[TheForge] Renaissance wax formula

[Mark Williams]

Thanks Dan. I'll let the list know how it goes.
Mark
> 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%20combined%
> > 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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