The name WD-40 stands for:

• WD = Water Displacement
• 40 = The 40th formula created during development

The product’s inventors made 39 unsuccessful attempts before perfecting the formula on the 40th try. That laboratory designation became the official product name and has remained unchanged ever since.2

Early Development (1953)

WD-40 originated in 1953 when the Rocket Chemical Company, a small startup with only three employees, sought to develop a rust-prevention and water-displacing chemical for the aerospace industry.

The company’s first major customer was Convair, an aerospace manufacturer which used WD-40 to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from corrosion caused by moisture.3

Consumer Launch (1958)

After employees began taking the product home because of its usefulness, company founder Norm Larsen realised it had consumer potential.

The product was packaged in aerosol cans and first appeared on retail shelves in San Diego in 1958, marking the beginning of its commercial success.4

Expansion

During the 1960s:

• Sales expanded across the United States.
• Employees sold products directly to hardware stores.
• WD-40 became widely used after Hurricane Carla (1961) to restore water-damaged vehicles and machinery.
• The company began international expansion through licensing agreements.

Company Renaming

In 1969, Rocket Chemical Company officially changed its name to WD-40 Company, reflecting the overwhelming popularity of its flagship product.

The company became publicly traded in 1973.5

WD-40 is often mistaken for being only a lubricant, but it performs several functions:

Water Displacement

Removes moisture from metal surfaces and electrical components.

Rust Prevention

Leaves a protective film that helps prevent corrosion.

Lubrication

Reduces friction between moving parts.

Penetration

Loosens rusted nuts, bolts, hinges and fasteners.

Cleaning

Helps dissolve grease, adhesive residue, dirt and grime.

WD-40 is widely used for:

• Door hinges
• Locks
• Bicycle maintenance
• Automotive repairs
• Garage tools
• Lawn equipment
• Marine equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Firearms maintenance (where appropriate and according to manufacturer guidance)
• Home maintenance
• Electrical moisture removal (with appropriate safety precautions)

Today, the WD-40 brand includes multiple product families:

WD-40 Multi-Use Product

The original blue-and-yellow aerosol can.

WD-40 Specialist

A professional-grade line offering products such as:

• Silicone lubricant
• White lithium grease
• Contact cleaner
• Degreaser
• Dry lubricants
• Penetrating oil
• Rust remover
• Corrosion inhibitor

WD-40 BIKE

Introduced in 2012, this line focuses on bicycle-specific maintenance products, including chain lubricants and cleaners.6

One of WD-40’s defining characteristics is its closely guarded formula.

Although safety data sheets disclose broad classes of ingredients for regulatory purposes, the exact proportions and complete formulation remain proprietary. The company has stated that the original formula has remained essentially unchanged since its invention, and only a small number of executives know the complete recipe.7

WD-40 has become a global brand used across many industries, including:

• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Aviation
• Agriculture
• Marine
• Home improvement
• Sporting goods

The company reports that its products are sold in more than 170 countries, making WD-40 one of the most widely distributed maintenance brands in the world.8

The classic WD-40 can is instantly recognisable by its:

• Blue body
• Yellow panel
• Red cap

The design has changed only slightly over the decades, making it one of the most enduring product identities in consumer goods.

• The formula was perfected on the 40th attempt.
• The product was originally created for the aerospace industry, not household use.
• The original formula has remained in use for over 70 years.
• The company was renamed after its only product because of that product’s success.
• WD-40 is often cited as one of the most recognisable maintenance brands worldwide.9

WD-40 has evolved from a specialised aerospace corrosion-prevention solution into a globally recognised household and industrial maintenance brand. Its combination of practical utility, distinctive branding and consistent product identity has made it a staple in workshops, garages, factories and homes around the world for decades.10

1. History – WD-40 Company
2. WD-40 History | Learn the Stories Behind the WD-40 Brand | WD-40
3. Our History – WD-40 Philippines
4. The Secret Society of People Who Know the Formula for WD-40
5. WD-40 History | Learn the Stories Behind the WD-40 Brand
6. The Journey of How The WD-40 Brand Became A Pop Culture Icon | WD-40
7. The Story of WD-40® Brand | WD-40
8. About WD-40 | Specialist Spray and Rust Stain Remover | WD-40
9. WD-40® Brand Wrapped | WD-40
10. WD-40 Newsroom: Updates, Stories & Brand Highlights | WD-40