wax on powder horns

[Don Robertson]

So I'm almost finished with my first powder horn, and I was wondering if it's necessary to put a light coat of wax on to their powder horns after all of the scrimming and antiquing is done to protect the finish ?

 

[BadHeart]

I apply a good coat of wax to all my horns after I finish them and then about once a year. I heard some where that it helps to keep them from drying out and cracking. I figure that the time that I put into making them, why take the chance of them cracking down the road sometime. I plan on passing them to my son.

 

[BrownBear]

Living in wet country, I always wax them for general protection. Actually I "wax" them in two ways. Body gets a general waxing. I also put beeswax on the spout plug, then rotate the plug down into the spout. Gives a real tight seal, taking care of any scratches and irregularities that are likely to leak air, humidity or downright rain.

 

[CARBABY]

Not to steal the thread. But while on the subject of “Protect the finish on a horn.” Anybody out there ever hear of using Neat’s-foot Oil or Lemon Oil on a horn yearly. I’ve heard of guys using such and waxing. Does one use a Wax Remover to remove old Wax, then oil, wait, rub with cloth for luster, then re-wax. What’s a good Wax? (Johnson’s Paste Wax? Turtle Wax? Carnuba car wax? Pledge? Floor Wax?) What secret rituals are used to SAVE the essence of the powder horn for prosperity?.

 

[No.4shot]

I just use Johnson Paste wax. I use it once a year unless the horn is getting lots of use or if it say alot of rain.

 

[AeroncaTAL]

I buff my horns with beeswax.
Scott

 

[smo]

Does one need to put wax around the base of the horn & if so do you pour it down inside of the horn or just apply it around the base prior to installation?

 

[omarick1948]

A good high quality paste wax and hand buff with a piece of old washed denum or cotton T-shirt will give you a nice satin sheen and weather protection. I like two or three coats!

smo - Just put an even amount of bee's wax on the interior edge of the horn and press the wood base in and secure with pegs or nails etc. I like to warm-up the base plug and rear of the horn first!

Rick

 

[smo]

Thanks Horner :hatsoff:

 

[peashooterJoe]

Johnsons Paste Wax will also help keeping insects from munching on it. Wax and insect repellent all in one. IMHO PeashooterJoe..