What release agent with DevCon Plastic Steel?

[KY_Windage]

With MarineTex and DevCon clear epoxy I have been using beeswax (for boot waterproofing) as the release agent and it has worked perfectly. However, I switched to DevCon Plastic Steel (mixes to a dark gray) and I am having problems with it somehow eating through areas I KNOW I coated liberally with the beeswax and sticking like I'd done surface prep and TRIED to get it to stick there.

Will going to Kiwi or some other wax solve my problem, or is there something better?

 

[pertnear]

I use the DevCon Steel with Johnson's floor wax paste in a round flat can as release agent. Never had the slightest problem with dozen or so rifles done.

 

[jepp2]

Will going to Kiwi or some other wax solve my problem, or is there something better?

I follow the guidance of Richard Franklin. He uses Kiwi neutral shoe polish (2 coats buffed off). Works for me.

 

[kendog]

Johnson's Floor Wax. 50+ year old quart can. It was my Dads. I've been using it since 1980's.

 

[Edd]

With MarineTex and DevCon clear epoxy I have been using beeswax (for boot waterproofing) as the release agent and it has worked perfectly. However, I switched to DevCon Plastic Steel (mixes to a dark gray) and I am having problems with it somehow eating through areas I KNOW I coated liberally with the beeswax and sticking like I'd done surface prep and TRIED to get it to stick there.

Will going to Kiwi or some other wax solve my problem, or is there something better?

There is nothing better than McLube 1700L aerosol or Johnson Paste Wax.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Kiwi neutral shoe polish is the best. Just make sure you actually polish it onto the metal. Releases the metal from the bedding as easy or easier than anything else out there and clean up is a breeze. Goes on with an extremely thin layer so it doesn’t not create and excessive spacing between the metal and bedding. And no ugly color residue to it that will show up on the metal or bedding. Just makes it shiny. If you miss spots when cleaning you won’t even notice

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I follow the guidance of Richard Franklin. He uses Kiwi neutral shoe polish (2 coats buffed off). Works for me.

Thanks, just checked out Franklin’s website. His video on stock finishing and bedding looks to be a bargain at $38!

 

[tac284]

Johnsons paste wax, two coats both buffed out. Very consistent results. I used McLube 1700L a few times, but continue to use Johnsons for now.

 

[std7mag]

I used 2 coates of the blue release agent that comes in an Acraglass kit.
Pain to get the release agent off afterwards though.

 

[biggun2869]

I think mine might be Johnsons too. Read it years ago in a gun mag. (I think by Wiley Clapp). I've done 10 or more and haven't really put a dent in it

 

[Cemetery21]

Still on the same can I started with in the 1970s - Simoniz paste car wax. But, I always have neutral shoe polish on hand in case I run out.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I follow the guidance of Richard Franklin. He uses Kiwi neutral shoe polish (2 coats buffed off). Works for me.

Same here.

 

[Fast14riot]

I like Partall Paste #2 for anything I do not want covered in epoxy.

 

[GNERGY]

I use Permatex multi purpose synthetic grease with teflon, I use it for case sizing too and have never stuck a case. Same as silicone grease.
Tarey

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Thanks, just checked out Franklin’s website. His video on stock finishing and bedding looks to be a bargain at $38!

Yeah he does a good job. Very good video on how to do a proper quality bedding job.

But I would recommend Marine Tex over Devcon of any kind. I used Devcon for a few years and found it shrinks pretty significantly over time. After about a year you’ll notice all of the actions will get a little sloppy in the stock. Some rifles I had bedded with Devcon started losing accuracy after about a year. Minimal round count and same lots of all components. Started using Marine Tex and haven’t looked back. Re-bedded the rifles that had Devcon and accuracy came back and stayed. Marine Tex does not shrink over time, or at least so little that it will not have any noticeable effect on the ability of a rifle to maintain accuracy.

 

[JackT]

I have used Kiwi neutral shoe polish on three stocks to date. Apply polish, let dry, and buff; repeat twice. Great results, especially for a novice who had been told my his kids that "everything is not a nail that needs to be wacked with a hammer"!

 

[Triple BB]

I'm getting ready to bed a new rifle. Found several positive reviews for Epoxease. Found a can for $8. Spoke with the seller and he also recommended it for what I was doing. Guess we'll find out.

 

[LoanHarvey]

Same here.

I have his video's, good stuff

 

[hpshooter]

Kiwi neutral shoe polish works fine for me with both Marine Tex and Devcon. Easy clean up and thin film doesn't grossly affect dimensions and can be purchased most anywhere that sells shoes. No need to get exotic on specialized release agents. Have used Johnson's paste wax years ago without any problems just switched to Kiwi when it ran out because I had some on hand.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Kiwi Neutral Paste Wax works great as a release agent when stock bedding, as well as putting a shine on your shoes.
And if you're running a bare steel barrel, a good coat protects the finish from moisture. Works for me.