I have not had good success with using wax on artifacts that still have rust on them, especially delicate items. Mine after a short period of time would continue to rust and flake. However heavy solid iron with all rust removed it has worked well. Allot of it depends on where you find the item like water, soil, salt content etc...and of course all moister content must be removed. I sometimes use tannic acid for delicate items. It turns black which some people like and some people don't. But if it does start to rust again you can just paint some more on. Works for me, and where I live the ground is very hard on metal.