Any tips on removing candle wax?

[mvmagic]

I have a bit of a disaster at my hands...

My lightsabers were on display at a Halloween event. A candle on the 2nd floor of the atrium toppled over and now my Luke and Vader sabers are covered in sprayed wax... :cry

Any tips on how to remove it? So far they're just sitting in the workshop...starting the process intimidates me.

 

[Contec]

are the metal or plastic sabers? Maybe put them in the freezer a while and then peel of the wax. Or maybe put a cloth over and use heat to melt the wax again and soak it up with the cloth.

 

[mvmagic]

They are metal, replica Graflex and MPP. Guess I'll try the freezer...I dont think the grips will react well to heat.

 

[Contec]

Maybe you should show us some pictures as well.

 

[mvmagic]

 

[filmjunkie]

I would think it would pop right off with your fingernail or even a soft cloth.

 

[TheShinyOne]

Freeze and then use a soft plastic to scrape gently, like one of those unused credit- /library cards or something. Of course, first test on a bit that is out of sight to see if it doesn't scratch.

 

[Knightjar]

I would think it would pop right off with your fingernail or even a soft cloth.

True, there's no way it would bond if you were actually trying to stick wax onto the surface.

 

[88reaper88]

Wet a cloth with 'as-hot-as-you-can-stand' water, press it against the sabre for a couple of seconds then wipe it off

 

[DS Operative]

I would use a hair dryer and a cloth to wipe it up. I think the grips will be just fine.

 

[Moviefreak]

They have a wax remover in liquid form. I use it on all types of material, especially metal. It wipes it right off and doesn't damage the metal. It is also gentle enough for plastics, wood and coated material.
Candle Wax Remover | Remove Wax

 

[mvmagic]

Thanks Moviefreak. Gotta see if that is available here (Finland).

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Yikes man! I would think spending a long enough time with your finger nail would do it but hopefully that liquid stuff works out for you. :thumbsup

 

[Flash Dixon]

You'll need to use heat and a cloth to remove it. Scraping it off will still leave a residue in the surface of the metal. The heat will help leech it out of the surface and into the cloth.

 

[mvmagic]

Thank you, everyone! Hairdryer and soft cloth was the trick. Wiped all metal with acetone and they're as good as new.