Time For Some Cast Iron Clean-Up

[John Hollaway]

l usually clean my cast iron tool tops with WD-40 and an abrasive pad on a retired random orbit sander. Does a fine job. After wiping off the excess WD-40 I usually let it go at just that. This time, however, I want to finish up with Johnson Paste wax, and have a simple question.

1. Is it necessary to strip the WD-40 residue remaining on the tops with a solvent before using the Johnson Paste wax? Thanks:)

[Robert Hayward]

No idea if it is a must to remove the WD-40 but I recommend it. A clean surface will allow the wax to adhere better. Your big problem might be using Johnson Paste Wax, unless you have some on hand.

[Lee Schierer]

No idea if it is a must to remove the WD-40 but I recommend it. A clean surface will allow the wax to adhere better. Your big problem might be using Johnson Paste Wax, unless you have some on hand.

Yes, the old reliable Johnson Paste Wax is getting extremely hard to find or really expensive.

[Keith Outten]

WD-40 is a water based product, I never use it on cast iron. I use an abrasive pad to clean the surface and then apply Johnson's Paste wax.

[Cameron Wood]

WD-40 is a water based product, I never use it on cast iron. I use an abrasive pad to clean the surface and then apply Johnson's Paste wax.



Hmm, if that were the case, it would be using water to displace water.

[Greg Parrish]

I’ve always heard that WD40 is hygroscopic and can attract moisture, but apparently the WD stands for Water Displacement. Regardless, I use Boeshield T9 on my cast iron and it has always kept rust in check. I’ve never stripped it off before waxing. I simply allow it to sit for a day or two and wipe it as clean as possible before wax.

[Bill Dufour]

WD40 is petroluem based, mainly diesel fuel. I like Dupont chain saver spray lube.
Jonhsons paste wax is no longer made.
Bill D

[Bruce Wrenn]

An alternative to paste wax, is paraffin. Using a box grater, shred some wax, then dissolve it over night in some deodorized mineral spirits. Place mixture in spray bottle, and spray top. While it's wet, wipe to uniformly apply to top. Be sure to get into miter slots. Let dry, than buff with a dry cloth. Slicker than a soap makers back side, and no rust. Reapply annually. A single bar of wax will last you for years when used this way

[Lee Schierer]

An alternative to paste wax, is paraffin. Using a box grater, shred some wax, then dissolve it over night in some deodorized mineral spirits. Place mixture in spray bottle, and spray top. While it's wet, wipe to uniformly apply to top. Be sure to get into miter slots. Let dry, than buff with a dry cloth. Slicker than a soap makers back side, and no rust. Reapply annually. A single bar of wax will last you for years when used this way

How much paraffin to how much mineral spirits?

[Sebastien La Madeleine]

I have been using a different brand paste wax with great results. I don't know if it's available everywhere, but around our parts it's easily found.

https://www.minwax.com/en/products/specialty-finishes/paste-finishing-wax

[ChrisA Edwards]

Is this different fro the Johnson Paste Wax mentioned above? It's available on Amazon

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61iyXW2-olL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

[Greg Parrish]

This is what I've been using for last 6 years or so. Never could find the Johnson's stuff.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/crystal-clear-wax?srsltid=Ad5pg_Gvx_Ra5LWnYqP7dNp-3NfqNrr0GGVin4fxZAWC0OHNQCsTKNgBoP8

https://www.hfstaples.com/shop/paste-wax/

[Jason White]

Company announced it is no longer being manufactured.


Yes, the old reliable Johnson Paste Wax is getting extremely hard to find or really expensive.

[Charlie Jones]

Is this different fro the Johnson Paste Wax mentioned above? It's available on Amazon

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61iyXW2-olL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

I have used Minwax finishing wax for years. It is easy to apply and works great.

[Randall J Cox]

Bummer on the Johnson paste wax, been using out of the same can for 40 years. Not humid in Central calif, so don't use it to often.

[Bill Dufour]

Same can, 40 years. That could be why they stopped selling it. Not many repeat sales.
Bill D

[Robert Hayward]

Same can, 40 years. That could be why they stopped selling it. Not many repeat sales.
Bill D
That was my first thought when I read 40 years on the same can. :)