This could help...
Trap preparation for new traps:
First take the traps inside run them through the dishwasher with the same amount of dishwasher soap you use for really dirty dishes be sure to keep the chains up out of any moving parts...
Then dip them in a mixture of 8oz. white vinegar to 1 1/2 gal. water...
lay them out in the grass and 7 hours later they have a light coat of rust ready to be dyed...
dye them in logwood trap dye wax them and ready for the trap line...
I dye them a dozen at a time by boiling them in logwood dye over a turkey fryer burner. I use one 1lb. bag of dye to 3 1/2-4 gal. of water this will do 4-5 dozen traps before you'd want to add another bag of dye. Boil them about 10-15min. on a medium boil. Then hang them to dry. I heat the wax in a large stockpot it takes only enough wax to cover each trap. Heat it til it is completely melted and starting to smoke (turn the burner down so it doesn't burst into flames and keep the lid handy if it did), on the same burner.
Be sure the traps are completely dry or the wax will boil violently! then I dip each trap in the wax one at a time.(I use a stiff piece of #9 wire with a hook on the end to dip the traps in the wax.) I leave it in the wax until the "sizzling" stops (about 30 sec. - 1 min., the trap needs to be heated to the same temp. as the wax for it to coat correctly not too thick) Then I pull the trap out, shake off the excess wax and hang it to dry. As soon as it is cool it can be set.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN USING THE WAX IT IS FLAMMABLE IF YOU ARE A MINOR GET AN ADULT TO SUPERVISE!!!The dye and wax is available through most any trapping supply places.For used traps take them to the car wash and power wash off all the dirt and loose rust then skip the dishwasher and vinegar.
~ADC~