Wax protectant: How thick a coat? How Many Layers

[dubious]

Hey folks,

How thick of a coat can I use for maximum protection with Johnsons or Renaissance wax? Is it best to just apply a thick layer of wax and not rub it down? Or does rubbing to a it down to a fine finish strengthen it? How many layers is optimal? Should I degrease it first? Should I heat the gun in the oven before applying? I don't care if it looks "waxy", I just want the best protection.

I take my shotgun bird hunting in some very tough weather... and oils (CLP) haven't been cutting it. Very often the rust sets in by the end of the day, especially when the evening dew sets in. After some research here and on the s&w forum, I found that people have been using waxes for ages as a more durable protection. Though it is a bit more annoying to apply than oil. If you're not having rust problems with your range gun, you probably don't need wax. Don't use car wax, it probably has abrasives. Same for flitz and shoe polish (tannic acid).

Thanks

 

[langloisandy]

Clean metal, wax and rub it off...it'll leave a protective layer. Note: It will wear off with use. If you can find genuine canuba wax (wax, NOT polish) it will work as well for short term use.

Andy

 

[dfariswheel]

For maximum protection, don't wipe the wax off.
Salt water duck hunters apply a medium heavy coat and warm the metal with a hair dryer until the wax melts. (Note: hair dryer, not heat gun, oven, or torch).
They leave the coat on the surface to seal it.

 

[Lucifer_Sam]

You should be ok with an oven, as long as its on the lowest setting (160-170 or so), and you strip off any plastic and, if possible, wood. Though wood should be ok for a little while. But, then again, its a good idea to get protection down under the wood, anyway.