Renaissance Wax As A Print Preservation Technique

[thronobulax]

Does anyone have experience coating silver prints with Renaissance Wax as a final print coating for silver prints?

It's apparently a UK developed product used by curators and is alleged to improve apparent print contrast somewhat. But ... I have questions:

1. Does it undermine the long term archival properties of the print? It does have some kind of clear spirit in it, apparently.
2. How would one go about dry mounting such a print? Presumably the wax would be applied after mounting but I am unclear on how you would keep it off the mount board and likely thereby staining it.

 

[martin henson]

I have used Renaissance wax, It does give a small increase in contrast and also adds a delicate sheen to the paper.
It's used for museum conservation, non-acidic and neutral so I would assume it is safe to use.

If you intend to rub it into a mounted print, use very low tack tape to protect the mount or I would assume you could also coat the mount board with it

 

[AnalogueWendy]

I've used it to restore some contrast to a toned Cyanotype on watercolour paper. Helps a bit. I'll have to hunt out the result to see how it has fared. Smell is a bit off-putting and I believe it lingers longer on paper than on wood and hard surfaces.
I also use it to avoid dirt and oxidation on wood and metal cameras.

 

[David M]

PICREATOR ENTERPRISES LTD – Manufacturers of Products for Fine-Art Restoration & Conservation

Here’s a source for the wax, with a more extended description. They do specify that a test should be carried out, which seems wise.