Evaluation of Permulgin 3274 as a Material for the Conservation of Beeswax Seals

When treating historical beeswax seals, it seems a natural choice to use materials as similar to the original as possible. The properties of analogous recent materials, however, differ from those of the aged ones, not to mention the fact that the exact composition of the particular sealing wax is usually uncertain. In order to obtain the material of desired properties, recent beeswax is often combined with various additives, including petroleum waxes, or even replaced by mixtures based solely on these products. Within this study, the relevant properties of Permulgin 3274, a ceresin-type wax, were compared with the characteristics of recent and historical beeswaxes. The aim was to evaluate its advantages and limitations, in terms of its possible use for the conservation of beeswax seals. The properties studied were comprised of the chemical composition, thermal properties, mechanical properties, possibilities of colour adjustment and ageing properties. Permulgin 3274's workability was evaluated by conservators from the National Archives in Prague. The results indicate that, from the technological point of view, Permulgin 3274 could be considered a welcome alternative to the use of traditional conservation mixtures.