Wax coating options

[wasabi]

I am doing some mild steel sculpture and find my favorite finish technique (so far) is to (1) thoroughly clean the sculpture with a wire cup brush in my drill, (2) then apply a wax finish after warming up the piece. I just love the slight darkening of the darker areas and the way the wax enhances the metallic luster of my hammered indentions or the welded beads.

My question is about wax options. You may find this odd, but I use a spray wax designed for motorcycle chains. It is easy to apply and penetrates immediately into every tiny crevice. I wipe off the excess and buff it a bit. My only problem is it has a smell although this appears to dissipate if I let the piece sit a few days.

Are there any other spray alternatives? I really like the spray as it penetrates very well. How do other people apply wax if they are not using a spray? My work usually has textures requiring a penetrating wax.

[nero]

If the sculpture is warm / hot any wax will flow and penetrate by capilliary action. Also good to get metal hot enough to burn off softeners and perfumes
added to commercial waxes. I like using silcon floor waxes as they last a long time. Bees wax smells great, some furniture waxes are excellent. Try burning in with acetylene only to carbon up the wax really beautiful lustre black.

Wear a good respirator for all of this.

[kjm]

I am doing some mild steel sculpture and find my favorite finish technique (so far) is to (1) thoroughly clean the sculpture with a wire cup brush in my drill, (2) then apply a wax finish after warming up the piece. I just love the slight darkening of the darker areas and the way the wax enhances the metallic luster of my hammered indentions or the welded beads.

My question is about wax options. You may find this odd, but I use a spray wax designed for motorcycle chains. It is easy to apply and penetrates immediately into every tiny crevice. I wipe off the excess and buff it a bit. My only problem is it has a smell although this appears to dissipate if I let the piece sit a few days.

Are there any other spray alternatives? I really like the spray as it penetrates very well. How do other people apply wax if they are not using a spray? My work usually has textures requiring a penetrating wax.Wasabi I use minwax paste finishing for dark surfaces. Sometimes I put it on warm surfaces. But it's best to put it on and then wipe off as soon as you can.