the way i do wireframe renders is clone the object, add a push modifier with a push value of .3 or less, then apply a standard material with the wireframe box checked
I used use the push modifier, but found the lattice mod to be more accurate and is just as easy to set up. http://donott-lcad.blogspot.com/2009/09/create-simple-wireframe-render-for-your.html
I'm not sure if this is the best way to do wireframes but what I do is.... For 3dsmax. 1. Create a composite material (you have to be rendering with mental ray) 2. Set a color for the main material. 3. make the 2nd material a Standard material and check 'Wire' 4. Next change the blending mode to overlay the wire over the…