The Short Answer: Ballistol works underwater because of its unique emulsification properties. The oil bonds with water molecules, creating a stable mix that allows it to lubricate, clean, and protect even in wet conditions. This century-proven formula ensures consistent performance on a variety of surfaces, from firearms to tools, outdoor equipment, and more, making it your all-in-one workhorse for any environment.
Ballistol's unique emulsification formula ensures it continues to perform reliably, even in the harshest wet conditions, while other oils gum up, separate, or simply give up. So, how does it work? Let's break down the science behind Ballistol's effectiveness and why its all-in-one capabilities make it a trusted solution for any maintenance need.
How Water Affects Oil (When Not Emulsified)
Water and oil naturally don't mix. When oil comes into contact with water, it tends to separate and form layers due to their immiscible nature. Without emulsification, water can dilute or wash away the oil, leaving the surface unprotected. This is why many traditional oils, when exposed to moisture, begin to lose their effectiveness. Water can dilute the oil, wash it away, or cause it to bead up and sit on top of the surface rather than penetrate and lubricate.
For example, when you apply a typical lubricant to a firearm and then expose it to rain, the water will wash away much of the oil, potentially leaving surfaces unprotected. This can lead to rust, corrosion, wear, and even jamming, as the lubrication needed to protect the surfaces is no longer present.
The problem becomes even more pronounced in submerged environments. Standard oils tend to fail because they can't form a stable emulsion with water, causing them to lose their protective properties. Instead of staying where it's needed, the oil simply breaks down or is displaced, making it ineffective in harsh, wet conditions.
What is Emulsification?
Emulsification is the process of combining two immiscible liquids, like oil and water, into a stable emulsion. Normally, oil and water would separate due to differences in their properties, such as surface tension and the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. However, during emulsification, an emulsifying agent, like the one found in Ballistol, is used to break the liquids into tiny droplets and disperse them evenly throughout the mixture.
This process creates a stable mixture, allowing the oil and water to coexist without separating. Ballistol's secret? A German-engineered emulsifying agent that ensures, even when exposed to water, the oil remains bonded with the aqueous phase, forming a water-in-oil emulsion. Think of it as a molecular handshake between oil and water. This is in contrast to typical oils, which would break down or form oil-in-water emulsions that don't provide long-lasting lubrication.
The oil droplets in Ballistol are tiny and evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. This ensures that when applied to a surface, the oil forms a thin, consistent protective layer. As the oil bonds with water droplets, it effectively creates a continuous phase that stays intact, providing lubrication and protection even under wet conditions. The stable emulsion formed between the Ballistol and water keeps its restorative properties intact, ensuring effective lubrication and protection, even in submerged or wet environments.
How to Properly Use Ballistol in Wet Environments
Ballistol's unique emulsification formula makes it ideal for use in wet environments, but knowing how to apply it correctly will ensure it performs at its best. Here's how to get the most out of your Ballistol in wet conditions:
- Ensure the Surface is Clean: Before applying Ballistol, always clean and dry the surface. While Ballistol is excellent at displacing water, a clean surface helps the oil bond more effectively, ensuring long-lasting protection and preventing dirt or debris from interfering with the oil's performance.
- Apply Generously: Spray or apply Ballistol generously to the surface. Be sure to cover all exposed surfaces, moving parts, and areas prone to rust or corrosion. The more surface area you coat, the better the emulsified formula will work to protect and lubricate your equipment.
- Work It Into the Surface: Once applied, allow Ballistol to spread and penetrate the surface. For optimal performance, use a clean cloth or brush to work the oil into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring thorough coverage on all moving parts, joints, and nooks where water might cause damage.
- Allow to Settle: Let the Ballistol sit for a few minutes to bond with the surface. This allows the oil to fully displace any remaining water, creating a stable, protective layer. You can then gently wipe off any excess oil, but we recommend leaving a light coating to ensure lasting protection.
When to Apply or Reapply Ballistol
- After Exposure to Wet Conditions: Whether your gear is exposed to rain, snow, or submersion, reapply Ballistol as soon as possible. Water can quickly wash away oil, leaving your equipment vulnerable to rust and corrosion. By applying Ballistol right away, you ensure it continues to protect and lubricate even in the wettest conditions.
- Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Storage: If your gear is stored in a damp environment, such as a humid garage or shed, apply a light layer of Ballistol before storing it. This helps protect your equipment during periods of disuse and ensures that moisture doesn't cause damage while it's out of use.
- After Cleaning or Wiping Down: After cleaning your gear or wiping it down, reapply Ballistol to maintain its protective layer. This will help restore lubrication and continue to guard against rust or corrosion, ensuring your tools or firearms are always ready for use.
The Ballistol Advantage
Ballistol's ability to maintain its effectiveness in wet environments comes down to its unique emulsification formula, which allows it to bond with water rather than being displaced or diluted. This ensures reliable lubrication, cleaning, and protection, even when submerged or exposed to moisture. By understanding how emulsification works and applying Ballistol correctly, you can keep your equipment in top condition, free from rust, corrosion, and wear.
With its all-in-one formula, Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil provides unmatched versatility across a variety of surfaces such as metal, wood, rubber, and leather. Its eco-friendly, non-toxic properties make it a safe choice for both the environment and your skin, while its ability to perform in the harshest conditions ensures long-lasting protection. Whether you're in the field, at home, or storing your gear for the long term, Ballistol's proven formula makes it the only bottle you need for maintaining the tools and equipment you rely on.