[TheForge] Renaissance wax formula

lorne at smithlist.net lorne at smithlist.net
Tue Sep 30 16:18:34 EDT 2025 

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
>> > > ______________________________________________________________
>> > > TheForge mailing list
>> > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>> > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> > > Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>> > >
>> > > TheForge mail list group photo site is http://www.shutterfly.com
>> > > Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>> > > Password: anvil
>> > >
>> > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> > > email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> > > freemab222 at gmail.com
>> > >
>> > ______________________________________________________________
>> > TheForge mailing list
>> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> > Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>> >
>> > TheForge mail list group photo site is http://www.shutterfly.com
>> > Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>> > Password: anvil
>> >
>> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> > email
>> > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> > williamsiron at comcast.net
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> TheForge mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> TheForge mail list group photo site is http://www.shutterfly.com
>> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>> Password: anvil
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> dhayes at dthayes.com
>> 
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> TheForge mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> TheForge mail list group photo site is http://www.shutterfly.com
>> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>> Password: anvil
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> williamsiron at comcast.net
> ______________________________________________________________
> TheForge mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
> 
> TheForge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.shutterfly.com
> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> Password: anvil
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 
> Message delivered to dhayes at dthayes.com
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> TheForge mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
> 
> TheForge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.shutterfly.com
> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> Password: anvil
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lorne at smithlist.net

More information about the TheForge mailing list