Tools & Materials

Hi Jack,

What a timely question! This coating question (for brass mounts) is a question we've been exploring lately and I love your outside the box thinking here!

If you haven't already, have a look at the April Collaborative Forum the IMF co-hosted with the AIC-MWG to begin exploring this mount coating topic. We didn't speak specifically about your idea, but there might be something else of interest: https://www.mountmakersforum.net/materials/mountmaterialscollaboration

I gave a short talk on easy ways to mix your own acrylic coating that allows us to bypass complex proprietary recipes and long dry times by using already-approved conservation materials: https://youtu.be/kEQcMZczGLs?si=sY_OW9sZKSV1r3um&t=2834

Also, I just got back from AIC, where I asked a few conservators about your idea for using the Renaissance wax. Sorry to say that I didn't find any specific testing info, but it is a common material used in outdoor sculpture. There were questions about the benefits of the wax in this application though. It kind of boils down to asking oneself why we are coating the brass at all. Does the mount even need a coating? If the coating goal is to seal the metal, wax is pretty porous, so wouldn't be the best solid barrier. If the purpose is to create a nice surface to faux paint, wax might resist many water-based paints and padding adhesives. And depending on the material the mount would be contacting (if it is direct contacting), it might be un-advised to have the wax in direct contact for tackiness reasons. If this is purely aesthetic, and you are going for a specific patina, perhaps a chemical patina or washes of acrylic paint or Gamblin colors might work?

But I am not a chemist, conservator or expert in waxes though, so I am basically just passing on more questions:) If any of our conservation colleagues out there want to weigh in with knowledge about testing or practical suggestions regarding using Renaissance wax as a brass mount coating, please let us know!

Hope this helps,

Shelly

Hello! Rio Grande sells a system that is exactly like what you are describing. Here's a link to the complete kit. Additionally, they offer the individual parts and two depths of pans if you have issues sourcing these items. Rio can be a bit pricey, but it's an option!

Thank you for the Gutermann suggestion, I had ordered some 100% cotton thread from them, but didn't know they had the invisible poly. I can't use strapping for this application, it would be too large, it's really for those tiny securements that we always use monofilament for. I'm just hoping to collect as many alternative ideas as possible to be well prepared.

Hi Olivia

The team I have just joined are in a similar situation in which we, fingers crossed, will be pulling together a new workshop very soon and would be very keen to hear more about your experience and any suggestions or pit falls you have come across.

Also interested to hear of any suggestion's others have for must have tools!

I am new to mount making and still finding my way so have spent many, many afternoons on IMF absorbing content.

Many thanks,

Sam