How do I use beeswax on my burnished edges?

[Rahere]

I think part of the problem's you're gilding the lily. Applying anything to something means it has to key on. Raw leather, no problems, plenty of grain pores. Burnished leather, you've started to compact things. I'd suggest you get whatever dressing in first. then burnish it. Most industrial coating wants to be the end of the story, and works by giving nowt for any dirt or anything else to get a grip on to. You'll need to abrade it for further layers.

[Hardrada]

What paraffin wax are you guys using? Is it the same kind that's used for candles?

I'm trying to find the right kind/brand in Canada.

[Northmount]

5 hours ago, Hardrada said:

What paraffin wax are you guys using? Is it the same kind that's used for candles?

I'm trying to find the right kind/brand in Canada.

Find it in canning, household and candle making supplies.  https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=paraffin+wax+for+candles&crid=TAH6TVIB5MOT&sprefix=parrafin%2Caps%2C305&ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_9_8

 

[Lobo]

Yes, basic paraffin wax. Basic beeswax. If you are going to be melting and blending waxes you must be aware of some dangers and precautions.

Waxes in melted form can result in flammable vapors which can be ignited by any exposed heat source,. This is not something to be done indoors!

A safer way of melting and mixing waxes is to place the waxes into heavy duty zip-lock plastic bags, immerse the bags into a large pot of boiling water until the waxes flow, then pour into molds (aluminum muffin pans work well).

The best method is to find a candle-maker with a wax melting machine to melt and blend your waxes for you. Quick, clean, easy, no flammable fumes. The lady I found used a machine with 10 lbs. capacity, took about 30 minutes start to finish. 5 lbs. paraffin and 5 lbs. beeswax made about 80 muffin-sized cakes of wax, each cake of wax would do 100 or more burnishing projects. Last batch she prepared for me was done after making vanilla-scented candle wax in her machine, so my finished wax had a pleasant scent (when polishing on the wheel the shop smelled like cookies baking).

When I retired and sold the business I think I sent along about 20 lbs. of burnishing wax in ready to use form, probably a 10-year supply.