Use of Gun Wax

[The Rattler]

Use of Gun Wax
I recently saw a short segment of Midway's Gun Stories on TV by Larry Potterfield demonstrating the use of Gun Wax as a cleaner and protector of both wood and metal of long guns, shotguns, and hand guns. He had 6 - 8 gun wax containers displayed, but he featured Renaissance Gun Wax.

He only used it on exterior surfaces except for the inside of wooden barrel channels of long rifles and the metal covered up by handles of hand guns. He said it cleans old oil and dirt and seals all surfaces to protect against rusting. Potterfield was big on its being used on stocks and wooden handles of hand guns. He said it was good for conceal carry because the wax does not come off on clothing.

Although I might have overlooked something, I don't remember seeing gun wax discussed on this or any other forum. To protect from rust on exteriors surfaces, I have seen types of oil, CLP, gun grease (for interior surfaces) and silicone discussed as a rust protectant. Apparently, wax protects from rust as well as cleans surfaces. Are there any opinions about the use of wax instead of oils, grease and silicone? What about using gun wax on wood?

 

[4V50 Gary]

If it's for a firearm that won't be fired, use Renaissance Wax. Renaissance Wax is PH neutral and microcrystalline. Developed by the British Museum and used by museum conservators worldwide, it may be applied to wood, metal and leather. I would apply it to barrel channels too. The old flintlock gunmakers did.

I learned the above when I worked with some conservators.

 

[natman]

I've used Johnson's Paste Wax for years on blued guns that are going to be hunted hard. I once had a week long elk hunt that featured rain, sleet & snow without a speck of rust anywhere.

 

[Skans]

Renaissance Wax is the best. But, Johnson's paste wax will protect just as good. The difference is that you won't see any sign of Ren Wax on the gun, but it is definitely there protecting it. Johnson's has a bit of a sheen.

In any event, I went to wax over oil years ago to protect my firearms. I use it on all of them.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I've been singing the praises of Johnson's Paste Wax since my old Compuserve Firearms Forum days in the early 1990s.

I've been using it since the early 1980s.

 

[Ruger480]

Is this what you guys are talking about?

I used this stuff to polish the floors in our barracks. Interesting. Looks like I'm headed to the store.

 

[Unlicensed Dremel]

How do you get heat the firearm to make the wax melt & stick well & evenly?

I will sometimes put a gun in the oven with the door open, on 175 F. Well, the action anyway - not the stock. But that's for putting wax on to epoxy bed an action. I assume the same would work for this purpose.

 

[madmo44mag]

that's the can

 

[BarryLee]

I’ve used Renaissance Wax on a variety of products with good results. Also, when I purchased a holster from Milt Sparks I noticed they recommend it for use on their holsters and it has worked very well for that application as well.

 

[Mike Irwin]

"How do you get heat the firearm to make the wax melt & stick well & evenly?"

An hour in the sun is your friend.

 

[KyJim]

Although I might have overlooked something, I don't remember seeing gun wax discussed on this or any other forum.

I found 156 threads when searching all open forums for the terms:

Renaissance + Wax

However, there were only two threads that used those terms in the title of the thread.

 

[Mike Irwin]

And I found 27 threads in which I, personally, have used the phrase "paste wax."

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Johnson's Paste Wax is great, as is neutral paste shoe polish. Rennaissance wav is designed to be easy to apply and remove on delicate items that won't be handled. It doesn't last like paste wax or shoe polish.

 

[Skans]

I've never heated my gun to apply Johnson's past wax. I simply rub it on with a microfiber rag, let it sit for about 5 minutes and then lightly hand-buff it off.

Wax looks better, feels better, doesn't get on your clothes etc, and stays there until its shot/handled substantially. It's probably still there, but I just reapply when I'm done cleaning. Oh, and a can of Johnson's will dry out from old age before you can possibly use it all.

IIRC, I spent about $7.00 on my 2nd tin of Johnson's about 5 years ago.

 

[KyJim]

I've never actually used wax. Is simply wiping any oil or CLP off the (clean) gun with a rag good enough before applying the wax?

 

[natman]

How do you get heat the firearm to make the wax melt & stick well & evenly?

Unless you're using candle wax or something similar there's no need to heat the metal. JPW is soft enough to spread on easily at room temperature.

Oh, and a can of Johnson's will dry out from old age before you can possibly use it all.

My can was partly used when I first used it as a release agent 25 years ago. It's still good and there's plenty left after coating a LOT of guns.

A little dab'll do ya.

 

[Skans]

My can was partly used when I first used it as a release agent 25 years ago. It's still good and there's plenty left after coating a LOT of guns.

I've owned two cans of Johnson's in 25 years, and I use it on a lot more than just guns. The first can did dry out after about 20 years - perhaps I didn't seal it well a couple of times.

 

[Mike Irwin]

If it does dry out, you can temporarily thin it to a usable consistency with Ronson fluid or naptha (same thing).

 

[edfrompa]

Johnson Paste Wax is pretty good wax. I use it on my circular saw table. I bought that saw forty years ago and it still looks perfect using the wax. Not a blem or rust mark on it. Great for firearms!!

 

[Skans]

I think what Mike is trying to say is that, with a little care, a can of Johnson's should last you a lifetime even if you have 100 guns to wax!