any ideas for "shining" up a cannister?

[Glenn Barbaritz]

hey Guys, Glenn here. I just got in a nice gas mask cannister. issued and used but not abused. has most of the paint still but is "rough" to the touch. the original gloss is gone. is there a product I can sparingly wipe on to the overall metal surface to give it a somewwhat shinier apprearance. like a light coat of oil or something? pleae let me know. I think it would look alot nicer with a subtle shine to it but of course I dont want to harm it down the road either. any suggestions greatly appreciated. thanks, Glenn

[Stu W]

Hello Glenn,

I'm a believer in less is usually best but on occasions where I want to preserve a finish, or rehabilitate one, I generally use Renaissance Wax. It's readily available in the US.

If you are not familiar with the product try some searches on the Conservation Forum and you'll learn more. In short, it's a microcrystalline wax used as a preservative coating for certain materials. I think it would be appropriate for your cannister.

Here's a link worth reading...

http://www.picreator.co.uk/articles/...ssance_wax.htm

Regards,
Stu

PS: A little bit goes a very long way so unless you plan to use it on a number of items I'd not buy more than the smallest amount offered.

[Glenn Barbaritz]

thanks for the tip Stu. but do you know where in the US I can locate a can of this? ordering it thru the link you give is way to much wax for me. Glenn

[Stu W]

Hi Glenn,

That link was just so you could read about the product.

Here's a place in the US that some of the guys have purchased from...

http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catal...roductID=17865

Regards,
Stu

thanks for the tip Stu. but do you know where in the US I can locate a can of this? ordering it thru the link you give is way to much wax for me. Glenn

There is plenty of ren wax in ebay.

Hello Glenn,

I'm a believer in less is usually best but on occasions where I want to preserve a finish, or rehabilitate one, I generally use Renaissance Wax. It's readily available in the US.

If you are not familiar with the product try some searches on the Conservation Forum and you'll learn more. In short, it's a microcrystalline wax used as a preservative coating for certain materials. I think it would be appropriate for your cannister.

Here's a link worth reading...

http://www.picreator.co.uk/articles/...ssance_wax.htm

Regards,
Stu

PS: A little bit goes a very long way so unless you plan to use it on a number of items I'd not buy more than the smallest amount offered.

Stu is the ren wax appropriate for a metal canister without paint? Or it can be good for restoring metals with paint on them as well?

[Stu W]

Stu is the ren wax appropriate for a metal canister without paint? Or it can be good for restoring metals with paint on them as well?

I'd say Yes to the first question and Maybe to the second as I don't know what kind of paint is involved. I have used the wax on many items (edged weapons, EK, war badges, general awards) without a problem. I am aware that it's use on certain Japanese ceramic items, such as Saki cups, will damage the finish. It's doubtful that the same type of finish would be on your painted metal item but better to be forewarned.

Regards,
Stu

PS: WAF member Swordfish (Tom) has experimented extensively with waxes. Check with him about a specific item if you have one in mind.

Ok Stu. I will try it on a small part of the canister and see if anything is going wrong. Thanks

[Lt Visser]

I use a pencil grinder, on the slowest setting with the buffing tip. Works EXCELLENT!