Zip lube

[slowworm]

I picked up a 2nd hand wool mix winter coat yesterday from a charity shop. It looks unworn but a quick Google suggests it's what they call vintage, i.e. a few decades old.

Anyway, it has a fairly fine metal zip that's a little stiff and as it's such a nice coat I'd like it to last. I think the zip could do with something to make it smoother to use but not sure what's best. I have the usual stuff about the place; various waxes, silicone oil, silicone grease, graphite, gun oils etc but is one thing better than the other or is there anything I should avoid?

 

[Mesquite]

Before spending out on various products try running a wax candle up and down the teeth a couple of times then work the zip back and forth

 

[rarms]

liquid soap is another good one

 

[matarius777]

A soft pencil lead (B or BB) run up and down the zip also works a treat.

 

[TLM]

I think all dry lubricants tend to stain the fabric as do oils. Fairly high melting point colourless wax would be my best bet.

 

[birchwood]

What Mesquite said or silicone gel . We use it on sail slides etc.

 

[JB101]

+1 for wax

 

[bonzodog]

I use gear aid zipper cleaner / lubricant.

 

[grainweevil]

For something non-staining and easy to remove again if needed, talcum powder might be worth a try.

 

[Robson Valley]

Candle wax. A couple of rubs. Invisible when compared with graphite lube.

 

[Chris B]

Napier, the gun care people, do a spray zip lubricant that's fabric friendly.

 

[Brizzlebush]

Yep I use a candle stub, works a treat on all zips.
It makes them really, er, zippy.

Sorry, I'll get me coat.

 

[gg012]

I either use candle wax or silicone lubricant spray, I find the latter works better on plastic zips

Sent from underground

 

[FerlasDave]

We use T-zip! Specifically designed for zip lubrication. Of course by we, I mean my wife.