Alternative for johnson paste wax

[ear3]

I finally finished off the tin of johnson paste wax I've been working with for about a decade. Went online to restock, only to find that it's been discontinued, and prices for remaining stock are unduly inflated. Any recommendations on alternatives? I actually use it more on metal than I do on wood, as it makes for a good protective coating for my iron tools in the garage/shop. I did occasionally apply it to wood products, but i generally prefer renaissance wax for finishing wood when a wax coating is called for.

I've tried Trewax but don't really like it. It seems like minwax and briwax are the most discussed paste wax alternatives online.

 

[onocoffee]

My brother left a can of Meguiar's and I've been using that for all my cast tables and other surfaces. I use it as both protectant and Encourager of "Glide".

https://amzn.to/42nWrtw

 

[luvmytoolz]

The best one I've found that doesn't impart wax to the timber is Silverglide (silber Gleit). Works great on cast iron.

For smaller tools I use a Lanolin based coating called Fluid Film, fantastic product, but really any lanolin based product would work well, and it dries so it doesn't affect wood finishing.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I still have plenty of Butcher’s Wax, aka bowling alley wax, which is also out of production. If I needed to buy I’d probably go with Trewax. But I’ve never used it. What did you dislike about it?

 

[hdv]

Here's another thumbs up for Silbergleit. Have been using it for a long time. Never had trouble with it.

 

[philg]

For general purpose wax I use Staples 211 Carnauba Paste Wax. On hand tools Renaissance Wax, and depending on the machine surface it's Waxilit paste or liquid. None of these waxes have silicone.

 

[Packard]

I’ve always used the Minwax version of paste wax. I have always thought it to be essentially identical to Butchers’ Wax. One container lasts me several years, so I have not shopped this recently. It is still listed by Minwax.

Addendum: $17.44 from Amazon. I’m pretty sure I paid about $5.00 a few years ago. Is this cost increase about the solvent?

Paste Finishing Wax - Wood Polish & Protection | Minwax®

<p>Wood Wax Finish - Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax adds luster and protection to your finished wood surfaces. Ideal for furniture and woodwork.</p>

www.minwax.com

 

[onocoffee]

Is this cost increase about the solvent?

I think it's more that we're older and times have changed.

I just saw a video shot in the late 1980s about a plate lunch place in Honolulu where the plate lunch was $3.50. Today, it's around $15!

 

[Packard]

I think it's more that we're older and times have changed.

I just saw a video shot in the late 1980s about a plate lunch place in Honolulu where the plate lunch was $3.50. Today, it's around $15!

Yeah, a local McDonalds made the headlines when their Big Mac Combo meal came in at $18.00. Even more, if you substituted coffee for the soft drink—then they would charge per item and it would no longer be a “combo meal”.

But still, a 300%+ price increase over maybe 10 years is pretty much off the charts.

My personal inflation indicator is the price of a draft of beer. In college (1966 - 1970), a draft of beer was $0.40. The price of a draft of beer locally is about $4.50. So an increase of 11 times the price in 1970.

But back to real statistics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a $5.00 item in 2020 should cost $9.60 in 2025.

CPI Inflation Calculator

www.bls.gov

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I make my own waxes, they very by application. The simplest version is just beeswax and mineral oil. That is pretty much just for cutting boards or wooden drawer runners.
Beyond that, solvents get involved. Mineral Spirits, Turpentine, Naptha, or Orange oil will soften the completed mixture, making application easier, with less or no oil. As an alternative, drying oils, like Linseed Oil, or Tung Oil can be used too. I wouldn't use an oil on metal tables/fences, but they are great on wood.
The other waxes, Carnauba, Parafin, and Micro-Crystalline are harder and have higher melting points. Generally, the harsher solvents help dissolve the wax, keeping them soft enough to apply, then evaporate, rather than being absorbed. That is the more offensive smell, rather than the natural scent of the others.
The Minwax finishing wax is Parafin and Naptha, though I have never made that particular mix.
I have no idea what is in that automotive stuff, but it will leave white residue, in the pores of wood products. It's very difficult to remove.