Finishing scales using wax

Originally posted by OLD_SCHOOL here on SRP.

Background

I like candles, used to love them in fact. I had a stockpile for a very long time, guess you could say I collected them. Hell I even used to make my own candles when I was young, so I am familiar with how to use the waxes. I used to waterproof my own matches and I did it differently than you buy in shops, mostly by accident. I used hot wax which would absorb right into the wood and into the match head, some brands of matches didn't react well, but others responded very well. You could submerge the matches for long periods of time and you wouldn't have to worry about them going out once they hit wet wood.

Procedure

So moving on. I haven't done any of this stuff in a decade or two, and just the other day I had an interesting thought. How about using wax to seal scales. There are all sorts of waxes out there with all sorts of additives to keep it soft and pliable, but I am talking plain old candle wax. So I took a sample wood left over from some scales Floppyshoes made me, and I tested it out. Worked well so I thought cool, I will wax some scales. First attempt worked very well and got me motivated to finish another pair. I have some pictures for you all, coz we all love pictures, and I also will do a list of pro's and cons.

Pros & Cons

PRO'S

• You can recycle them old candle stubs and that leftover wax.
• Distributes evenly.
• Absorbs quickly
• Dries quickly.
• Don't need a dozen or so coats.
• Looks great.
• Cost effective.
• Non messy. You don't have to worry about needing solvents to remove wax from fingers or surfaces, which it may come in contact with.

CONS

• Sometimes the can get grubby. I.e. fingerprints can be seen.
• Some woods react a little different.

Thats all the pro's and cons that I can come up with for now, but I like those results.

Results

First set of scales is bloodwood. Before and after pics, as you can see they look great. One is before is with flash the other without, same with after pics.

• Bloodwood Set
• 

  before

• 

  before (with camera flash)

• 

  after

• 

  after (with camera flash)

Second set, before and after pics. I can't recall if this is cocobolo or bocote, but think it is bocote. This ones didn't respond well with the heat, a sap like substance was secreted and the wax didn't fully absorb, so the final appearance isn't too flash.

• Cocobolo or Bocote
• 

  before

• 

  before (with camera flash)

• 

  after

• 

  after (with camera flash)

SRP forum member Aquinin finished a set of scales using Renaissance Wax:

• Cocobolo or Bocote
• 

Did I mention how cost effective this method of sealing scales is? Use your candles to romantasize your wife or girlfriend, then pick up that set wax which pooled at the base of the candle, and use it to seal your scales. See, those candles serve both of the loves in your life. Women and scales for your razors. Mother earth will thank you too.

NOTE: Melting the wax can be potentially dangerous. If you burn the flesh off your body from in proper handling, or burn your house down, don't look at me. I accept no liability.