Thinning Paste Wax

[Bob Menzel]

I've got a old can of Trewax that's gotten a bit dried up over the years. It's still usable but it's a bit crumbly on the applicator. I'm thinking of adding a little mineral spirits to the can to 'rehydrate' it, but before I do would like to know if anyone has done this w/o spoiling the wax.

[Clay Schaeffer]

Some waxes incorporate a solvent to soften the wax and make it easier to apply. Briwax used to use toluene, but now uses something else because of environmental concerns. Mineral spirits are also used, would probably be less reactive with the finish, and evaporate a bit more slowly. A small amount goes a long way (a teaspoon per can for the average paste wax). You might try adding some mineral spirits to a chunk of your dried up wax and see if it will soften it before committing the whole can.

[Chuck Tweedy]

To get the solvent properly mixed with the wax, however, I think you would have to whip the whole thing together in a blender.
The solvent is not just going to magically dissolve and soften the wax.
I think it is time for a new can of wax.

[Barry Daniels]

Another method would be to melt the Tre-Wax in a double boiler and add the mineral spirits. Obviously, this is a very dangerous procedure and should be done outside well away from any buildings that you do not want to burn down.

The same thing could probably be accomplished more safely by setting the can of wax ouside in the direct sun.

[Mario Proulx]

Carefully warm(not hot, just warm) some naphtha(outside!!!, with an electric hot plate) and add that to the wax. Been there, worked out just fine.

[Clay Schaeffer]

I would be more inclined to warm the wax rather than heating the naptha.

[Bob Menzel]

Thanks for the responses. I contacted Trewax (Beaumont Products) customer service and was advised to use a little mineral spirits, and that the action of the applicator will get the chunks back together again. I may leave the can in my car to heat it up a bit.