Annie Chrietzberg on tue 28 dec 04
For all you people out there melting wax for a variety of reasons...
Wax fumes can also be unsafe before it starts smoking. From ACTS
FACTS, vol.7, No. 10: No wax should be heated above 212 degrees
fahrenheit. When heated above that temperature, ANY WAX (yes even
natural beeswax) can decompose and release acrolein and aldehydes
(formaldehyde and acetaldehyde), which are irritants that can damage
the respiratory tract.
The solution is simple, though - go get a $6 confectionary thermometer
& stick it in the molten wax. Closely monitor the wax and don't let it
get above 212.
be careful!
Annie Chrietzberg
Ceramic Design Group
Steamboat Springs, CO
970.879.9139
On Dec 28, 2004, at 6:39 AM, Venetian Cat Pottery Studio wrote:
> I use beeswax quite a bit on Roman reproduction (and so
> unglazed)amphorae to waterproof the inside of the vessel so that it
> can hold liquids. I use the double boiler method to safely heat the
> wax. If you're getting smoke, then the wax is way too hot. Using the
> double boiler method (IE, placing a container filled with beeswax in a
> pot filled with just a couple of inches of water, and then bringing to
> a boil) prevents this problem. I have also found that warming the
> piece to be waxed greatly aids in absorption. It also wastes very
> little wax.
> Best,
> Julia Passamonti-Colamartino
> The Venetian Cat Pottery Studio
> http://venetiancat.com
>
>
> Beeswaxing Unglazed Pottery
>
> updated sat 11 dec 04
> Kate Johnson on fri 10 dec 04 (graphicart@EPSI.NET)
>
>
> I like the look of things polished with soft beeswax
> glow--non-functional items like wall plaques and such, not, obviously
> dishwasher stuff.
>
> I just got some neat tiles/plaques out of the kiln and decided I
> preferred that soft finish for them. Here's how I went about it--I
> rubbed beeswax, cold, into the surface of one of the pieces and put it
> into the oven on the lowest heat to melt the wax, then rubbed it with
> a rag and my palm to smooth
> it. When it's completely cool, I'll polish it again. The greenman tile
> has a very pleasant patina, done this way--it darkened the terra cotta
> and gives it a nice glow.
>
> Two smaller plaques I heated FIRST, then rubbed with my block of
> beeswax so it would melt onto the surface. I rubbed it around with my
> thumb, and again will polish when everything is cool.
>
> I was not wanting to melt beeswax in a container and paint it on--too
> much smoke, too messy...but IS that in fact the best/usual way? My way
> is slower, I'm sure, but rather pleasant...tactile.
>
> (Also very similar to how I waterproof linen fabric, 18th C. style,
> but there I use a hot iron...doesn't waste as much wax...)
>
> Best--
> Kate
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "As you change your thoughts, so you change your world." Iulia Cassia
> Vegetia
>
>
>
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