Using wax paper rubbings to help with print alignment

I am currently working on a four-block print and having issues getting all four blocks to line up properly. To help guide my carving of the blocks I used the method of pasting down the key block printed on thin paper. This works fairly well, however, I believe that the paper stretched somewhat causing slight misalignment. I had heard about using crayon rubbings to see how blocks lined up, but it never worked that well for me.

I have lots of wax paper laying around because I use it between my printing paper and baren for smooth rubbing and to keep moisture from getting on the baren. I decided to try putting the wax paper directly on the block and rubbing it with the baren. It makes a surprisingly clear image of the block, including the kento, and the best thing about it is that it is somewhat transparent so you can then place it over the corresponding blocks to see how it is lining up. Keep in mind that I did this after I had carved all of the blocks and had already inked them so I could see the wax paper lines distinctly on the darkened block. I’m not sure how well it would work on a fresh, unstained block, but I suppose a fresh block could easily be washed with a color to help see the lines.

That said, I am still having issues lining things up. I think it now has to do with carved and re-carved kentos that have gotten messy, plus some of those other random things (see 50 things that can go wrong). I’m looking forward to starting fresh with my next print. I have to say though that I love the way this block looks - maybe even more than the print (that wouldn’t be the first time).