Wetting effects of surface treatments on inlay wax-investment combinations

Gypsum-bonded and phosphate-bonded investments were applied to wax surfaces which were untreated, treated by buffing with cotton moistened with a die lubricant containing organic solvent, or treatment with a wax pattern cleaner. Contact angles between the investment material and wax surfaces were measured and compared. The treatment of a wax pattern with a surface tension reducing agent significantly increases the degree of wetting by both gypsum- and phosphate-bonded investments.