Renaissance wax VS Johnson Paste wax

[kennyb]

I use ren wax only on certain revolvers...my reasoning is comparative in nature...I don't wipe my vehicles down with an oily rag...I wax them ...renaissance is on the top of the heap for quality....just sayin

 

[arjay]

I use it on long guns,revolvers and pistols,metal work and stocks

 

[1coolcat]

These guns were made to contain an explosion and send a chuck of burning lead at the speed of sound down the barrel..and were worried about what to wax them with..
What's a matter with you smith and Wesson guys..
Yep..I use ren wax..
Nothing but the best for your baby, leave the Johnsons wax for your wife and the kitchen floor..lol

 

[Hillbilly77]

I've never tried Johnson's Wax, so I don't know what results you get from it.

I use Ren Wax, and I like what it does to the bluing.
I don't think of it as "waxing a gun". I think of it as "improving the finish".
It makes a modern, dull blue look like the blue jobs from decades ago.
It gives the finish more depth.

Here are some before & after pics of my Model 29-3, circa 1986:
You can plainly see what it does for the finish.


Before:

After Ren Wax treatment:

 

[Darkenfast]

Just to be a pain: where would the Birchwood Casey Gun Stock Wax that I have fit into this discussion? The bottle says that it protects wood and metal. It also says that it combines carnauba, beeswax and silicone.

 

[manderson]

I use Ren Wax, and I like what it does to the bluing. I don't think of it as "waxing a gun". I think of it as "improving the finish". It makes a modern, dull blue look like the blue jobs from decades ago. It gives the finish more depth.

I agree, but there is a flip side to this coin. It really doesn't improve the finish, but puts a wax coating over the finish which makes the gun look a lot better. A lot of these internet gun dealers who are selling at ridiculous prices are giving the guns 10-20 coats of Ren Wax before taking a gazillion photos. I personally would rather see clean photos of the actual finish, not 20 coats of wax.

I do use Ren Wax on my guns to make them look nice. However, I think for corrosion protection Eezox or Corrosion-X are the best choice.

 

[Stranglehold]

Put me in the Johnson Paste Wax camp as well. I too have been using it for over 30 years on all my blued and stainless firearms, pistols, revolvers, and long guns (and still working from the original can although it's nearly time to replace).

I have Renaissance Wax, but actually prefer Johnson's on both steel and wood. I do prefer Ren-Wax on leather, however, and use it on most of my holsters, knife sheaths, and belts.

Roe

 

[deadi9mm]

Hey Dwalt if that can lasted you 30 yrs you need more guns

 

[BigBill]

I use Johnson's wood paste wax on my refinished rifle stocks. The 0000 steelwool lightly after 6 to 8 applications of young oil I use the Johnson's wood paste wax to bring the finish out. It's hand rubbed perfection.

I'm using the G96 silicone spray for guns on all my guns in storage. It seems to work the best so far.

Is mother's car wax next? Anyone? No takers?

 

[quinn]

You go, DWalt!

 

[jsfricks]

If I use Johnson's to clean my M66's blue box, will it yellow? Will this cause my blue box to turn green??

I use Johnsons on my boxes. Anywhere from the blue boxes, red, to the dark blue pre 29 box. Gives them a nice satin shine and a layer of protection

 

[manderson]

Is mother's car wax next? Anyone? No takers?

Tree Ranger Mustache Wax and Beard Oil. No fuss, no mess. After a liberal application, just wipe your hands on your face.

 

[DWalt]

"...after 6 to 8 applications of young oil..."

Did you mean Tung oil? I agree, if you have the patience, tung oil is an excellent wood finish - that is, REAL Tung oil. Much of what is labeled as being Tung Oil is actually boiled Linseed oil. One problem with Tung oil is that some people are allergic to it.

Back to waxes - there is not much point in debating which wax is best. For the purpose of sealing and protecting metal against rust (my purpose in using JPW), any wax will be OK on any gun. If you get a psychological high from using Ren Wax, then by all means use it. If it makes the blued, plated, or stainless finish look a little better, that's just a bonus.

 

[one eye joe]

I've used them both and I prefer renwax now.

LIKE array, I HAVE USED THEM BOTH. I NOW USE REN WAX EXCLUSIVELY, BASED ON THE MUSEUM ENDORSEMENT. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT JPW WAS MADE FOR METAL, SO I USED IT ON MY WOOD STOCKS ONLY………...

 

[Desert Rat 416]

I guess the Ren museum argument doesn't unequivocally hold water for me. It appears to be the universal choice for seldom handled pieces kept in a temperature and humidity controlled museum - that's why it was developed...so its most certainly the best option for that purpose. It may not be the best option when compared to an inexpensive can of a ubiquitous, multi-purpose preservative for your equally multi-purpose workshop, because it offers essentially identical protection for that old workin' gun you tote to yonder mailbox in any weather if/when you are one Jack Rabbit short of a good stew.

So, in short, Johnson's may be the best choice for your Smith & Wessons if you talk purty, and Ren if you... (sorry) ...wax eloquent.

 

[glowe]

We have done this lots on other sections of this Forum. Using the data from MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) here is the chemical makeup of both.

Johnson Paste Wax
Deodorized Naptha, 75-80%; Microcrystalline wax, 5-10%; Carnauba wax, 5%; Paraffin wax, 10%

Renaissance Wax
White Spirit, 80%; Microcrystalline wax, 20%

Neither list pH, so there can be no acid or caustic risk of handling either brand. That would imply that both are somewhere around the pH neutral range.

 

[theoneff]

Very similar to an IL thread, only brainier. Very interesting stuff. Gotta try some now, not sayin which, maybe both. Thanks for the info, Theo

 

[italiansport]

It's been my experience that Renaissance wax dries harder then JPW and I think this offers additional protection and that's why I use it.
Jim

 

[Tom_R]

I have never used Johnson's wax, I am confident it is an excellent Product, especially if they have been around for as long as they have.

I have used Renaissance Wax, here it is on my 27-2.

I waxed it after polishing it Flitz once, and Mothers twice and then put a coat of Ren Wax on it:

 

[kozmic]

Ren Wax goes on slick, dries quick, removes easily and buffs out to a fine looking shine on blue, stainless and wood and protects well. For me that's game, set and match.

Thanks for the info on both. It was enlightening, but I'm sold on the RW.