Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 25, 2003 02:32am | #1

   Joe, Try a cabinet scraper to remove the heavy stuff.

   If my memory serves me well, Carbon tetra chloride will disolve wax  BUT It's considered highly toxic and can no longer be sold.  A substertute would be Carbona (A drycleaning fluid sold in super marts.) Stein.

1. 
   joeu | Jun 25, 2003 11:05pm | #7

   Thanks much, I'll try the scraper method first.  Looks like I slice, then scrape.

2. 
   10fingers | Jun 25, 2003 05:54am | #2

   Hello,

   I was once told that paint thinner(mineral spirits) would disolve wax or parafin.  I haven't tried it yet.   I remember a lot of things that aren't necessary but forget things I need to know.  I guess I am getting old.  Chuck

1. 
   Kevin | Jun 25, 2003 07:28am | #3

   I was once told that paint thinner(mineral spirits) would disolve wax or parafin. 

   It will disolve wax. I don't know about parafin, though. I've never tried it on that. A blend of various Naptha's (basically refined mineral spirits) is used widely in autobody shops as "wax and grease remover". It's used to remove contaminates prior to painting or prepping. It also works on many adhesives, although slowly.

   Regards,

   Kevin

   Edited 6/25/2003 1:02:35 AM ET by Kevin

1. 
   joeu | Jun 25, 2003 11:08pm | #8

   You know, I was just assuming it was paraffin--might well be wax.  Thanks to you all for your suggestions, and the information about the stuff.

   Joe

3. 
   Telemike | Jun 25, 2003 07:41am | #4

   Parrafin is a mix of alaphatic hydrocarbons (straight chains of carbon atoms with hydrogens handing off to the side, plus a few branches) just like mineral spirits.  The mineral spirits chains are shorter so it is a liquid at room temp.

   Yes, mineral spirits (paint thinner) will dissolve parrafin, but may carry it further into the wood.  I'd scrape and perhaps sand away the parrafin and some of the wood it's absorbed into.

4. 
   wrick2003 | Jun 25, 2003 03:43pm | #5

   good ole WD-40 will desolve wax also, don't know about parafin.

   good luck     rg

5. 
   Gretchen | Jun 25, 2003 05:13pm | #6

   I don't know how thick this is but you might try softening it with a hair dryer, then scraping carefully while soft--and finally something that would dissolve it.

   Gretchen