[Different Aftosa Green Wax Resists?]

Yes (Min), I am not especially pleased with Clay Planet's response.  Either they can't be bothered, as you suggest, or else they don't want to admit that the product used to have formaldehyde -- bad publicity, perhaps.  But I am just going to assume that the bottle I have from Bailey's is toxic, trust that the newer bottle is not, and leave it at that.   Probably Bailey could shed more light on the matter, and maybe Clay Planet would be more forthcoming if pressed, but I am going to gracefully bow out at this point.  If anyone else cares to pursue the matter, best wishes for success...

[Different Aftosa Green Wax Resists?]

Here is the reply from Clay Planet:

Quote

Our current formulation for green wax does not contain formaldehyde.  You may have an older formula from before we acquired the product, or it may be an addition which Bailey adds to their wax bottles.

Interpret that as you will.  It is hard to imagine that they don't know how the product was made before they took over, and it is ridiculous to suggest that Bailey would add anything at all to the product.  I suppose it could have never had formaldehyde and Bailey could be mistaken in its labeling, but I am going to throw out the quart with the warning label, and if your Aftosa Green Wax is not relatively new, you might consider replacing it.

[Different Aftosa Green Wax Resists?]

Thanks -- I just emailed them and will let you know what I hear.

[Different Aftosa Green Wax Resists?]

I have two containers of Aftosa green wax, one that I ordered from Bailey Ceramics (quart sized) and one that I got locally but is labelled as coming from Clay Planet (pint sized).  The pint is labelled "Aftosa Green Wax" and says "Certified Non-Toxic, Conforms to ASTM..." (the letters get small...).  The quart is labelled "Aftosa Wax Resist Solution" and then:

Quote

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Precautionary Information: Contains Formaldehyde.  Product may be capable of generating > 0.1 ppm formaldehyde vapors under certain use conditions.  Potential Cancer Hazard.  Avoid breathing vapors or fumes.  Keep container closed.  Use with adequate ventilation.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  For industrial use only.  Not intended or suitable for use in or around a household or dwelling.  Read current MSDS sheet for more detailed information.

WOW.  That is a long way off from "Non-Toxic."  

I can find no reference anywhere to Aftosa making more than one kind of green wax, so that is really my question -- does anybody know if they really do, or is one of these truly off the charts mislabeled (and if so which one?!).  They look the same, though the "industrial" one (which I bravely tried anyway this morning) is a little less viscous, but that could just be variation between batches.

I will also add that as potters we are all somewhat accustomed to dealing with some nasty stuff, but "Not suitable for use in or around a household or dwelling" is really quite something.  My waxing is decorative and I tend to do it outside in the driveway, but that is still "around" the dwelling... 

Thanks.

[Old Wax Resist Question]

Thanks for the advice and the link -- I have a quart of Aftosa on the way.  Meanwhile, if anyone has any other recommendations, I'd love to get a few options shipped here before winter sets in and I'm stuck with whatever I have (in case the Aftosa isn't just quite so...).  Thanks!

[Old Wax Resist Question]

So I bought a quart of a beige colored wax resist about 10 years ago from my local supplier (Portland Pottery in Braintree, Massachusetts); I am just about out (didn't use it for years but it has recently become indispensable...) and of course they no longer sell it and nobody there can tell me what it was (they sold it an unmarked plastic bottle).  I am pretty sure that it is not water soluble, like most wax resists seem to be (at least, I can't wash it off my brushes); I apply it over glazes (to keep the next glaze from sticking), and I like that it is not runny -- it doesn't drip (I fling it on with a brush...).  

So: Anybody have a guess as to what it might be?  If not, a suggestion for a good replacement?

Many thanks.