Learn about products which help to make your framed artwork look good and preserves it over time
This page covers conservation products and materials relevant to framing that are archival standard. 

​Product Review - Renaissance micro-crystalline wax polish
​

Summary

A refined wax polish designed and formulated by the British Museum for the long term conservation and protection of museum exhibits.

This product is now a universally respected standard conservation material because of its high quality and wide scope for use.
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Suitable for: Designed to protects items in museums. Freshens colours and imparts soft sheen. Protects surfaces eg paintings, metals, ivory, marble, metals, leather.

Highlights:
  • A high quality product researched, designed and used by the British Museum
  • Used by conservation framers
  • very easy to use and produces a soft sheen on wood

Think Again?
  • Finding this product in shops is not easy. (Try online as an alternative)
Picture
The polish is available in three sizes

Why I like and recommend this product

When I started using natural wood frames for my artwork, I wanted to find a wax polish which would protect the frame while not staining it or damaging it in any way. Plus I really did NOT want any sort of 'high gloss' sheen.

I came across Renaissance Micro-crystalline wax polish entirely by accident while browsing in Cornelissen's. However its label immediately suggested that this was the sort of product I'd been looking for. When I tried it out it did exactly what I wanted and I'm very pleased with it. I'd liken it to the very best face cream. You only need a small dab, it spreads wonderfully well, absorbs into the wood brilliantly, buffs up nicely and generally makes everything look a lot better!

What I didn't realise is that it had been created by conservation technicians in the British Museum research laboratories in response to concerns about commercial waxes. Apparently the commercial waxes - based on beeswax and carnuba wax contained acids which spoilt finishes over time (in accelerated ageing tests).

​The product was developed in the 1950s and has been made since 1968 by London based firm Picreator who produce a variety of materials for professional conservation and restoration.

This review was previously published as Product Review - Renaissance micro-crystalline wax polish on Making A Mark Reviews on 18 May 2009.

Technical details

Used by restoration specialists to revive and protect furniture, leather, paintings, metals etc. Freshens colours, imparts soft sheen. Very long shelf life (approx. 20 years) as long as it is
not exposed to heat.
Cornelissen - Gilding and restoration materials
Product: Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish

Technical Details: A refined micro-crystalline wax with no acid component

​Manufacturer / Distributor: Picreator Enterprises Ltd

Sizes: The product is made in three sizes (all of which are available in trade quantities from the manufacturer Picreator):
  • a 3 litre can - suitable for large scale usage only by a museum or trade user, frame shop, conservators and finishers
  • 200 ml can - targeted at the general market and or domestic user
  • 65 ml can (2.28 fluid oz) - this is the trial or gift size and is the one I bought. It cost me £7.00 but you can order it online for £4.00
Suppliers: Available from
​Renaissance Micro-crystalline wax polish 
Technical details:
  • 200 ml (you can get smaller but this size  is much better value and it does last 20 years!)
  • Acid neutral, water and alcohol resistant
BUY THIS WAX
Rated an average of
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars by 152 customer reviews (UK)
  • ​​4.7 out of 5 stars by 970 customer reviews (USA)
Renaissance Wax 200ml from Amazon.com