[ARC5] [Milsurplus] Cleaning fine crackle paint

[Robert Nickels]

On 4/17/2015 10:04 AM, Scott Robinson wrote:
> WD-40 contains Stoddard solvent
Anyone can just read the MSDS to learn what is in WD-40 in a general 
sense, even though the exact formulation is a trade secret.   The 
ingredients of the version sold in the US are:

     50% "aliphatic hydrocarbons". The manufacturer's website 
specifically claims that this fraction in the current formulation cannot 
be accurately referred to as Stoddard solvent, a similar mixture of 
hydrocarbons.
     <25% petroleum base oil, presumably a mineral oil or light 
lubricating oil.
     12-18% low vapor pressure aliphatic hydrocarbon, to reduce the 
viscosity for use in aerosols. This fraction evaporates during application.
     2-3% carbon dioxide, presumably as a propellant, is now used 
instead of liquefied petroleum gas to reduce WD-40's considerable 
flammability.
     <10% inert ingredients.

The above is from wikipedia but I cross-checked it against the MSDS.   
The solvent mix is "similar to" Stoddard solvent, and the oil is 
petroleum-based (not fish oil, as alleged by other misstatements).

I've been told "if you want solvent, use solvent; if you want 
lubrication, use the correct type of lubricant".   WD40 combines both in 
one product and it's easy to see that is not always optimal.    The 
other problem is oil would typically be applied just where it's needed 
and a spray of WD40 is likely to leave a deposit of diluted oil in nooks 
and crannies where it's not wanted.

I also remember that test using the zinc-plated steel electrical box 
covers but can NOT remember where it was published!   I've spent hours 
looking thru old backissues of Antique Radio Classified where I was sure 
it had appeared, but couldn't find it and even asked the publisher who 
didn't remember it either.   (However the time spent was a fun 
diversion!)    Could it have been the AWA magazine?    I am just sure it 
was one of the small format magazines and it wasn't ER.     That article 
contained actual data which would be great to have, and which would 
probably win more than a few free beers. Anyone remember it?

73, Bob W9RAN