How Do You Know Which Wax To Use?

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Wax Carving Assortment;
Wax Wires (Round & 1/2 Round);
22 Gauge Pink Sheet Wax;
Blue Inlay Wax For Casting;
Rectangular Tin Boxes With Lids; and,
Wax Ring Tube ("D")
Purchases made using the Amazon links on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com, help to financially support the OJA. On our website you'll also find links to products from Durston Tools that we have reviewed. Or, you can access Durston's website at durston.com/oja.
Jewelers rely on wax to produce multiples of items in mass production. Wax is inexpensive and provides a wide range of opportunities for developing jewelry designs. But when you're first starting out, you might not be sure which wax to purchase.
In this short video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy provides viewers with information that will help them to determine which wax(es) they need to accomplish their lost wax casting goals. The OJA also has a number of other videos on lost wax casting that will help you to get started making jewelry.
Here are a few searchable terms that will help you to find information on the internet concerning wax products used for lost wax casting:
Inlay Wax, Casting Sheet Wax, Injection Wax, File-a-Wax, Carvable Wax, Wax Wire, Jewelry Molding Wax.
If you like this video, we've got plenty more. You can find the OJA's videos organized by category on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com
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The OJA offers complete courses on Udemy.com.
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www.udemy.com/makingjewelry/?...
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/articulatedhing...
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
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[@Grafcommunication]

Great Video and specific infos to use and find the wax

[@pauls5745]

thank you for explaining in detail some key aspects of choosing a wax. I'm just getting in to artistic casting and think I can be more creative with the right wax for each process or pieces I want to do

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad I could help. I’m sure that with A little experimentation you’ll get the hang of things quickly.😀

[@alicerosa6766]

As always a very good instructional video. Thank you again John👍👌😁.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Alice, Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@julieroue7031]

Thank you so much for all the information! The way you explain it is great.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!😀

[@giorgiaaversa4895]

Very helpful! Thanks for putting this video together.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@alvinadesir5801]

Thank you, super informative and answered all questions in thought ...❤

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I’m glad that you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@silenttraveler2710]

*Professor you are Waxalishious...* Thanks...

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@sukmeeballz8327]

Really love your videos.. im 5 months in my apprenticeship and loving it... i wish i could sit down and pick your brain 😀

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Well, there are 350+ free videos on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. And, they are organized by topic. So, you kind of can pick my brain virtually. By the way, funny KZbin handle. Good luck with your apprenticeship. 😀

[@sukmeeballz8327]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy yes i watched them religiously...yeah the name was meant for my "gaming" lol..sorry bout that.

[@sukmeeballz8327]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks for sharing👌🙏🙏🙏

[@dariorivero1128]

Muchas gracias, saludos desde Argentina abrazos

[@sahithch245]

Thank u very much sir

[@joannanorma]

great info thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@AnaRodriguez-sd9dx]

Thank you so much It helps a lot your information I have been working w those waxes Self learning...! May you tell us how could we write on waxes and which is the best one for it

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I'm glad that you've found the OJA's videos helpful. Thanks for watching! 😀 You can write on any kind of wax. You just need to figure out which tool produces the line that you prefer. And, you need to test to see how warm and sharp the tool needs to be to consistently get the kind of results you want. Just remember, any surface texture that you put on a wax model will be "softened" during the finishing processes. So, you can't just lightly scratch the surface. I hope that this helps. 😉

[@chinyerechristineenih1732]

Are there any differences between these waxes when casting? I use inlay wax but would like to try the green/pink sheet wax to cast. I use cristobolite when casting. Do you think this will work with the sheet wax?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

As long as the various waxes hold together and burnout cleanly, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. 😀

[@marcotestaguzza8212]

Hi, I've got a brain arteries wax model I would like to melt after clear silicon cured around. I tried heating the whole model up and make some hot water circulate in order to melt the wax and have a clear hollow silicon model. However, it always leaves an opaque effect like a thin layer of wax would always stay there. Is there a specific type of wax i can use for this purspose? Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

marco testaguzza You might want to ask your question to the manufacturer of the silicon product that you are using. I can’t think of a wax that won’t leave any residue. 🙂

