Does a bees wax finish protect a gun stock from rain and humidity?

Question

I have removed the original varnish from my rifle stock and been applying linseed oil after having thoroughly polished the wood. Looks nice but mildew gets over it. Lately I have stopped applying linseed oil and been applying bees wax mixed with turpentine oil once a week approx. Seems that mildew has stopped forming on the stock. Is it a wise thing to continue applying bees wax and turpentine oil. Will it protect the wood from rain and humidity?

Answer 1

It'll help, but I don't think it's going to make it impervious.
If you have an adversion to varnish/polyurethanes...why not go with tung oil, it'll dry to a harder finish than linseed, however you'll need to take off the wax first.
By the way...Turpentine oil is poisonous...you may want to reconsider.
Call or write to Rockler (they're all about wood)...see what they recommend.

Answer 2

I can't imagine why you would be using Hoppe's #9 on your gun stock. Hoppe's #9 is a nitro powder solvent not a stock polish. Use the Hoppes to remove burned powder fouling from the action and bore. To protect the finsh on your stock, use some paste wax. My preference is Renaissance Wax. It is available from such places as Cabelas or Midway USA. Sometimes you can find it in fine furniture stores. Just apply it according to the directions and it will protect your stock from the elements and keep it looking nice. It is excellent for protecting the metal surfaces of your gun, too. Do not use it in the bore. It is excellent for exterior surfaces but don't put it on interior surfaces because it will be burned by the heat of the cartridge and leave some gunk in your barrel. This is the stuff that museums use to protect all kinds of surfaces from wood to metal.

Answer 3

Turpentine is the standard solvent for making paste wax.
paste wax is not meant to be used as a finish but rather as a protectant to make the finish last longer. a high quality polyurathane would give your stock the greatest stability, leading to the best possible accuraccy from your firearm. if you are not actively engaged in using you rifle then you only need to apply enough finish for looks.
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