I am looking for the most durable wax. Not for appearance, but for resistance to weather, handling, and minimal oil/solvent contact. Also as wax does build up, by design, what is the best way to remove old layers?? Thanks for any suggestions.

I don't know if it's the Very Best but I use Johnson's paste wax and have been very pleased with the results. As for removing wax build up, keep buffing with a clean cotton rag.

To prevent wax build up, apply a THIN coat let haze up and buff well; I do this once a month on any revolver I have carried or shot, once every 2 -3 months to any weapons that have not been carried or shot.

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Always Stay Strong!

Check out Renaissance Wax. It is designed for preserving metals and I don't think there is any wax build-up.

It is wonderful stuff. Cost a bit more, but it goes a long way.

+1 on what he said

Another vote for Renaissance Wax -- Great stuff

I prefer the Renaissance wax, but as old bear said Johnson's Paste wax runs a very close second. I use Renaissance for "show" pieces and the Johnson's for "use" pieces.

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Dick

All.
My wife is a candle maker. The most durable wax is the wax that has spilled on my garage floor for the last 15 years and is all over the tools she has needed and borowed from my tool box. Some of my sets of pliers do not open, many screw drivers are unidentifiable, several sets of leather work gloves are pink in color and somewhat stiff, my hand will not go in them.
I would say that candle wax would be the best way to preserve a S&W. You sure won't wear it out by using it. No part would move and no finger print could ever reach the metal surface.
Bill@Yuma

Bill, you are a VERY kind and indulgent husband.........

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I've used Johnson's on my hunting firearms for a lot of years with
no problems at all. However, now that I've learned about Renaissance
Wax, that's what I'm going with. It seems a little expensive until you
actually use it. Takes a very tiny amount per firearm. You can get some on e-bay, and shipped to your door.
TACC1

Just my $0.02 here, but if you are really looking for durable wax, your best bet is probably to get a subscription to Consumer Reports and wait until they rate car waxes. Then, go with whatever carnuba wax they rate as the best.

I think that wax is like any other gun cleaner or rust inhibitor. What you use is less important than how you use it.

I think any time you holster and unholster your revolver you will probably wear the wax off. So the most important thing is to probably re-apply the wax after each use.

For wax build-up, I think any normal gun cleaner like Break-free or Hoppes should take it off rather easily.

Johnson's Paste Wax is good, as is Simoniz. But if you are lazy, Pledge furniture wax is perfect. Really. And Hoppe's does remove wax, although elbow grease is usually required too. Old cotton undershirts work best.

Be very careful picking an auto wax.
Many of them contain abrasives to polish paint and can damage gun finishes.

Also, many car waxes will turn white when the gun heats up on firing, and this can be difficult to get off.

Groo here
We waxed the airplanes to save the paint [ you think a custom car
paint job cost a lot!] and to make the bugs and dirt easy to remove..
Most recomended wax is Johnson's spray wax for wood.
Cleans as it goes on, will not yellow,will not buildup,and has a
lemon smell [ For you Trail Boss Shooters]
One thing about wax-- not good when you go to reblue a gun
as the wax gets in the pores of the steel and is a pain to get it all out
[and you must get it all out!!!!]

renaissance wax....this is what the museums use to preserve their guns (among other things) great stuff

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Just purchased Renaissance Wax. Waxed 22 Smith-Wesson revolvers and they look great. It's true won't show finger prints on surfaces now. Great stuff

I received a WOODCRAFT add in the mail today, and they have Renaissance Wax on sale for $21.99 for the 7 oz. can. A little goes a long way. This is a very good price for a excellent wax. Read the reviews, you won't be disappointed. The sale runs through July 21.

I've used Blue Wonder Armadillo wax and it's worked well for me.

Renaissance Wax isn't made to be out in the weather, I use Mother's car wax for the blued guns and Mothers mag polish for the stainless guns. The mag polish takes a beating out on the road. It has to be good to stand up to the road wear.

another vote for Johnson's......usually a firearm I newly acquire gets two coats...buff it on, let dry to a haze, wipe off...repeat....after that, unless I clean it well in Hoppe's or similar, it just take a little bit to redo it.....
On my stainless or nickel guns, I use Mother's Mag Polish....takes just a little dab....
best thing, the parts store down the road sells it....