Another use for candle wax:
I’ve found that wax, in a cup of water in the microwave will soften nicely. The malleability is easy to control. Then, it makes a great casting medium for the repair of gesso moldings in wood, such as old picture frames and fireplace column “carving.” After spraying with oil, press the wax into an intact part of the pattern. Remove the cast after a few minutes, and begin coating the inside with gesso. After 5-10 coats, remove the gesso from the mold, trim it, coat it with more gesso, and apply it to the missing part of the pattern. Rubber band clamps are great here. Keep the cast for other repairs, or re-nuke it for future projects.