Thread: Reconstituting dry compound

Originally Posted by str8fencer

Question: Does it work because it adds water, or because it prevents air to get to it, thereby preventing the drying out of the product? I never worked with greaseless compounds, but in theory one might think storing them permanently in water could keep them fresh, as long as they are not dissolved. At least for the wax bound ones? Just a thought.

It works because of both reasons, soaking in water and keeping air out. But if you keep them in water for long periods of time they will dissolve. I only do this when I am actively using them and I only keep them in about a 1/4 inch of water. When I am through with the session I put them in zip lock bags and put them in the refrigerator.

Charlie

The guy who taught me, Doc Molenaar, now puts wet paper towels around the ends of the greaseless compound with a rubber band and stands them up in a pie tin to which he occasionally adds water to keep the paper towels moist.

Regarding your dried out wax/grease compounds I have no useful suggestions.