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Billy Kramer

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How to preserve the finish on zinc badges?

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    #1

    How to preserve the finish on zinc badges?

    Does anyone know of a proven method to preserve the finish on zinc badges?

    I think we all have seen how the finish can deteriorate over time, and I'm hoping there is a way to prevent or at least slow the process. A special manner of storage perhaps?
    Tags: None
    #2
    Microcrystalline Wax

    Well, if leaving it untouched in an acid and moisture free environment doesn't work, then I think a coat of Renaissance Wax will do the trick. I've tried it on several small items with good success and I believe Robert Pearce has used it on a zincer that was suffering from zinc pest. To my way of thinking it's certainly better than a slippery coating of Vaseline. It protects from moisture, and other airborne contaminants, and has the added benefit of being removable if so desired. Remember though, it's option B. Option A would still be to modify the storage environment if reasonably possible.

    May I suggest you contact Robert directly to see what he can add.

    In addition Paul R. (not PaulR) is our resident conservator and will offer suggestions soon I am sure.

    Regards,
    Stu
    Last edited by Stu W; 10-21-2008, 10:08 AM. Reason: spelling...

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      #3
      Stu W. is correct. If your metal is zinc base, and is zinc pest free a very small ren wax is ok to apply. If zinc pest is there ren wax will not always protect the medal 100%. Of course like Stu stated an humidity controlled enviroment is best, and it's best to keep it in an acid free enviroment as well. When touching your medal wear cotton, or vynil gloves. Body oils, sweat, body salts will also cause deteriation. Even freasly washed hands or not exempt. Paul

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        #4
        I hate to add another dismal prognosis, but I suppose I should in order to cover everything. Zinc pest, being a major cause of zinc deterioration is said to also be caused by impurities in the zinc, during the period--mainly lead. Some scientists say this lead content can have a pest-producing chemical reaction with the zinc over time. If it is the humidity which must also react with the impurities to form the pest, then the Ren-Wax should do the trick. However, depending on how much the metal impurity issue has to do with humidity, we may all be up the creek here.

        Since we do see examples of zinc pieces from the period which are devoid of the pest, there is obviously hope for it somehow. I'm sure that, in some cases, depending on time, technology, etc., they may have done a better job of filtering out the metal impurities. Other pieces may have just been lucky enough to be protected from necessary humidity levels. In the meantime, I'd say that the excellent advice given above is about the best any of us can do.

        Chris

        P.S. I agree that coating anything with vaseline (or any oil-based substance) is always a bad idea. Anything that permanenlty remains wet and sticky just attracts dust and generally creates a mess.
        Last edited by Stahlhelm; 11-04-2008, 03:22 PM.

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          #5
          I've never used Renaissance Wax; does it leave a visual film that would make the badge finish look strange or shiney? What about the application; is it in paste form or more liquid?

          Comment

            #6
            Clear and dry...

            Originally posted by Rheinmetall View Post
            I've never used Renaissance Wax; does it leave a visual film that would make the badge finish look strange or shiney? What about the application; is it in paste form or more liquid?
            Hi,

            It leaves a clear film over the object. You can't really see or feel it. Nor does it cause glare when photographed. It's a very fine paste wax that goes a long way so apply sparingly. It appears a translucent white in the container but when you apply it, let it dry for a couple minutes, then buff it with a clean soft cotton cloth it leaves a clear finish behind. Same as the method of application for paste car wax really.

            Here is an item with Ren Wax on it. Note that the patina is not disturbed nor is there any color shift.

            Regards,
            Stu
            Attached Files

            Comment

              #7
              other examples...

              I'll give WA member George Wheeler (SCHUPO on WA), who authored the book, a little plug.

              Both the blades are waxed. I can't show you a zinc item as all my war badges are tombak and I don't wax them.

              If you have more questions let me know.

              Regards,
              Stu
              Attached Files

              Comment

                #8
                Thanks Stu!

                Just apply Ren Wax to blades only. A very little of Ren Wax goes a very long way. Paul

                Comment

                  #9
                  In the entire realm of collectibles, what materials is it safe to use Ren Wax on (types of metal, wood, leather?)

                  Comment

                    #10
                    As a conservator I only use Ren Wax on knife blades, porclin. I do not use it on anything else. Ren Wax states that it is great on all things. The British Museum uses it on almost everything. Professionally speaking you never want to seal any once living material wood, leather. Nor do want to seal petrolium base items. The wood and leather need to breath. Oil base items can react overtime with Ren Wax. Also over time ren wax will collect dust. You may want to remove the old and apply a new coating. It can be easliy remover from blades. It is almost impossible to remove from wood, leather, oil base products. As a conservator I feel there has not been a in depth study on this product as a wonder cure all. Yes, I am a bit cautionus, on outragious claims on a product. I also look to see who is advertising, and marketing the sales and who is profiting from this. Hope this helps Paul
                    Last edited by Paul R.; 11-03-2008, 08:05 AM.

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                      #11
                      Renaissance wax available?

                      Thanks for the valuable input about Renaissance Wax on Tombac badges.
                      Is this stuff readily available in the states?
                      This is the first I've heard of it.
                      Thanks.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        I found Ren-Wax at my local cutlery/knife store. After thinking I would have to order it online, I decided to first check a local store, selling items upon which one would use Ren-Wax.

                        Otherwise, if you can't find it at a local store, just do a search for it on google, and I'm sure you'll find any number of links to online vendors.

                        Chris

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Thanks again

                          Once again;thank you Chris!
                          (I love this website!)
                          J.v.C.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by J.von Canon View Post
                            Once again;thank you Chris!
                            (I love this website!)
                            J.v.C.
                            You are most welcome, J.v.C. I, for one, am always glad to help, whenever I can.

                            Chris

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