Renaissance wax woes

[Andrew Sacco]

I tried a small tin of Renaissance wax on one of my guns, and after removing oils and such from the barrels and applying a TEENY bit and rubbing it in, I'm still seeing fingerprints which is not supposed to happen. I got it primarily for some handguns but it has a lot of positive feedback so tried it on my clays gun first. Even when buffing it until the cows come home, I can easily leave fingerprints. Am I crazy or should I just strip it and go back to Clenzoil or Ballistol? Gun sure shines as long as I don't handle it.

[Tom Pellegrini]

I never waxed any of my guns. I wipe down, lubricate, and clean with G96. I have used this since the early 70's. It prevents rust, cleans and lubricates. It is almost identical to Ballistol.

[Tom Flanigan]

Andy, I've used Renaissance Wax for years but only on the stock. I like the rust protection on metal parts of oils such as Ballistol. I used Renaissance Wax in the past more than I do now. After the season on hard hunted guns, I rub in a bit of TruOil and then rub it off with a clean cloth with the grain. I expecially like this method for guns that have been out in the rain. I usually do one or two iterations depending on the stock.

[Brian Dudley]

I like to keep wax as far away from the guns as possible. It can cause issues on wood that is lacking in finish. When it comes to refinishing down the road.

[Andrew Sacco]

Thanks everyone. I figured if the Brits and Larry Potterfield used it it must be good. Go figure. I'll go back to the regular way of doing things. Thanks for the tip Tom.

[Terry Hobson]

I had always used CCL stock refinishing oil on my guns, but my 15 year old supply seemed like it was getting so it would not dry. So it tried Renaissance wax. Made my stocks shiny but I discovered that It performed poorly in rainy weather.
I have since reordered CCL oil and a small tin of CCL stock wax. I have used the wax over the oil finish. My understanding is if I now want to use the oil on the stocks I have waxed I would remove the wax with mineral spirits? Would this be correct?
I also had the stock on my Fox refinished by CSMC, they used a tru-oil finish. So now I have another type of finish to consider when the time comes for end of season maintenance. Gets interesting.

[Andrew Sacco]

I'm slowly learning there is no right way to do anything in this world from cleaning guns to making an omelet to which gun oil is best : )

[Bobby Cash]

The proper way to make an omelette is to continually pull the cooked egg into the center of the pan and roll the uncooked egg out to the edges.
When all the liquid egg has solidified you then have to toss at least 2 feet into the air to allow the omelette a 180* revolution to finish cooking the topside.

I'm not a fan of folding omelettes onto a plate, I like to serve them up flat or pancake style.

[Andrew Sacco]

The proper way to make an omelette is to continually pull the cooked egg into the center of the pan and roll the uncooked egg out to the edges.
When all the liquid egg has solidified you then have to toss at least 2 feet into the air to allow the omelette a 180* revolution to finish cooking the topside.

I'm not a fan of folding omelettes onto a plate, I like to serve them up flat or pancake style.

I think this is the last word on making an omelet here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s10etP1p2bU

As Anthony Bourdain wrote, "If Jaques Pepin says use a fork in a teflon pan to make an omelet you better use an f***** fork.."

[Joe Dreisch]

Do NOT use gun oil to make an omlette. A pat of butter works much better...!:shock:

[Tom Flanigan]

I had always used CCL stock refinishing oil on my guns, but my 15 year old supply seemed like it was getting so it would not dry. So it tried Renaissance wax. Made my stocks shiny but I discovered that It performed poorly in rainy weather.
I have since reordered CCL oil and a small tin of CCL stock wax. I have used the wax over the oil finish. My understanding is if I now want to use the oil on the stocks I have waxed I would remove the wax with mineral spirits? Would this be correct?
I also had the stock on my Fox refinished by CSMC, they used a tru-oil finish. So now I have another type of finish to consider when the time comes for end of season maintenance. Gets interesting.

I don’t think Renaissance Wax or any wax provides much protection from the elements. Renaissance Wax began life as a museum wax, not a protectant for outdoor use. I used Renaissance Wax to bring back some sheen to hard hunted stocks, not to protect them. I still use it from time to time on collection guns that are seldom used. But the TruOil method I now use on hunting stocks is far superior to any wax. I have used this method over formerly waxed stocks without any issues. I think Brian was talking about stocks with little finish that were to be totally refinished.

[Richard Flanders]

If you're going to wax guns, use IBIZ wax. It's the only pure carnuba wax I've ever heard of and it contains no abrasives - none, which is important. I use it on all of my damascus barrels and have no issues at all. Google it; I think it's still made in Florida.

[Andrew Sacco]

I think I'm moving on from my waxing days. I'll probably just use it on my knives and carry holsters.