I heard awhile back that this staple of America was going to be discontinued as early as last year, but I also read articles that it was an urban myth, and the discontinuation only effects some retailers, but still can be found virtually anywhere in the US. Anyone have any insight on this?

Granted, even if it were discontinued, there are many alternatives out there, for specific uses and purposes, but it would be sad if this legendary wax was discontinued, what would our young soldiers, sailor's and airmen use for buffing the barracks floors during those long CQ hours!

EDIT: This topic borrowed from a Facebook group, Unplugged Woodworker's.

 

It's not to be found at Ace, HD or, Lowes in this area. 

Looks like Wally World and Amazon still have it. Seems the price is a lot higher than I remember!

55 minutes ago, lew said:

Looks like Wally World and Amazon still have it. Seems the price is a lot higher than I remember!

 WOW! Wally World at 37 bucks! Didn't it used to be like 8 bucks?

I hope Uncle Sam has a huge back stock of the stuff.

I settled for a can of Trewax at Ace. Can't recall what it cost.  I've slept since then.  so far, ive only used it on saw tables and the planer bed. Seems to work ok for that. My boxes always get a buffed out coat. I remember using it quite some time ago on cases and other boxes. Seemed to do ok. I think JPW leaves a harder finish, though.

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

It's not to be found at Ace, HD or, Lowes in this area. 

Or  Menards or Do-It-Best here

 

I just checked, none in my area either, I had no idea this was even going on till today.

Is this kind of the same thing?

 

58 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Is this kind of the same thing?

 

Probably. 

I know i grabbed the last can at our local True Value hardware, it was $8.99 and that was probaly 3-4 weeks ago. I don't know about the Minwax product, but there are sveral other brands I know are essentially the same (Tre-Wax is the other one I've used).

The best way to find out for yourself is the next thing you build and before you put the finish on . Give it a good waxing, let dry for a few days then go with what ever you use for a top coat. If it don't turn in to a big blob and the finish stays sticky..........your question will be answered.

  I never wanted to find out so I've always used Johnson's from the time I started working at the furniture store in 1954.  And it used to be cheaper than any other brand that was out there.  My bosses might have been tight with their money for my pay checks was proof of that but they sure knew how to take care of what they sold.

4 hours ago, lew said:

Looks like Wally World and Amazon still have it. Seems the price is a lot higher than I remember!

Price of EVERYTHING seems to be higher than I remember!

OK, John.

I sent an e mail to SC Johnson earlier today asking about the paste wax. Here is the response:

 

"Hi Fred,

I’m sorry to confirm Johnson's Paste Wax is no longer being made. That said, your continued interest has been shared with the team.

We’re always working on new and exciting products and sometimes, in order to make room for them at the store, we have to decide which ones to take off the shelf. It’s a decision we don’t take lightly, and consumer and retailer interest helps us choose which stay.
<snip>
Gail
Consumer Relationship Center
SC Johnson, A Family Company

1 hour ago, Artie said:

Price of EVERYTHING seems to be higher than I remember!

Remembering ANYTHING seems to be harder than I remember!

 

A local independent mom'n'pop hardware store is probably a best bet. I'll hit one tomorrow. In the mean time, I've emailed SC Johnson a request for one case. To be distributed at cost.

Start looking at the estate sales.  Last summer I purchased ~1/2 can for $1.75.

Danl

Amazon says they have three cans

 

3 hours ago, John Morris said:

Is this kind of the same thing?

 

The Minwax contains ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS. Gasoline and kerosene are examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents.

 

The SC Johnson Paste Wax uses deodorized naphtha (a deodorized form of Stoddard solvent, which is sometimes called white mineral spirits or lighter fluid).

 

So both evidently have a solvent in them, about 70%. And the main ingredient of both is paraffin wax.

 

Minwax is 68% solvent and the rest paraffin wax. Plus unlisted secret ingredients, no doubt. SCJ has four ingredients, about the same amount of the deodorized naphtha, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, and paraffin.

 

 

wowza, what next they'll do away with french fries, ugh

rj in az

so it looks like wally world aka walmart does have it, 80. oo plus the gubermint fees, for 6ea   16oz cans, i have no issue buying a case and sending anyone that cant find any a can

rj in az

May I offer up 2 alternatives----NOT saying that they are in stock

 

Bowling alley wax & Lundmark wax

 

https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alley-Wax-Clear-Paste/dp/B0081N6KHK

 

and

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lundmark-Wax-1LB-CLEAR-PASTE-WAX-3206P001-6/39574403

 

I'm SURE that there are many additional waxes and/or favorite home brew concoctions.