Black Engravers Wax – Dial Wax

Description

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Hard Wax or Soft Wax?

We offer Black Engravers Wax in both Hard and Soft formulations so you can choose the most suitable wax for your particular engraving.

Black Hard Engravers Wax

Black Hard Wax is the more traditional option and produces a hard-wearing finish once it has been applied and levelled.

It is particularly suitable for deeper or larger engraved areas where durability is important. The hard wax is more difficult to work than the soft version and requires gentle heating to melt it into the engraving.

Black Soft Engravers Wax

Black Soft Wax is easier to apply and is particularly useful for very thin or fine engravings.

Because it is softer, it can be worked into small engraved details more easily. It is less stable in larger or deeper engravings than the hard wax, so the hard formulation may be preferable where a more durable fill is required.

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What is Black Engravers Wax used for?

Black Engravers Wax is primarily used to restore the appearance of engraved details by filling the recessed areas with black wax.

Typical applications include:

• Antique clock dial restoration
• Clock dial numerals
• Chapter rings
• Engraved clock markings
• Decorative engraving
• Engraved lettering
• Decorative inlays
• Metal restoration
• Horological restoration

It is especially useful where the original black engraved detail has become worn, damaged or missing and needs to be restored without disturbing the surrounding dial surface.

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How to use Black Engravers Wax

Black Engravers Wax is applied by gently warming the wax so that it can be worked into the engraved channel.

1. Make sure the engraving or recessed area is clean and free from loose dirt, grease and old material.
2. If appropriate, gently warm the workpiece first. This can help the wax adhere securely inside the engraved channel.
3. Warm the Black Engravers Wax sufficiently for it to become workable.
4. Using a small metal knife, spatula or suitable tool, work the softened wax into the engraving.
5. Make sure the recessed area is completely filled.
6. Allow the wax to cool and harden.
7. Carefully level or remove excess wax from the surrounding surface.
8. Finish the surface as appropriate for the restoration.

Use heat carefully. The purpose is to soften or melt the wax, not to overheat the clock dial or surrounding materials.

Always test your method on a spare piece or inconspicuous area before working on an important or valuable clock dial.

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Using Engravers Wax on Clock Dials

Black Engravers Wax is particularly useful when restoring engraved clock dials and chapter rings.

Engraved numerals and markings can lose their original black fill over time. Filling the recessed engraving with black wax can restore the contrast between the dial surface and the engraved detail.

This makes the numerals and markings easier to read while retaining the character of the original engraved dial.

For clock dial restoration, the wax can be used alongside other traditional restoration materials such as clock dial silvering powder, finishing powder and suitable dial lacquer.

When re-silvering an engraved brass clock dial, Black Engravers Wax can be used to fill the numerals and engraved details before the silvering process. Any excess wax can then be carefully levelled so that the dial surface remains suitable for silvering.

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Engraving and decorative inlays

Black Engravers Wax can also be used outside horological restoration wherever a black contrasting fill is required in a recessed design.

It can be useful for decorative engraving, lettering and inlay work, particularly where the black colour is intended to emphasise the engraved pattern against the surrounding material.

The choice between hard and soft wax depends on the size and depth of the engraving and the level of durability required.

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Important information

• Black Engravers Wax is supplied as a wax stick and may occasionally become damaged or broken during transit. If the wax stick arrives broken, it is still normally perfectly usable. The wax can be melted and applied in exactly the same way as an intact stick.
• Because the product is intended to be heated during application, use an appropriate tool and take care to avoid burns or overheating the workpiece.
• Always test the complete process on a spare piece or inconspicuous area before treating a valuable antique clock dial or other important restoration item.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Engravers Wax?

Black Engravers Wax is a traditional black wax used to fill engraved lettering, numerals and decorative channels. It is particularly popular for clock dial and horological restoration.

What is Black Engravers Wax used for?

It is used for restoring engraved numerals, chapter rings, clock dials, decorative lettering and other recessed engraving where a black contrasting fill is required.

Can I use Black Engravers Wax on a clock dial?

Yes. It is particularly suitable for clock dial restoration and can be used to restore black engraved numerals and markings on suitable clock dials.

Can I use it on a chapter ring?

Yes. Black Engravers Wax is suitable for filling engraved chapter rings and other engraved clock markings.

What is the difference between Black Hard Wax and Black Soft Wax?

Black Hard Wax produces a more traditional and hard-wearing finish and is better suited to larger or deeper engravings. Black Soft Wax is easier to work and is particularly useful for very fine or thin engravings, although it is less stable in larger engravings.

Which Engravers Wax should I choose for fine engraving?

Black Soft Wax is generally easier to use for very thin and fine engravings because it is softer and can be worked into small details more easily.

Which Engravers Wax is more durable?

Black Hard Wax provides the more traditional hard-wearing finish and is generally the better choice where the filled engraving needs greater stability.

How do I apply Black Engravers Wax?

The wax is gently heated until workable and then pushed or melted into the engraved channel using a small metal knife, spatula or similar tool. Once cool, excess wax can be carefully removed from the surrounding surface.

Does the clock dial need to be warmed first?

Prior warming of the workpiece can help the wax attach securely into the engraved channel. However, heat should be used carefully to avoid damaging the dial or surrounding materials.

Can I use Black Engravers Wax when re-silvering a clock dial?

Yes. Black Engravers Wax can be used to fill engraved numerals and details as part of a traditional clock dial restoration before silvering the dial surface.

Can Black Engravers Wax be used for decorative engraving?

Yes. It can be used to fill suitable decorative engraving, lettering and recessed designs where a black contrasting finish is required.

How big is the Black Engravers Wax stick?

The wax sticks are approximately 1cm x 8cm.

What if my wax arrives broken?

Occasionally the wax may break during transit. This does not normally affect its usefulness. Broken pieces can simply be warmed and applied in the same way as an intact stick.

Can I use the hard wax without heating it?

The hard wax is designed to be gently heated so that it can be melted into the engraving. Heating makes it substantially easier to apply and helps the wax fill the recessed area properly.

Can Black Engravers Wax be removed?

Wax can generally be removed or reheated during restoration work, although the method required depends on the surface and surrounding finish. Always take care when working on original antique clock dials.

I applied the Dial Engravers Wax and this has gone green, will this go black?

When the wax has been melted this does appear to have a green tint especially in the thin areas where there is no engraving but once buffed this will look Black again, please see the images below: