IBOTA WAX

[sanjuro]

Ibota wax....... Some love it, some advise against using it.

 

Now I'm not a tosogu man although I own a few pieces. Consequently my exposure to this wax is minimal. I know what it is, but how is it used in relation to tosogu, and what are the pro's and con's of it?

 

Where better to ask this question but here among those in the know?

[Ford Hallam]

Keith,

 

it would depend on the metal in question, it's condition and certain aesthetic considerations.

 

But in any-case, if you do use wax I'd recommend a micro-crystalline wax formulation like Renaissance Wax.

 

regard,

 

ford

[Soshin]

I have never personally used it on tosogu. I do have some iron tsuba in my collection that have been treated with Ibota wax. All with the exception of one was purchased in Japan. The Ibota wax was already applied to the iron tsuba(s) before I acquired them for my collection. I think it was a fairly common practice to appliy a layers of Ibota wax to prevent rusting on iron tosogu such as tsuba.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David S. (Soshin)

[sanjuro]

Thanks David...... Is it wise to use this wax? I assume it is a protective measure, but there is some criticism of its use without explanation. That's really what I was asking about. I have only one tsuba that has been treated with wax, and I was wondering whether or not to remove it or to simply leave well enough alone.

[Toryu2020]

All -

I always understood it to be for application on wood. Things like tansu and such. Anybody know of or used it in this manner?

-t

[sanjuro]

The info I can get on Google suggests there are two types. One is a secretion of an insect(Japanese). The othe (Chinese ) is prepared from the sap of a tree. I can get the name of the insect and tree if you like, but I'll have to google it again. The tree sap preparation is used on wood.

Can you understand why I am confused about this?

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Keith,

 

concerns about the use of wax on iron guards may be due to the possibility that a wax covering may actually hide ongoing rusting and that unless the wax preparation is not perfectly neutral the wax itself may contribute to the problem.

 

Unless the tsuba was completely free of moisture when it the wax was applied it may subsequently be sealed inside and thus promote active rusting.

 

Overuse of wax may also obscure the more subtle visual qualities of the metal.

 

With time, certain waxes oxidise and appear as a white residue in details.

 

regards,

ford

[sanjuro]

Thanks Ford.

 

The one tsuba I have that is waxed is actually exhibiting this white residue you mention, hence my question in the first instance. The question begs whether to remove the wax or to re apply wax in order to remove the residue of the old application and renew the finish. Its a 'damned if you do, and damned if you dont' sort of problem.

[Ford Hallam]

I'd suggest removing the wax if it's oxidised. Be prepared for a shock though, it may look worse once the wax is off.

 

You can use denatured alcohol or paint stripper if the wax is heavy. The patina will not be affected...unless it's painted on .

 

btw; is the piece iron of soft metal? a pic or 2 might help advise more accurately

 

Reapplying wax, if that's what you decide to do, is not complicated but should be done carefully and sparingly. I tend to warm the work first to both ensure the metal is as dry as possible and also to allow the wax to flow thinly into every nook and cranny. I use a cotton wool ball to apply and clean paper tissue to begin gently bringing the wax to a soft sheen once the metal begins to cool and the wax hardens. I keep lint free cloth to hand for the final gentle rub.

[sanjuro]

Ford

 

Fortunately, the tsuba in question is plain iron with no inlay or softer metal incrustation. Much of the surface is wax free and only here and there in the shallow line carving and texture of the plate has this residue found a foothold. I think the denatured alcohol in the first instance would be the gentlest way of removal.

Thankfully, we are not talking about an overall coating of wax, just the remnants of an old coating. The plate is stable and without active rust. Its rather a nice old tsuba with a bit of character. I'll post a pic or two when the alcohol treatment has been done later today, you may be able to tell me something about this tsuba. And thanks for the advice.

[sanjuro]

As promised. Post alcohol stripped tsuba. I'm rather pleased with the result. I think there will be no need for a wax coating to be reapplied. Though this is not a particularly distinguished tsuba, any information will be greatly appreciated.