To seal browning - candle wax??

[Shooey]

Apologies if this has been covered, I did a search and saw nothing. I am browning my GPR kit and wonder if I can use un-dyed candle wax to seal/protect the browning after I stop the rusting with soda.

I've seen some folks use shoe polish, or paste wax, or bees wax. Is candle wax a good alternative? Thanks for the input!

SHOOEY

 

[LSU TIGER]

Paste wax will work, but linseed oil works better.

 

[rich pierce]

that's true. I also use cheap toilet bowl wax rings as the source for wax to protect the gun, wood, metal, everything routinely. Makes a great seal between barrel and forestock in the rain, keeps powder flash out of the lock mortise, etc.

 

[mattacton]

I have finished two GPR's with LMF's Barrel Brown and Degreaser.

I tried the linseed oil on the first, and did not like the results. Way too glossy for my tastes. What I did then was call LMF and got their opinion. They strongly recommended bee's wax. Armed with that information, I went to the Yellow Pages and started calling bee keepers and honey companies in my area.

I found a bee keeper who sells raw, molded bees wax. I bought what would amount to a 12 oz. Dixie or Styrofoam cup full of it for $3.00. I cut off a chunk, and went to work.

Using a propane torch to heat the barrel and furniture, I melted the wax into the metal surfaces. Then - and heres the trick to getting a smooth, even finish from the wax - I used a pair of old nylons to smooth out and wipe/push away the excess wax.

Both have come out with a really beautiful finish that is about as authentic as I can get. One thing though. Don't touch the wax as it cools and hardens, or you will have to go back and do the whole thing over again. The finger print won't rub out easily. :imo: :results:

Good Luck!

 

[Darkhorse]

Of course you can always take the easy way out and use Johnsons Paste Wax.
I keep a big can in the shop. I use it to lube wood screws, seal steel parts after neutralizing the browning solution, wax gunstocks, wax table saws that rust, wax drill presses that rust, and a number of other things.
Seems to work real well also thats why I keep using it.

 

[Shooey]

This is great information, and thank you. However, my question is: "Can I use candle wax?"

Is there something in the candle wax that would not make it a good choice?

Thanks.

 

[rich pierce]

This is great information, and thank you. However, my question is: "Can I use candle wax?"

Is there something in the candle wax that would not make it a good choice?

Thanks.

Candle wax is not as clingy as beeswax. It's also harder and lumpy when applying. More difficult to smooth out. I've tried both and don't like applying candle wax.

Like I said above, toilet bowl wax seals are about $1.50 and they look like beeswax to me and work well for such purposes. Softer than beeswax but good.

 

[mattacton]

This is great information, and thank you. However, my question is: "Can I use candle wax?"

Is there something in the candle wax that would not make it a good choice?

Thanks.

Candle wax is typically parafin, or a parafin blend of other petroleum compounds. Yes, it's too hard and too lumpy to work easily, and I doubt it would wear well. I won't say that you couldn't use it, but I don't think you will be getting the results you are looking for.

One other advantage to the beeswax it that it's naturally a brown color (to blend with your browned barrel) versus parafin's whitish color.

Find a local beekeeper. If you are in an area where there is agriculture with alfalfa, citrus, fruits, soybeans, etc., I'll bet you will find one easily.

Matt

 

I use a mix of 8 oz. Johnson's paste wax, 4 oz. linseed oil and 1 tsp. Japan Drier for all iron or steel that is intended to be cared for to some degree (not left outside in the elements).

Melt all the ingredients in a double boiler and then let it congeal to room temp. Apply to warm steel with a soft cloth and wipe down as suggested above.

 

Apologies if this has been covered, I did a search and saw nothing. I am browning my GPR kit and wonder if I can use un-dyed candle wax to seal/protect the browning after I stop the rusting with soda.

I've seen some folks use shoe polish, or paste wax, or bees wax. Is candle wax a good alternative? Thanks for the input!

SHOOEY

I originally used beeswax, then later applied T/C Bore Butter, and still use it today for Lucifer, my GPR.