Zebo - Cast Iron Fireplace

[sleepy]

There are a lots of products on the market where the packaging looks like Zebo.

But the stuff is not like Zebo. Probably because of all the bad stuff has been taken out.

Can anyone recommend the best replacement for Zebo that is as good or somewhere near it.

Or if anyone has an old tube of Zebo that they wish to sell, I will happily buy it.

Regards

Jay

 

[Flyfisher]

There's a discussion about this here: http://brassgoggles.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7953.0

The general consensus seems to be that Zebo was just finely powdered graphite in a wax solution. One suggestion is to try Stovax grate polish - http://www.stovax.com/accessories/black-grate-polish/


I suppose all these reformulations are mostly because of 'elf n safety. I know that Nitromors paint stripper is a pale imitation of its former self because the active ingredient, Dichloromethane, was removed for safety reasons. However, by the wonders of the internet it is very easy to buy a litre of 99.9% pure dichloromethane for less than a tenner, though if you're of a nervous disposition you may be put off by the large lettering on the labels: "Suspected of causing cancer - use personal protective equipment as necessary"

 

[Penners]

I have a much-cherished tube of Zebo that I've eked out for years - and you're NOT 'avin' it!! :wink:

However, I have also used Hotspot Grate Polish, and I reckon it works fine. You can get a tube for under a fiver, so it's well worth trying.

 

[Zebra]

Is this a discussion about .... Oh, no, never mind.

 

[Penners]

To quote the late Michael Winner, calm down dear! To the best of my knowledge, Zebo is not a male zebra.

 

[skier-hughes]

I have a tube of zebo, I'll start the bidding at £100

 

[jocelyn plummer]

I still have a teensy bit of Zebo left in a squashed up tube---but, hey, black shoe polish works just as well if you cannot get the Stovax polish.

 

[Penners]

black shoe polish works just as well if you cannot get the Stovax polish.

An interesting idea, Joss, but does black shoe polish give that nice semi-matt "gunmetally" look that Zebo does? I also wonder how shoe polish would react to heat in a functioning fireplace, given that it's inflammable!

 

[Keith Bowman]

black shoe polish works just as well if you cannot get the Stovax polish.

.......... I also wonder how shoe polish would react to heat in a functioning fireplace, given that it's inflammable!

But you would also get that fantastic aroma peculiar to the exhaust smell of the W125 Mercedes!

 

[Penners]

Sorry... are you telling us that Mercedes polish their exhaust pipes with Kiwi Dark Tan? :shock:

 

[kreyszig]

Nitromethane fuel smells like boot polish

 

[Keith Bowman]

Nitromethane fuel smells like boot polish

See?

Just don't try it on your wood-burner! :shock:

 

[Penners]

Nitromethane fuel smells like boot polish

Just don't try it on your wood-burner! :shock:

Or - presumably - your boots.

 

[Keith Bowman]

Nitromethane fuel smells like boot polish

Just don't try it on your wood-burner! :shock:

Or - presumably - your boots.

I suppose logic suggests you would then smell like several million pounds worth of Mercedes W125

Perhaps we should leave these poor people to get back on topic.

 

[Penners]

I feel that our digression has considerably enriched the topic... but perhaps you're right. :wink:

 

[LadyArowana]

I feel that our digression has considerably enriched the topic... but perhaps you're right. :wink:

Yes, it most definitely has. In the contest fire grates versus fast cars + something related to shoes I score the latter a winner every time

 

[plasticpigeon]

I've got some grate and bbq polish by ZIP. Graphite paste, it seems to do a good job.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Well, the Plummers are still here to tell the tale despite using black shoe polish--------- :roll:

 

[Carol]

Liberon black grate polish is excellent and widely available. Give that nice 'gunmetal' finish and stops rusty patches in steamy kitchens.