[@deyodie]

I work with stainless steel wire ,I love it but can not find alot of information about it. Can you put it in a pickling pot to clean it after you weld it?I did find out about the flux.Could you do some videos on stainless I use 18 ga. 20 ga. and very small wire.Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Debbie, I don't work with stainless steel. So, my knowledge of how to work with it is limited. You can put stainless steel in a pickle pot without any adverse effects. I suggest that you search Google for channels that regularly work with it to find more information. Sorry I'm not much help on the topic. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

[@TamDeKock]

Hi there, do you know whether I can mix blue File-A-Wax with paraffin or bees wax to make the consistency right for sculpture?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

There are a number of websites and KZbin channels that provide recipes for blending waxes for sculpture. I recommend that you investigate these sources. What you proposed in your comment will not work well. Good luck with your creative pursuits. 🙂

[@VirgoFx.]

Hi i love your videos..what wax would you say is best for making gold caps for teeth?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi, Glad you're enjoying the videos. Making "grills" is kinda out of my wheelhouse. Because they are worn on the teeth, they need to be expertly fit and constructed. If they aren't, they could chip a person's teeth. I suggest that you investigate channels that specialize in this sort of work. And, you might even want to check out some dental channels. Ultimately, you'll probably want to study in person with someone who is skilled at making grills. Good luck! Thanks for your support! : )

[@VirgoFx.]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks for the quick reply i will take what you have said on board your very appreciated thanks

[@johnrichardson3689]

Can you use sheet wax in replacement for line wax to make a tree for casting?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

It might be tricky, but I believe it’s possible. Maybe you can warm up a piece of sheet wax and roll it into a wire. 😀

[@KwanthaigemsCoLtd]

Hi I'm wax carver in thailand. Your video is very good instruction for Jewelry maker. So can i share your video on my facebook to be useful for wax caver in my country? Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Feel free to share the link to the video.

[@sukmeeballz8327]

He is very amazing at what he does, and a great teacher !🙏🙏

[@gabriellacox234]

What’s the best type of wax for making fingerprint pendants I think it’s like a dark purple/dark blue mouldable one?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I have never made fingerprint jewelry. But it makes sense that you would use a soft wax to get a good fingerprint. I suggest to hat you contact the technical support staff of a jewelry supplier for advice. Good luck!🍀

[@jenikasmith6504]

Do you have any other recommendations on where to buy the red inlay wax. It appears to be all sold out on the link provided. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Most jewelry supply companies stock it. I’ll try to provide a new link as soon as I can. 😀

[@jenikasmith6504]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy is the red inlay wax the same as red moulding wax. Can it be manipulated with the heat of the hands also, because I have seen some people using the same colour wax and sculpting it with their fingers? Thanks 😁

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

@@jenikasmith6504 Manufacturers assign colors to their waxes. Some wax made for sculpture are colored red but perform different from waxes intended for jewelry. The red inlay wax for jewelry cannot be manipulated by hand.

[@lefur8]

Can you add something made from a flexible wax sheet to the hard green carving wax?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Yes. You simply need to use an inlay wax to join the two items. : )

[@lefur8]

OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you! Could you also use a heat source (like a soldering iron) to join the two different waxes together?

[@MusicalMindsTv]

I’m learning to make grills and pendants, what wax’s should I be going for I’m uk based

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I’ve always referred clients who wanted grills to designers with experience and training in making them. So you should pose your questions to someone else who has a background in making grills. Otherwise, you could potentially make a mistake that might injure someone. As for making pendants, you could virtually use any type of wax. It all depends on what your creative goals are. Since I cannot see your designs, you might want to seek the help of an experienced jewelry designer in your area. Good luck with your projects. 🍀

[@hiba]

