If you need to protect metal objects against the passing of time, then Renaissance wax is one of the best choices you can make. It’s good against moisture and various types of contamination; it helps against corrosion. It can be used on all types of metals; so it’s ideal for different applications, ranging from old coins and armor to guns. But what if you need to clean your object? Is there a way to remove Renaissance wax?
It will require some time, but it’s definitely doable. It’s mainly a matter of choosing the right product for the job. Generally speaking, you need a product that contains chemical solvents, which might be able to break the bond between the wax and the substrate. We’ll talk about various alternatives, such as mineral spirits, alcohol, PVC cleaners. Common dish soap might also do the trick. Then, we’ll address a slightly different approach, that involves using metal polish.
After this quick intro, let’s get into details.
How to Remove Renaissance Wax
Hot Water and Soap
The first thing you should try to use to remove renaissance wax is a combination of hot water and soap. Use a quality brush to apply soap to your object. A toothbrush is ideal to cover all the difficult spots. After applying soap, rinse with hot water; repeat the process as many times as necessary. Make sure to keep the brush clean too. Alternatively, if your object is not too big, dip it into a mixture of hot water and liquid soap, and then brush it. That way, you’ll make sure to not have any wax residual left. Rinse with abundant water after you are done to remove any leftover soap.
Obviously, use this method only if your application allows you to do so; after removing the renaissance wax, make sure to wipe any water off and apply a protective product against corrosion.
Mineral Spirits or Alcohol
If you happen to have one of the products mentioned in the title, then you might want to try this method. Gasoline should also work fine.
Apply mineral spirits or alcohol with a clean wipe on the object. Apply a layer by moving only in 1 direction, then let the product do its thing. After a while, the wax should begin detaching from the underlying surface. At this point, remove as much as you can with a clean cloth. Make sure to always use a clean spot of your cloth to avoid applying the wax again.
After the first pass, proceed in different directions using the same approach, until there’s no wax left.
PVC Cleaner
Another class of products that should do the trick for you are PVC cleaners. They are generally used on PVC piping to remove grease, dirt, and stains. In order to do so, they contain aggressive chemical components, which also work pretty well on waxes.
Whatever product you might choose, the approach is always the same. Start by applying the product onto your object: either use a clean cloth if it’s liquid or spray it directly. After you let it work the substrate for a bit, use a clean cloth to remove the wax. Repeat until the surface is clean.
Remove the Wax Mechanically
There’s a final, different approach to keep into consideration. Instead of using a chemical product that will help break the connection between the wax and the substrate, you want to me remove it in a mechanical way. For this method, you’ll need clean cloths and a product to help you remove the wax, like metal polish. A good choice is Simichrome Polish.
- Make sure to always move in the same direction. If you move in different directions, you’ll remove wax from one spot and deposit it in another.
- Always work with a clean cloth. Frequently check to make sure it’s not clogged with wax. A microfiber cloth is ideal for this kind of application.
Since there’s no chemical reaction to help you get the wax off the surface, you’ll have to use a lot of elbow grease to get the job done. Be patient and follow my advice. Try different products and types of cloth to find out the best combination.
How to Remove Renaissance Wax from Wood
As you can imagine, Renaissance wax is commonly used on metal objects such as guns. But it can also be applied to other materials such as gemstones and wood. So what’s the procedure to remove Renaissance wax from wood, for example?
When working with metal, you are almost guaranteed that whatever product you might use won’t damage your object. When working with wood, you need to be more careful, since the wax remover might be able to penetrate and damage the wood.
That’s why I would stick to mineral spirits or alcohol when removing renaissance wax from wood. The steps to do so are the same as mentioned earlier. Work in 1 direction at a time; use clean cloths only.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different approaches you could follow to remove renaissance wax. The problem with wax is dual: you need to get the wax to detach from the surface, and then get it off the surface. That’s why you need a product with chemical solvents for this job. It can either be dish soap, mineral spirits, alcohol, or some sort of cleaner. If you are afraid of damaging the underlying material, remove the wax mechanically with the aid of some polish. You get the idea, so feel free to experiment with different products that you might already have available, without spending additional money.
Always make sure to take all the needed safety precautions when working with chemical stuff. This includes a respirator and glasses against toxic fumes and gloves to protect your skin when applying the product.
