Descrizione
WAX RESCUE
Non-volatile green alternative to ligroin for wax removal
What it is Wax Rescue is a 100% green blend of acetals and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), specifically optimized for the removal of natural and synthetic waxes in cultural heritage conservation. Unlike traditional ligroin-based solvents, Wax Rescue features zero volatility, making it safer for both the operator and the artwork.
Why it matters Traditional wax removal relies on volatile, petroleum-derived solvents that pose serious health risks to conservators and can damage sensitive surfaces. Wax Rescue eliminates these risks while delivering equal or superior cleaning performance — with no harmful vapors, no flammability concerns, and no environmental compromise.
Key features
• 100% green formulation — no hazardous substances
• Zero volatility — no harmful vapors during application
• Effective on both natural and synthetic waxes
• Safe for operators — no special ventilation required
• Validated by conservation professionals through YoCoCu APS
• Customizable to specific project requirements
How to use
Direct application (swab method) Wax Rescue can be applied directly using a cotton swab or pad. Dose the appropriate amount onto the surface and allow the product to work by contact. It softens and dissolves natural and synthetic wax layers, enabling controlled, gradual removal through gentle mechanical action. Due to its zero volatility, there is no time pressure during application — the product remains active on the surface without evaporating.
Gel-supported application For enhanced control on delicate, porous, or vertical surfaces, Wax Rescue can be incorporated into specific gel carrier systems. However, not all gel types are compatible due to the nonpolar nature of the formulation (acetals and FAME).
Compatible systems:
• Carbopol (polyacrylic acid) solvent gels — When neutralized with surfactants such as Ethomeen C/12 or C/25, Carbopol can emulsify nonpolar solvents like Wax Rescue into a stable gel matrix. This approach, widely established in conservation practice since Wolbers’ pioneering work, allows controlled release of the solvent while limiting penetration into porous substrates. A dual neutralization system using triethanolamine (TEA) and Ethomeen is recommended for optimal emulsification.
• Pemulen TR-2 — A copolymer of acrylic acid and alkyl acrylate specifically designed to create stable oil-in-water emulsions. Pemulen TR-2 can hold up to 50% nonpolar phase, making it particularly well suited for incorporating Wax Rescue. The resulting emulsion gel allows simultaneous action of the solvent and aqueous components, with reduced operator exposure and improved surface control.
• High Acyl Gellan Gum (HAGG) — Unlike low acyl gellan, which produces rigid and brittle hydrogels, HAGG forms soft, flexible, and elastic gels with demonstrated compatibility with organic solvents. Its ability to deliver solvents in a controlled manner makes it a promising green carrier for Wax Rescue, particularly on moisture-sensitive substrates such as parchment and polychrome surfaces.
• Modified silicone-based thickeners (e.g., Velvesil Plus) — Silicone-crosspolymer dispersions can incorporate nonpolar solvents and release them gradually, with minimal interaction with water-sensitive surfaces.
Not compatible:
• Physical hydrogels (agar, agarose, low acyl gellan gum) — These systems are water-based rigid gels that cannot incorporate nonpolar solvents. The aqueous matrix is inherently immiscible with the acetal/FAME composition of Wax Rescue, making direct integration impossible.
• Cellulose-based thickeners (HPMC, CMC, Klucel) used in purely aqueous systems — While these thickeners are excellent for aqueous or polar solvent formulations, they are not effective for gelling nonpolar formulations like Wax Rescue without the aid of emulsifying agents.
Application notes
• Always perform a preliminary test on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
• After wax removal, clear the treated surface with a dry cotton swab to remove any product residue.
• For complex or large-scale interventions requiring customized gel formulations, contact Lab4Green for tailored technical support.
Technical specifications
• Appearance: liquid
• Composition: acetals and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)
• Volatility: none
• Article number: 03
• pH (1%): not applicable
• Shelf life: see packaging
Safety & compliance Wax Rescue is classified as non-hazardous under EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). No special handling, storage, or disposal precautions are required beyond standard laboratory practices.
Full Safety Data Sheet available for download.
Recensioni
Ancora non ci sono recensioni.