I have seen several posts about using beeswax for the rigging on the model ships. I like the consistency that it gives to the thread, but I’m also noticing a visible residue on the thread, which doesn’t look that great. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks.
Beeswax as a tradition goes wayyy back with ship models. There are two main drawbacks: beeswax is slightly acidic, so it will damage your lines eventually (and we’re talking long, long periods of time here - probably not a realistic concern for most). Second drawback is more immediate - it grabs dust like crazy, somehow managing to do so even inside a display case (ask me how I know).
Modern opinion seems to lean toward ‘micro wax’ (also called conservator’s wax), a more stable long-term solution.
I’ll throw in a last anecdotal possibility - Chapstick. I never really liked the stickiness of beeswax, so in a flash of perverse inspiration one time I resorted to a handy lip balm (the ‘original’ version, without the flavor and sunscreen additives). It dresses the lines like the beeswax did and seems to set with less fuss. It doesn’t make the lines quite as stiff, but I’ve never had a problem with that, myself. And it’s a lot simpler (for me) than messing with the beeswax. Just a thought.
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Excellent tip, Greg! You should send that one into the magazine.
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If you run the waxed line slowly through your pinched fingers, it will remove most of the residue on the line. The wax helps to prevent “fuzzing” of the line over time. I have not noticed any significant difference in dust accumulation between waxed and unwaxed lines on my ships. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, but there are so many variables at play (temp, humidity, pets, etc.) that anything is possible.
If you are putting it in a case, make sure the case has the ability to equalize temp and air pressure, which can cause lines to stretch or sag. Hermetically sealed cases will cause more problems to rigging than dust.
Bob
Greg, thanks for the tip about beeswax and chap stick and I agree with Tim about submitting this tip to FSM.