Navigating the Cosmoline Market: How to Decide Which Formula is Best for You

Cosmoline formulas have evolved greatly since their early inception in the late 19th century. Originally a pharmaceutical product, Cosmoline was utilized for several medical and cosmetic reasons, namely as an ointment for skin. Today, the formula is used in the rust protection of heavy industrial and machine equipment as well as in small-scale commercial and domestic applications.

Various forms of the formula exist on the market, and it may seem a bit difficult to decide which solution is best for your needs. Rest assured, though, that navigating your options can be made easy. Discover below how Cosmoline evolved and how to decide which application is best for you.

In this blog, you will learn the following:

1.) What is cosmoline and how it evolved

2.) The applications of cosmoline

3.) The types of cosmoline

Cosmoline 101: A Primer

Since the late 1800s, Cosmoline as a product has evolved to meet new needs. Growing from its original application to provide long-term skin protection, new formulations of Cosmoline expanded to provide protection for heavy industrial machine equipment as well as domestic home and maritime usages. The change began with the advent of World War I when the United States military required a substance to offer rust protected for tanks and other weaponry and equipment during transport overseas. Because of the success at that time in history, the United States military still utilizes Cosmoline in contemporary times. Yet, Cosmoline has found usages of this kind outside of the military in private enterprise and beyond.

The Cosmoline formulation stems from a petroleum-based, wax-like rust inhibitor. In its original form, Cosmoline featured a viscous and somewhat fluorescent consistency, which becomes solid when exposed to air over time. The formula blend of substances proved to be tremendously effective in terms of working as a corrosion and rust inhibitor as well as a lubricant for industrial uses. From there, it has become a staple not only for industrial settings, but in automotive mechanical shops as well as in domestic households to lubricate doors and prevent rusting of furniture, personal firearm maintenance and related items.

Applications of Cosmoline

Cosmoline is a versatile substance that can be used in various ways from pre-treatment efforts to preclude damage to repair damage from age, improper storage approaches and weather. Homeowners find the formula particularly useful in preventing and repairing rust in outdoor and indoor settings , to displace water, surface cleaning, the storage of injection molds and reduce squeaking in doors. In wintertime, Cosmoline is ideal for undercoating automotive vehicles in preventing damage resulting from driving on roads receiving salt treatments during, after and before winter storms. Cosmoline can also be used in the care of musical instrument strings, marine equipment, tools and personal firearms. It should be noted that when attempting to remove Cosmoline from firearms certain precautions should be taken. Firearm manufacturers apply Cosmoline to finished products to protect them from the risk of rust and moisture. Often, Cosmoline can be easily cleaned off the piece, as it will appear as an oily substance. At the same time, if the weapon has been for a long period of time, then the Cosmoline may harden into a wax-like formation. This will make it harder to remove the Cosmoline without damaging the firearm. To facilitate this, consider using WD-40, a heat gun or ultrasonic cleaning methods.

Types of Cosmoline on the Market

In its original version, Cosomoline came in one form. Today, though, Cosmoline comes in a variety of options. Each offers a specific use based on your needs.

Original Cosmoline

Although the original formula of Cosmoline is no longer available for purchase,  comparable form exists today. It can be applied for various uses and features a thin-fluid like texture. It is ideal for rust prevention on iron and steel that is stored for long periodsof time in outdoor and indoor settings with exposure to salt, high humidity and weathering.

Rust Veto Cosmoline

Rust Veto Cosmoline is ideal for projects requiring a significant drying period. This Cosmoline formula dries in a mere 15 minutes, while furnishing a waxy protective layer. This version of Cosmoline works best with firearms, hardware, power machinery as well as automotive parts.

Weathershed Cosmoline

For heavy rust prevention jobs, you should go with weathershed Cosmoline . This form of Cosmoline functions as a heavy wax preventative and corrosion inhibitor formula that can be employed for both long-term indoor and outdoor purposes. For example, if you live by the beach, this version of Cosmoline will protect the steel and metal of your home, boat and/or tools. The formula seals out moisture and prevents cracking.

Cosmoline Aerosol

The Cosmoline Aerosol form is ideal for work in automotive repair centers. The aerosol form sprays on with a thin and colorless film that both cleans and protects from corrosion and rusting. The formula works well in treating rust and stopping squeaking parts.

Cutmax Tapping Oil

For heavy industrial usages, the Cutmax Tapping Oil version of Cosmoline is the ideal machining aid with ferrous metals. Usage of this form of Cosmoline increases the speed of cutting while reducing breakage and wear as well as providing a clean finish. Industrial usages related to ferrous metals such as crouch grinding and broaching, milling, tapping, machining, threading and drilling all benefit from the application of this form of Cosmoline.

Super Silicone

For lubrication needs, the Super Silicone Cosmoline form works best as a release agent. This form of Cosmoline curtails squeaking, reduces build-up as well as reduces sticking and friction wear on moving machine parts. The formula is ideal for domestic, marine, automotive and industrial utilization for treating hinges, latches, locks, tracks, valves, linkage and pulleys.

NonFerrous Metal Lubricant Ideal for tapping, forming and drilling aluminum and other forms of non-ferrous metals in heavy industrial settings, this form of Cosmoline reduces operational friction. It also yields superior finishing, while lengthening tool life.

As Cosmoline technology continues to advance, the efficacy and utilization of the formula will continue to evolve in both industrial, commercial and domestic settings.

To learn more about Cosmoline and its applications, please contact us.