Is there a proper "finishing" wax for etched beads?

[cadia]

I'd like to put some kind of protective/enhancing look and feel to my finished etched beads. I thought I saw a type of wax mentioned once in a thread but can't find it ~ it was expensive that's all I remember. Does anyone else apply something like this to their etched beads?
Thanks!!

[maddog1050]

I etch and sandblast many of my beads but don't apply any type of wax to them. I think this would defeat the purpose of the surface effect I want on them.

However, I have used Renaissance Wax on some of my silver and metal jewelry pieces. This is fairly expensive but you only need a little and it gives a good protective finish. I think this was originally designed to protect armour pieces in the Tower of London. That might be what you're thinking of?

I don't remember where I got it, but if you search on line I'm sure you can find a supplier. Not sure if it's anything you'd want for glass beads, though.

[SharonP]

Renaissance Wax.... fabulous stuff, you can get it on eBay. *s*

[Anne Ricketts]

Yep, the renaissance wax is great! I got mine from Blue Moon. :grin:

[Starrr]

I don't know what kind of protection you'll get, but I've tried this...

My son hates the feel of etched beads, so I tried polishing them with handmade body oil and body cream. I just put it on the etched beads, let it dry and buffed it out. I wouldn't say the beads looked shiney, but they do have a warm, oily glow and they smell great. This looks especially nice on the *river rock* type of organic bead.

[SuzyQ]

I use to use a tiny bit of hand lotion to soften the beads after etching but have found something even better. Instead of neutralizing the acid with a baking soda solution try milk. The beads come out nice and smooth without a chalky feeling to them.

[Anne Ricketts]

I'll try the milk since I'm out of baking soda! :grin:

[cadia]

I think it was renaissance wax that I am thinking of - I don't want a "shiny" look but I thought a thin coat would make it feel nice ~ Til I catch up with that I'll try the various other suggestions ~ thanks everyone!

[SuzyQ]

Be forewarned, the milk curdles and looks pretty gross when you are done. But at least it doesn't stink! :D

[xtine sutter]

I just bought Renaissance wax from these folks. Seem to have good prices.

http://stores.ebay.com/Art-Acquisitions-Unlimited_W0QQsspagenameZL2222QQtZkm

[cadia]

Christine,
I also ordered from Art Aquisitions and got my wax super fast today! I tried it out and it does just what I wanted - which is to say not much! It "freshens the color amd imparts the slightest satin sheen". Maybe it will also keep the etched beads from reacting with silver.
I bought the BIG jar _ probably wont' ever need to order it again!

[Janet's Glass]

I use to use a tiny bit of hand lotion to soften the beads after etching but have found something even better. Instead of neutralizing the acid with a baking soda solution try milk. The beads come out nice and smooth without a chalky feeling to them.

I keep powdered milk in my bead cleaning area...and I put a scoop into the sonic cleaner after rinsing off the etching solution and let the beads have a good soak.

I dont have to worry about milk going bad either.

[Janet's Glass]

Yes, I ran right over and bought some Renaissance Wax. I have been looking for a good glass wax for a while. Can't wait for it to arrive.

Thanks for the info!

[beadworkstudio]

I use my Burt's Bees lemon butter cuticle creme. Its second ingredient is wax, and I know it won't irritate most skin, so I figured what the heck. Renaissance Wax might last longer, but I already have the other and it's cheaper (though probably not by much).

[cadia]

I use Burt's Bees tinted moisturizer on my face (!). And love it!
Probably wouldn't look great on the beads !LOL!!