The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

How to wax bare metal filing cabinets

Hello,
I am restoring metal furniture full time. Varnishing bare metal leaves metal dark. I want to switch to WAXING so it doesn't darken polished metal. What type of wax should I use and what method of application? Please, any tips and knowledge of waxing and application much appreciated. Thank you. Joe.

Joe Tanham
metal furniture restorer - Adelaide, Australia
September 10, 2009

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- September 12, 2009

Try next Australian webpage: archive.amol.org.au/recollections/2/5/index.htm
There you can find simple metals conservation wax recipe.
Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Well I use wax on muzzle loaders that I have browned and I have to admit that it does not work all that well. If the surface is handled or allowed to rub on something like cloth the wax is apt to wear off rather quickly. I think the dark finish that you are seeing in your varnish is stain that is built right into the finish. Try some of the clear 2 part epoxy automotive clear coat paints. I use them on gun stocks all the time and they harden clear as glass. If you find the finish too shiny you can buff it lightly with 00 steel wool ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .

Rod Henrickson
gunsmith - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
September 12, 2009

Hi Thanks for replies, I will look into the Australian web site mentioned. I am steering away from varnish and auto clearcoats, I don't like the plastic coat finish they leave. Wax seems to leave a more natural look. I have just tried a Carnauba wax. It seems to work o.k, its labeled for use on wood but it works. If anyone out there is used to working with wax on metal please leave your tips and advice. Thanks a lot.

Joe Tanham [returning]
metal furniture restorer - Adelaide, Australia
September 15, 2009

---

Hi Joe,
Carnauba is a good start as it is naturally very hard and has a high melting point. However, the British museum will not touch any wax containing carnauba, as the acids in it could cause degradation of some metals.

Look for a wax with a high-melting microcrystalline base, or containing PE waxes, or FT waxes. Waxes are being used on bronze statues (amongst other things) with great results. If you use the correct wax then it should last for ages without 'wiping off'.

Cheers, Tom Ward
- Sydney, NSW, Australia
September 29, 2009

---

October 7, 2009

Hi Tom,

Thanks a lot for your input/advise. Carnauba is working, but I'm not sure if the steel will rust under after awhile as I haven't been using wax long.
Also before I use the wax I am cleaning down the bare steel with turpentine ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , is there any rust preventative spray that won't darken metal to give more anti corrosion protection, or is the wax enough to keep it at bay?
Thanks again,

Joe Tanham [returning]
metal furniture restorer - Adelaide, Australia

What about an acrylic urethane...they're water white (perfectly clear), waterborne, and easy to apply, and offer much better durability than any wax............

Greg Scholl
- Middlebury, Connecticut
October 16, 2009