Renaissance Wax - Degrease First?

Skyhunter

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Please excuse me if this question is in the wrong section of the forum.
I have used Johnson's paste wax (in the yellow can) to help protect my rifles & shotguns from damp/wet weather. To help it adhere to the wood and metal, I always wiped the weapon down with a soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

Is there a better procedure to follow before applying Renaissance wax to my revolvers?

Also, do you reapply the Renaissance wax after every range/cleaning session?

Thanks,

WYT-P
Skyhunter
 
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I like this stuff for a pre-wax cleaning.

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Cleaning: Yes, get all the crud off before waxing over it. And yes, I would clean and wax after each use. Very high % alcohol should work well.
Product: I spend the $8/oz, if that is what it is, for Renaissance Wax. For decades I used the yellow can Johnson's Paste Wax and was quite happy with it. Converting me was instantaneous when I tried a sample of Ren Wax that a friend sent home with me. There is in fact a difference for the better as far as I can report. I even tried some of each side-by-side on the same gun stock and metal. I didn't want to convert, but the proof was in the puddin'. I small can should go a long, long way. For results like that I'll gladly spend what it costs to get a mediocre burger and fries.
 
I tried the Renaissance Wax on the frame under some Model 41 grips and it looked decent. I have not done the whole pistol yet.

My question I have is you don't have to then oil the pistol because you used the wax to protect it? Not oiling a pistol is kind of a hard habit for me to break as I really hate seeing rust.

I would probably want to oil the pistol too but then that defeats using the wax. Any comments? I wasn't sure if the wax wears off and then you could get some rust not realizing the wax wore off. If I have to keep waxing it then that seems like more effort then just wiping it down with oil.
 
Only my blue guns get the wax. If I had any nickel guns I would wax them. Stainless and modern finishes get wiped with oily rags. If I shoot my blue guns I clean them with appropriate solvents and then they get multiple coats of wax. I figure the first three coats are to cut the oil. I actually enjoy waxing them. I know the wax can last for years but I still apply a thin coat ever few months. It’s always worked well for me.
 
I bought the 2 oz can of Renaissance way probably 10-12 years ago. I only put the wax on blued guns, and normally only on those I plan to store for a time and not shoot. If I am shooting a particular gun often I just clean normally and wipe down. I have around 100+ firearms and the 2 oz can is still half full after all this time. It takes so little to cover the guns. On my trap and skeet guns I do wax for protection against rain.
 
I bought Renaissance to use on antique guns at work. The results were very good - details hidden under the dirt and corrosion came to life. Renaissance does clean if properly applied. Tried it on my model 38 nickel finish which had some scratches and wear, and most of that cleaned up. It's worth the investment, and a little goes a long way.
 
$20 every 10-20 years for that small canister is really cheap on a per firearm basis.

I got turned onto it back in the late '80s while studying photography. Prevents fingerprints on glossy prints, and seals B&W prints from turning brownish from sulfur compounds in the air attacking the silver and turning it to silver sulfide.
 
How many have used and compared RIG to Renaissance Wax? I have used the wax, but now prefer the lasting qualities of RIG and especially the ease of application. I can pull guns out of my safe that I have forgotten I own and they still have a layer of protection as if they were done yesterday. Some have said that it seems like RIG will leave a greasy mess, but I can state that you can take them from the safe directly to the range without needing to wipe them down. With the applicator, one only applies a very small amount of RIG grease and if you have not tried it, please do so and report back.
 

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How many have used and compared RIG to Renaissance Wax? I have used the wax, but now prefer the lasting qualities of RIG and especially the ease of application. I can pull guns out of my safe that I have forgotten I own and they still have a layer of protection as if they were done yesterday. Some have said that it seems like RIG will leave a greasy mess, but I can state that you can take them from the safe directly to the range without needing to wipe them down. With the applicator, one only applies a very small amount of RIG grease and if you have not tried it, please do so and report back.

I use RIG on all my firearms in storage. Renaissance Wax is only used on blades and firearms that are on display.
 
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It is my personal opinion that while Renwax is a fine product (have it myself) it is not very practical to be used on working firearms. Each time the gun is shot and cleaned it would then have to be degreased and treated once again. This is a lot of work and IMHO does not offer the same level of protection from moisture as does oils and preservative greases. Believe it or not I do use the Renwax but not on guns at all! I find it to work alright but would not trust it in the prevention of rust. YMMV.

I could see it if you were making a shadow box for a prized pistol or something and never intending on shooting it again, but for a gun that is going to be used - nope!
 
Thanks guys. I will also add that I do use wax when photographing guns that I am selling of documenting. I have an 1851 book, Hints to Sportsmen - Hints on Shooting, on guns and hunting that says a very important thing in a hunter's knapsack is an old greasy rag. Still true to this day.
 

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