Conservators all have their own special recipes and favourite brands of wax, Ian Thomson is one such conservator who has undertaken many projects for the Historic Houses Trust. From conservation of the Mungo McCallum table from Vaucluse House, to the re-construction (based on archaeological evidence) of the butlers pantry dresser from Elizabeth Bay House, he too has his own secret wax recipes. Like time proven hand woodworking tools, waxes are specifically blended to suit different finishes. wax is one Ian has developed to achieve a deep lustre on Australian red cedar antique pieces. is the formulation Ian used as part of the new finishes on the Elizabeth Bay house butlers pantry dresser. The secret to waxing is not how much you put on, but how much you polish off. The aim when polishing is to leave a microscopic film, which over time and numerous applications is what builds the antique patina of the piece. Purchases can be made through the Historic Houses Trust NSW

For questions or comments please contact the Webmaster. Last updated 20 September 2006 Copyright 2006, Ian Thomson. All rights reserved.