Wood Wax Finish - My new Favorite Finish

Rob Cosman talks about why he loves wax a wood finish
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[stevephillips]

I've been using this wax since Ian the (now former)curator of the British Museum's; Arms and Armour told me that they use it on all their unfinished armour, swords and firearms.
It was developed specifically for the BM.

[DKWalser]

Dale Nish introduced this wax to me when I took a turning class from him. It works very well. However, I've found a replacement, Doctor's Walnut Oil Microcrystal Paste Wax, that works just as well but is much less expensive. Both products contain the same wax, Cosmolloid 80H. The difference is in the solvent carrier used to keep the wax soft so it can be applied. Renaissance uses a chemical solvent and Doctor's uses walnut oil. Currently Renaissance costs about $20 (US) for 2.25 ounces. Doctor's Walnut Oil Microcrystal Paste Wax costs $10.50 for 4 ounces.

Other differences: The chemical solvent used in Renaissance will penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the blood stream. Whether that will hurt you or not depends on how much exposure you receive, over what period, and your personal sensitivity. I use nitrile gloves when I apply it. (The solvent evaporates quickly, so there's no risk in handling items to which Renaissance has been applied.) On the other hand, walnut oil is a hardening oil. It will take some time -- years, maybe -- but, eventually, a can of Doctor's Walnut Oil Microcrystal Paste Wax will turn from a soft paste into a gum. It can still be applied, just not as easily.

[AJB]

The new intro is great. Feels like Saturday morning cartoons with my bowl of cereal.

[johnfaustus]

I used to work for a supplier of Picreator Enterprises (the company that manufacturers Renaissance Wax) - it was developed in 1953 under contract to the British Museum Research Laboratory. The museum had long been using waxes that contained one of beeswax or carnauba wax; while those are fine for things like painted metal, it was too acidic and eating into many of the museum's organic artefacts (wood, leather, cloth, pottery, etc).
The wax is actually one of the first commercially available microcrystalline waxes - the cost is somewhat justified because: i) its primary raw ingredient (petrolatum) is quite expensive ii) the the de-oiling process of the petrolatum is hilariously expensive iii) it's still made in and shipped from the UK.

[grkuntzmd]

I've been an amateur knife maker for about 5 or 6 years (as well as a woodworker). I've been using Renaissance Wax on my finished knives to keep them from rusting, and I love the stuff (I also use it on my chisels, hand plane blades, etc.) Great stuff!

[ginopav]

Thanks to a fellow Canadian, i made a pendant lamp with many nooks and crannies and was hesitant on applying a varnish for fear of getting runs. You convinced me to go with the paste wax.

[emm_arr]

Renaissance Wax is perfect for plane soles. I've been using it with Boeshield to protect cast iron against the pervasive British damp.
It works on metal. Brass. Iron. Bronze. It's a great product.

And it's great for wood.

[Onewheelordeal]

Thank you for showcasing more wood varieties than just the staples.

Just did some speakers in pommele moabi and ziricote and every finish I tested darkened the heart wood so much it hid the figuring, or bleeds color into the sap wood.
Just waiting for my test piece to dry now so here's hoping wax is going to be the perfect solution.

[kimbye]

Been using renaissance wax for years on pool cue shafts, works great.

[andykg]

After watching this vid I immediately got some from Amazon. When it got delivered I eagerly opened the box to find I bought a jar that was a little bit taller than my thumb 🤣 it pays to read the size before blindly ordering it! still its great stuff 👍

[WootTootZoot]

I've been using it for some time now when I do restorations on African Blackwood bagpipes. I like to put on a coat of wax then rub it with bore oil, then hand rub another coat of wax and buff it right away. I know they say it only needs one coat, but I like the finish I get.

[iamwhoiam]

I've been using that wax for many years. Pro furniture makers all over the world use it. I also use it on power tool table tops, hand planes and saws. When I first stated buying it it was under $10.00 now it's doubled that. I had a new can come in last week.

[dbnoho]

First time seeing the new intro. Of course I love the old, saw saw saws slap slap slap intro. But the new one is very well done and very approachable for everyone.

The people who watch are watching. But to expand to new people and new students. This is great.

Ps. I own that wax on hand planes.

[johnnyc]

We've used this wax for pen making for years. Rock hard finish. Shines acrylic like polished glass. Like the new beginning.

[busy]

I was introduced to renaissance wax several years ago when I started using it on my gun stocks. I’ve used it on small boxes, as well as metal around the shop. I’ve also used a jojoba oil and beeswax mixture on my small boxes.

[kentboys]

The new intro is great! It is good to hear about an easy finish like wax. Awesome! Thank you for sharing. Take care. 👍🏻

[WoodenWaresHandwork]

That is a great wax, I've been using it for years and standby it. A couple of pointers you only need a thiin coat. Also if you wipe it off straightaway you get a matt finish, but if you allow it dry for maybe 10 minuted you get a semi gloss look.

[philaandrew]

I have been using Ren wax since I started in Luthiery in the mid '80s.. For something that has been around since the '50s I am somewhat surprised it hasn't been more widely used by fine woodworkers.

[sunshineisdelicious]

Great video, thank you! I always love demos of things

[Borescoped]

Just popping in to say that I personally use the Odie’s Oil lineup of products for the things I work on, even let my 6 year old help with applying the finish to projects I’ve made. Great stuff.