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Author	Topic: Question about wax removal
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 04-20-2008 01:09 PM Wondering if anyone has a good system for removing wax drippings from candlesticks? I have several candlesticks that have accumulated wax and need to remove it. Other than boiling water, what can be done? And how do you clean out bebouchees? I have struggled with this for years and wonder if there is an easy way to deal with the problem. IP: Logged
blakstone Posts: 493 Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-20-2008 02:27 PM Have you tried a blow drier? I find it works well to soften the wax. An old tea towel and popsickle stick help to release the stubborn bits. Be sure to protect your hands, as the metal can get very hot; I use a pair of cowhide work gloves. IP: Logged
dragonflywink Posts: 993 Registered: Dec 2002	posted 04-20-2008 02:54 PM Jeffrey Herman has useful tips on silver care including candlewax on the SAS site (link on the SMPub homepage). I've used rubbing alcohol with a soft cloth to remove that last little bit of residue, and I tend to be cautious about letting candles burn too far, stems from a pesky little fire with a wooden candlestick as a teenager. ~Cheryl IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 04-20-2008 02:56 PM Put them in the freezer for a few minutes, when you take them out it should peel right off. Jersey IP: Logged
June Martin Forum Master Posts: 1326 Registered: Apr 93	posted 04-20-2008 03:14 PM Generally all my experience with wax is from the teeth I used to get during Halloween ... On solid silver (not filled with pitch, etc) I have found warm water or the hair dryer can work well. Also freezing an object so the wax gets brittle; this allows the wax to be pealed or chipped off/out of crevices. I also hear that depending on the type of wax there are solutions that may be useful. Beeswax may be dissolved with turpentine or Carbon Tetrachloride. I am hoping others who have more experience with wax will comment. IP: Logged
argentum1 Posts: 602 Registered: Apr 2004	posted 04-20-2008 05:57 PM Use EXTREME caution with carbon tetrachloride. Well ventilating space and preferably outside. No heating sources close by. During WWI it was exposed to high heat to produce a deadly gas called Phosgene. In any event it is definitely not good for your lungs. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 04-21-2008 09:53 AM Carbon tet is carcinogenic - but was also a key ingredient in the old magicians' trick of cold fire - visible flames that could be held in the hand, etc. It's dense and non-flammable (also why it was used on old fire-extinguishers), and would provide a base that insulated the skin. Was also a key ingredient in dry-cleaning solutions until relatively recently. My understanding is that it can no longer be bought outside chemists' supply houses. In short, best to use other options! IP: Logged

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