I went out to my unheated (still) garage looking for some turps & found it in a 4 yr. old 3/ 4 full tin very well sealed. When I finally got it open and poured some off I found it was discolored- blackish brown. My current use is not critical: dissolving beeswax for use on boots as waterproofer- but I’m wondering about suitability for other applications. Opinions/ ideas? (& yes I’m slightly north of Pacific Northwest USA in Canada’s Pacific Southwest. Same weather, though.) Thanks.
Replies
Jeema,
Can't say what happened to your turps, but in general, as far as finishing materials go the rule should be "WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT". The heartache and wasted time that can result from having to strip and refinish something is never worth the cost of using dubious materials. That urge to use everything is a false sense of economy when it comes to finishing.
DR
Thanks. I really didn't expect anything encouraging about using it for finishing, but I can still use it for "industrial" purposes (dissolving beeswax for boot waterproofing). I'll have to label it, though, if I keep it for anything at all.
The can might have rusted in the inside. I would think it would be fine for your boot wax though.
Troy
Many years ago I came across the following formula for waterproofing boots:
equal parts petroleum jelly, neats foot oil and parafin (the type used to seal jelly/jam jars after filling)
Heat carefully in an old can, outside if possible. Mix, cool and it will become almost like a paste.
In a previous lifetime I did a lot of leather work and IMHO I would not put turpentine on leather.
I do agree that discolored turp should not be used for any woodworking
Pete
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