Shelf life of carnuba wax?
Shelf life of carnuba wax?
Author
Discussion

Uncle Fester

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

224 months

Saturday 1st September 2007
quotequote all
My Mum found two 1 gallon cans of carnuba wax down her garage and gave it to me.

Dad used to buy professional detailers stuff in bulk as he was a bit of a perfectionist. I think it must be about 10 years old, but I can't be sure.

Dad passed on some years ago, but was wheelchair bound for a while before that. Then he may have had it a while before that to.

Both cans have been opened, but they look ok.

My question is can I safely use it?

I don't want to trash the finish on my cars, but I don't want to throw it away if its good. I could try it in a small area, but how long for before I can say that its safe?

Fester


randlemarcus

13,627 posts

247 months

Saturday 1st September 2007
quotequote all
Put a bit on your mum's car :: if it dries, and is shiny when buffed, slap it on yours.

As far as I know, it doesnt morph into acid...

PJ S

10,842 posts

243 months

Saturday 1st September 2007
quotequote all
It's supposed to be kept in a cool place, to reduce the bacteria.
To be honest, after 10-11 years, it's probably next to useless. No wax would be produced that lasts that length of time without going off. Pro detailers buy bulk because they go through so much of it.
Unless you have access to a lab who can test it for active ingredients, and compare to what it should've been when bought, then as wasteful as it seems, it's only chuckable as opposed to useful.

Uncle Fester

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

224 months

Sunday 2nd September 2007
quotequote all
PJ S said:
It's supposed to be kept in a cool place, to reduce the bacteria.
To be honest, after 10-11 years, it's probably next to useless. No wax would be produced that lasts that length of time without going off. Pro detailers buy bulk because they go through so much of it.
Unless you have access to a lab who can test it for active ingredients, and compare to what it should've been when bought, then as wasteful as it seems, it's only chuckable as opposed to useful.
Thanks

As I feared.

Dad used to go through loads just on his own car.

He would take off all the doors so he could get in all the little corners, then re-hang them with a tuning fork to ensure all the doors sounded the same as they were closed. Fussy wasn't the word. I therefore suspect that it was bought not long before his health stopped him polishing.

Mum never learned to drive, so no car there. We don't have one that I would risk, thats why I asked instead of just trying a test area.

I will have to ask around for a car we can test on.

Fester

PJ S

10,842 posts

243 months

Monday 3rd September 2007
quotequote all
I doubt you'll do any damage to a car - just not see any results or anything that'll last beyond the first rain or hosing.
Could ask over in detailingworld.co.uk or look on Google to see what info you can pull up on carnauba longevity.


Uncle Fester

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

224 months

Saturday 8th September 2007
quotequote all
I have managed to get an answer from the maker. Shelf life of 5 years in sealed can.

PJ S

10,842 posts

243 months

Saturday 8th September 2007
quotequote all
Hmpf.....longer than I expected.
Still, not 11 years - so hard luck on your "find". hehe