Beeswax in Varnish, wrote
Francois
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My ancestors were wood and metal workers.
 
For Inlay Varnish they used:
Ozokerite      17 parts
Bees Wax      3 parts
Turpentine Oil  15 parts
 
Melt the first two and stir in the turpentine oil. This varnish is applied
like a polish and imparts to the wood a dark natural color and a dull luster.
 
Engraving surfaces had to be covered with a dark-colored coating and soft
enough to allow the finest lines to be drawn with a needle and easy to remove
when finished with oil or turpentine.
 
Using the following formula:
Bees Wax  50 parts
Syrian Asphalt  20 parts
Mastic 25 parts
 
Hope this helps in your quest!
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