Developed in the late 1800s as a pharmaceutical product, Cosmoline was originally used for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes and functioned basically as an ointment. Over the years, the needs for a product like this evolved, and Cosmoline evolved as well. New formulations hit the market that were heavier in consistency and more appropriate for long-term protection—not of skin, but of heavy machinery and equipment. Much of this need developed due to World War I when the military required a heavy-duty rust protector to keep its tanks and other equipment free from corrosion—especially during overseas travel. The new formulas of Cosmoline were so effective in these situations that the U.S. military continues to use it to this day.

However, the military is not the only industry that can benefit from this miraculous product. Here is some more information on what Cosmoline is, what you can use it for, and the many different types of Cosmoline available today. Continue reading Your Complete Guide to All Things Cosmoline →

Not all rust preventatives are created equal. In fact, Cosmoline’s line of rust preventatives were engineered for specific applications, materials, and conditions. Finding the right rust preventative is about knowing what you’re working with and what you need and expect out of treating it. Will you be storing the piece or shipping it? Is it for an outside or inside application? Knowing what you need a rust preventative to do will determine which one you ultimately go with. To help, here are all the questions you should ask yourself to decide on the right treatment for your project. Continue reading All the Questions You Need to Ask to Pick the Right Rust Preventative →

Cosmoline is helpful because it offers long-term rust prevention, but if you’re a Curios & Relics (C&R) Firearms collector or have ever purchased a gun, you may have what looks to be a mess on your hands. Cosmoline is used to protect the gun against rusting; however, many military surplus rifles were previously submerged in the greasy substance, making its eventual removal seemingly problematic.

Even if your item only has a light coating of older Cosmoline, you might have questions as to how best to remove old coatings. Over time, Cosmoline may have seeped into nooks, crevices, and gaps in the metal but it is actually fairly simple to remove. Continue reading How to Properly Remove Cosmoline from Military Surplus Firearms →

You’ve taken your time studying up on patio sets, reading reviews, deciding on how you want it to look—and you’ve finally made the investment. As with anything, cheap patio furniture isn’t much good, and good patio furniture isn’t cheap, so chances are your new outdoor furniture purchase set you back a pretty penny. The practical question is how you keep it looking and feeling as close to brand-new as possible.

Continue reading How to Make Your Outdoor Furniture Last Longer →

Rust can destroy the beauty of your prized car, or ruin a perfectly fine set of wrought-iron patio furniture. While metal is a tough material that generally lasts decades, rust is one of the few things that can make that strength wane over the course of weeks or months. Continue reading Guide to Rust Prevention and Treatment →