Nice.. well I wanted to ask is there any way to solder pewter jewelry?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, pewter can be soldered. I don't work with "white" metals. So, I don't have any experience with soldering pewter. But, just do a quick Google search for how to solder pewter and you should find many site that will tell you exactly how it's accomplished. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

[@daniloaranda9530]

OnlineJewelryAcademy LLM P LLP

[@flyingcheff]

awesome!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks Gabby. Glad you enjoyed the video. What did you think about the hinge video that we gave you a preview of? Thanks for your support! : D

[@flyingcheff]

As usual, your attention to detail and your truly BETTER teaching abilities stand out yet again. You could teach the Eskimos how to build an igloo, (but don't need to). You are an excellent teacher and so patient and thorough. THAT is what makes it all happen!

[@sarahsilvey9322]

What's the name of the purple wax in the tin for repairs? Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Perfect purple. There are many different manufacturers of it. The original was Peck’s. 😀

[@chrismalcomson7640]

The hardest problem i have is removing the wax model from the work surface without destroying the model in the process. I've tried freezing the wax and using a blade but with limited success. I then have the problem of turning the model upside down to attach the sprues. It can be a real dogs dinner at times. I guess i need more experimentation with different waxes and work surfaces. Thanks for the video, it gives me some options....

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You might try covering your work surface with aluminum foil or giving it a light coating of olive oil before you start working. 😀

[@chrismalcomson7640]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy The delemma is you need it to stick so you can build up the model. Foil sounds like a great solution. I'll give it a go.. Thanks for the tip...

[@Ketil95]

Is the only difference between the pink and green wax sheet the thickness? Or is the green sheet also harder than the pink?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Yes, the only difference is the thickness. 😀

[@Ketil95]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you!

[@mvtcreation9883]

which type of investment casting wax use

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I generally use Keer products for making my waxes. Investment is a completely different thing from wax. Please be sure to check out our video on Professional Lost Wax Casting From Start To Finish. Thanks for your support! : )

[@lizw2853]

I bought some Mold A Wax and I can’t work out how to use it. It seems very soft. What is it meant to be used for?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

That type of wax can be softened in warm water so that it can be used like modeling clay. It’s often used to sculpt with or make free form jewelry. A Google search will provide you with many examples. 😀

[@lizw2853]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thankyou very much for your video teaching and that you bother to reply😊

[@SunShine-ec1lg]

Hello sir, what kind of wax would you recommend to make an ear cuff? Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

If you want to carve detail on the surface you’ll need to use a blue carving wax. But if you just want a simple ear cuff, you could use a wax wire. 😀

[@SunShine-ec1lg]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy wow, thank you so much for the information and for the fast reply. I am learning so much from you!

[@TEKKKNO]

Can i use wax beads that used to remove hair to casting lost wax molds?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

If the wax will burnout cleanly, I don’t see a problem. Just remember that thin or fine areas might not cast well. 😀

[@TEKKKNO]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademythnx to replay i think i found other solution dental carving wax i think this will work better than regular candle wax

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

@@TEKKKNO candle wax should only be in the emergency kit in your studio. 😀

[@mvtcreation9883]

how to make moulding wax please

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Sorry, I don't understand your question. I hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@markmuzka]

Tnx👍👍👍

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@tonytai1787]

How to buy these wax?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You can purchase waxes from most online jewelry suppliers. 😉

[@tonytai1787]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you🙏

[@lp9074]

Is there a wax that gives an organic texture like beeswax?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

@@lp9074 Texture on a finished piece is generally applied manually. This is because castings usually require a great deal of finishing that can diminish a texture developed in the wax. Direct casting methods can leave a pleasant “organic” texture on castings. 😀

[@lp9074]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you ☺️

[@mariolegrange4447]

Which one to use?? Hell I can't even find a single piece in south africa.... I hate this place

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Sorry you’re feeling frustrated. If you’re unable to find wax to carve, you could carve other materials like paster of paris, soap or wood. These materials aren’t suitable for burnout or casting. But you course don’t them to a precessional caster for molding and casting. Hang in there! 😀