I’m looking for a varnish that can adhere to a surface that has been treated with wax.
It is in fact a sculpture made of polyester that has been finished with wax to give it a specific patina; the work will be placed outside and needs an extra coating to make it weather resistant and to keep its current appearance (UV resistant).
We are therefore looking for a matte varnish for outdoor use that can adhere to a surface consisting of wax / shoe polish, is UV and weather resistant and does not discolor (turns yellow) over the years.
Thank you for your time and advice.
Kind regards,
Francis
First, I m back online.
I worry that the low meting temperature of wax would render any varnish unstable. However, forgoing that, it is generally best to cover wax containing surfaces with an alcohol soluble coating so that the superimposed coat does not bite into and incorporate itself with the varnish. Shellac would work but it is not impervious to water and does yellow. Perhaps a poly vinyl acetate solution but this may also bloom when wet.
I am not sure that there is a good answer for this. Why not just have the wax as a coating. This is what conservators use to protect outdoor bronze sculptures. You would need to recoat the surface yearly.