snow Hill, MD
> >> On 09/27/2025 12:00 PM EDT dhayes at dthayes.com wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >> I've been using search engines like Google for years to research and
> >> look up just about everything and have always been amazed at how much
> >> information is out there and how effective you can be at finding it.
> >> AI is taking it to a whole new level. I entered the following in
> >> Copilot (more business oriented, probably not the best AI tool for
> >> researching something like this):
> >>
> >> "What is the formula Brian Gilbert published in the Hammer's Blow some
> >> years ago for microcrystalline wax & white spirits and that replicated
> >> Renaissance Wax?"
> >>
> >> The following is what AI had to say:
> >>
> >> *****
> >> Brian Gilbert’s formula, published in The Hammer’s Blow (a publication
> >> of the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America), was a DIY
> >> attempt to replicate the properties of Renaissance Wax using
> >> accessible materials. While the exact article isn't publicly archived
> >> online, the formula he shared has circulated widely among conservation
> >> and metalworking communities. Here's the core recipe attributed to
> >> Gilbert:
> >> 🧪 Brian Gilbert’s Renaissance Wax Replica Formula
> >> - Microcrystalline wax: 1 part by weight
> >> - White spirits (mineral spirits): 2 parts by weight
> >> 🧯 Preparation Notes
> >> - Gently heat the white spirits in a double boiler setup (never over
> >> direct flame due to flammability).
> >> - Slowly add the microcrystalline wax, stirring until fully dissolved.
> >> - Allow the mixture to cool and solidify in a sealed container.
> >> This blend mimics the consistency and protective qualities of
> >> Renaissance Wax—clear, non-acidic, and moisture-resistant—ideal for
> >> metal, wood, and leather surfaces. Some users tweak the ratio slightly
> >> for a softer or firmer finish, and a few add polyethylene wax for
> >> closer fidelity to the original Renaissance formula.
> >>
> >> Would you like help sourcing high-grade microcrystalline wax or
> >> adjusting the formula for specific applications like firearms, optics,
> >> or archival preservation.
> >>
> >> *******
> >> Anyway, AI makes researching arcane subjects easy (not that
> >> blacksmithing is arcane but much of what is published tends to be a
> >> bit off the mainstream).
> >>
> >> Dan
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> >> <theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Mark Williams via
> >> TheForge
> >> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 11:02 AM
> >> To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>;
> >> Bruce <freemab222 at gmail.com>
> >> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Renaissance wax formula
> >>
> >> Thanks for the help. I wrote the info down. Seems that site wants you
> >> to join for monthly $$ in order to download. I'll let you know how it
> >> works.
> >>
> >> Mark
> >> > On 09/27/2025 8:13 AM EDT Bruce <freemab222 at gmail.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Hey, Mark,
> >> >
> >> > I don't have that issue, but I used my usual trick of searching the
> >> > internet (Google or Duckduckgo) with your phrase, "formula that used
> >> > microcrystalline wax & white spirits and replicated Renaissance Wax"
> >> > and got a hit or two that way.
> >> > https://www.scribd.com/document/333585278/Renaissance-Wax-Recipe#:~:
> >> > te
> >> > xt=The%20recipe%20for%20our%20Renaissance,1kg%20batch%20of%20combine
> >> > d%
> >> > 20wax
> >> > .
> >> >
> >> > All the best,
> >> >
> >> > Bruce
> >> > NJ
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > On Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 2:34 AM Mark Williams via TheForge <
> >> > theforge at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > > Some years ago, Brian Gilbert published in the Hammer's Blow a
> >> > > formula that used microcrystalline wax & white spirits and
> >> > > replicated Renaissance Wax. I have misplaced my copy of the
> >> > > formula and hoped that one of you could remember  and send it.
> >> > >
> >> > > Thanks in advance
> >> > > Mark Williams
> >> > > Snow Hill, MD
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