Preservation

[Nate McKenzie]

Hi. I volunteered to help preserve some old guns at a historical society. They are well oiled with little rust but have a lot of white mildew or mold on the stocks. I'm thinking a rubdown with a cloth dampened with Lysol and then a coating of Johnson's paste wax. Does anyone have a better idea? Thanks.

[Dphariss]

I would avoid corrosive soaps. You could do more long term harm than good.

You need to find something that will kill the mildew and not add more water to the wood. The guns need to be stored someplace with less humidity.
Wax if probably a waste of time. I would tend to use a light wipe of real boiled LS oil on a soft cloth on the wood.
I would put a light coat of breakfree CLP on the metal it will dry to a grease as the solvents evaporate.

Dan

[JTR]

One thing Not to use is Murphys Wood Oil Soap. That stuff will take the finish off in a heartbeat!  No need to ask how I know. 
John

[msmith]

I have been using a product called "Snake Oil" I just put on a pair of jersey knit gloves and wipe the gun down very well.But I am not sure this the best thing to do.Awhile back somebody mention something called Renaisance Wax, I think.What is really the best thing to do?Many of the old long rifles I see at guns shows don't look like they have anything on them,sorta dry looking and dirty.

[RobertS]

I have heard that mold and mildew can be killed by exposure to UV light, so I wonder about exposing it to sunlight or some other UV source, allow it to dry out well, and than wax it well with some kind of good paste wax.  I wonder how book collectors deal with mildew.  

[BGC]

Try applying some Scott's Liquid Gold wood cleaner & preservative (can be found at Walmart or grocery stores).  Let it set for a couple of minutes, then lightly rub off. Works well in dry areas of wood also such as patchbox/capbox cavities and barrel channels.

[Mike Brooks]

I'd go with a wipe down of Bri Wax in a dark color.

[Dennis Glazener]

I would use Renaissance Wax and it should help clean and preserve.
Dennis

[James Rogers]

I'd go with a wipe down of Bri Wax in a dark color.

Agreed. I got some of this after Mike suggested it. This wax never builds up. A new coat takes away the old coat without taking anything from underneath.

[Nate McKenzie]

James, Where can you get Bri wax?

[smshea]

I think i got mine at Woodcraft.

[Ben Gorey]

Nate:   Are the guns at the Luzerne Co. Society? 

[WElliott]

I have been successful killing mildew with a light spray of Windex.  Let it remain on for just a few seconds and then wipe off with a soft cloth. Try testing this in a small area at first.  And I agree with those who have questioned whether any restoration is called for on your rifle.   In fact, I like to see some crud inside the patchbox.  Also, I am a member of the "never shine the brass" school. 

[Nate McKenzie]

Ben, no. Montour.

[Nate McKenzie]

Thank you all for your help and ideas.

[Tim Crosby]

 I would be careful with Bri wax. It is petroleum based and if left to long will soften the petina and down through the finish enough that they can be rubbed off.

 Tim C.   

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Interesting information  ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax