What Actually Rusts (And What Doesn't)

Let's be specific, because not every part of the stand is at risk. I'm talking about the chrome plated stuff - risers, legs, and post. That's the nickel-plated chrome, and that's what rusts.

The cast aluminum parts aren't a concern. Aluminum doesn't rust. So when I'm maintaining a stand, my attention goes to the chrome surfaces that take the weather: the risers and the legs. Everything else can look after itself (but you should keep everything clean).

When To Do It

I try to wax every stand twice a year. That's the baseline, on the calendar, whether they look like they need it or not.

The other trigger is rain. Any time my stands work in the rain or come back wet, they get waxed. Moisture is the whole problem, so the moment they've been exposed to it is when the protection matters most. Don't let a wet stand sit. Same with rags, but that’s a different story.

Legacy Grip Takeaway: It's the nickel-plated chrome - risers and legs - that rusts, not the aluminum. Wax twice a year, and again any time the stands work in the rain.

The Product: Mother's California Gold, the Red Can

American Grip recommends one specific product, and it's the only one I use: Mother's California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax, the one in the red can. (Now I can’t speak as to the specifics of other manufacturers, but I’m thinking this will also work on other brands)

The important part is that it's an actual wax, not a liquid. Paste wax, not a spray or a liquid polish. That's what American Grip calls for, and that's what goes on the chrome. They even recommended this specific brand. “The one in the red can.”

The red can - paste, not liquid

Wax, Never WD-40

One thing I see people get wrong: do not use WD-40, and don't reach for any lubricant. Lubricants eat away at the plating - they break the coating down instead of protecting it. Wax does the opposite. It sits on top of the chrome and forms a barrier, a natural resistor to water and moisture. You're not lubricating the stand, you're sealing it. That's the whole reason we use wax.

The Process

It's not complicated, it’s just a bit tedious.

Put some wax on a clean cloth and work it onto the riser, rubbing it all the way on so the whole surface is covered. I'll run the first riser, get the whole thing, then extend up to the second riser and wax that, dipping my cloth back into the can as I go so I'm always loading fresh wax onto the chrome. Same on the legs and center post. Every chrome surface gets covered. By the end of applying to a stand I’ll have the whole stand extended.

Then let it sit. This is the part people rush. Give the wax time to dry and set on the chrome - that's what forms the protective layer. Walk away, do another stand, come back. A few minutes is all you need. Once it's hazed over and set, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth until the chrome comes up bright. Use a different cloth than the one you used to apply the wax.

Wax on, let it set, wax off

Don't forget the legs and post. They're chrome plated too, and they sit closest to the wet ground, so they get the same treatment as the risers.

The legs and post are chrome plated too

Swap Your Cloths

Your cloths get dirty as you go, and that's normal. When your wax cloth starts looking grimy, swap it for a fresh one so you're not grinding dirt back into the chrome. Same with your wipe-off cloth. Fresh cloths, clean finish. You don’t need to go overboard - I’ll swap like every 15 stands or so.

When it looks like the one on the left, grab the one on the right

That's the whole routine. A can of wax, a couple of cloths, and a little patience twice a year. Do it and your chrome stays bright and protected, and your stands last for years instead of rusting out on you.

How do you maintain your stands? Reply and let me know if you've got a trick I'm missing.