algebraist Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 Looks like Aftosa is now owned by Clay Planet, I'ld send them the same info you posted here and ask them. If you would post back here with what you find out that would be terrific. https://shop.clay-planet.com/contact-us.aspx Rae Reich, Roberta12 and Callie Beller Diesel 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algebraist Posted June 18 Author Report Share Posted June 18 Thanks -- I just emailed them and will let you know what I hear. Min and Callie Beller Diesel 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algebraist Posted June 21 Author Report Share Posted June 21 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted June 21 Report Share Posted June 21 That really isn't good enough! Maybe Jim Bailey would offer up some help? I had an issue with a piece of equipment from Bailey, he was really quite diligent in his follow up. For Clay Planet to slough this off on Bailey sounds like they can't be bothered to find out the real answer to your question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterH Posted June 22 Report Share Posted June 22 A previous thread: Biocides in glazes (and non-toxic labeling) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algebraist Posted June 24 Author Report Share Posted June 24 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted June 24 Report Share Posted June 24 I doubt it contains anything bad-that labels says (0.1 ppm formaldehyde vapors under certain use conditions) thats so small one cannot even fathom it. And it's only certain use conditions whatever that means. I would not worry about it myself-if you want green wax just put a little food coloring in your wax. That aftosa wax for me smelled bad and I did not like the way it worked but that was back in the 80s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted June 24 Report Share Posted June 24 I emailed Bailey Pottery Equipment and asked. This is their response: Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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