SC Johnson wax (wood floor wax) for iron preservation?

[mfjohnson]

I recently found a ramrod and removed most of the rust with an iron brush wheel and various small dremel attachments. Now, for the next step, I have a question.

A couple other, more experienced md'ers recommended to use SC JOhnson wood floor wax to prevent more rust from forming. A quick scan over this forum shows no other post regarding this. Has anybody tried this technique?

Thanks,

Mike

 

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[smhead]

I use Minwax Paste Floor Wax to seal my ancient coins once cleaned. I suspect it is the same stuff. For a large iron object I am sure it would be fine. Near the end of the article here I talk about it:
http://scotvscapitis.blogspot.com/2006/10/step-by-step-cleaning-and-attributing.html

If your ramrod is rough, you may need to buff with a cloth wheel or something if the wax builds up too thick in areas and shows white. The buffing will also shine up the object (after all, its floor wax).

If you warm the ramrod in an oven (if it will fit) or with halogen shop lamps you will be able to drive out moisture before applying the wax. While still warm (not HOT) you can take some heated/liquified floor wax paste and a paint brush and coat the ramrod. Since it solidifies fast, use an old coffer maker to keep it warm and liquid.

We used this technique when I worked at a museum to preserve objects (non-display, study relics) and it worked fine, but did leave some white stuff that could be buffed out. If you have some white showing in crevices and hard to reach areas in the corroded surface, just detail work them with a cotton swab.

Should do fine to preserve the metal and keep out moisture and oxygen.