Information and Suppliers 
of Conservation Materials
 
Microcrystalline Wax Information
 
Microcrystalline wax (conservation wax) provides an excellent seal against moisture.  It is however, easily scratched or worn by mechanical abrasion.  Since most artifacts are displayed (hopefully), this should not be a problem.  It is important to remove all traces of salts and other chemicals from the artifact as the wax will trap these under the coating, causing damage to the item.  Before dipping the artifact in the melted wax, heat the artifact carefully to allow better wax penetration and help to further dry out the artifact.  Once an artifact is wax coated, it should be stored away from heat sources.  Microcrystalline wax is generally not UV resistant, so keep the item from direct sunlight.

Parafin (candlewax) or beeswax should not be used.  These waxes are brittle, microcrystalline wax has almost plastic like qualities.
 
Microcrystalline Wax Suppliers
 
You may find microcrystalline wax at a good metal detector shop, or you can try these companies.  Please let me know how they helped you so I can rate them here.  E-Mail: Richard Stinchcomb

Conservation Resources
Phone: (800)634-6932

Microcrystalline Wax
Catalog Number: CL-MCWX     One kilo - $16.50
Protects silver, copper, iron and lead, forms a moisture barrer and does not attract dirt.
Haven't tried it, but sounds like a good all around product.

Conservation Support Systems
Phone: (800)482-6299

Multiwax W-445
Catalog number:CM-10140

This is the same stuff I use.  Clear and hard.
1lb - $5.21
5 lbs - 21.18
10 lbs - $31.95

Conservators Wax
Catalog Number:CM-14107
Highly refined museum quality Microcrystalline Wax:
Crystal clear wax for wood, metals, seramics, ivory, marble, leather, and other materials.
Expensive, packed in 4oz aluminum containers.
4 oz - $9.50 (qty 1-5)
4 oz - $8.55 (qty 6+)

USAPEX
2378 Walsh Ave. Suite B
Santa Clara, CA  95051

Phone: 408.982.9063
FAX: 408.982.0223

Technical Information: Taiwan Wax Company

Measurements Group Inc.
PO Box 27777
Raleigh, NC  27611

Phone: 919.365.3800
FAX: 919.365.3945

Technical Information: Measurements Group Inc.

Whittaker, Clark & Daniels Inc.
1000 Coolidge Street
South Plainfield, NJ

Phone: 800.732.0562
FAX: 800.833.8135
 
Tannic Acid Supplier
I've found some suppliers would rather deal with purchase orders on company letterheads, but this one didn't require any of that.

Rose & Co, Inc.

Manchester, Connecticut  USA 06040
(phone number pending)
 
Other Substances
Ethyl alcohol can be purchased at a good hardware store. Distilled water of course can be found a supermarket.