About WD-40

In 1953, in a small laboratory in San Diego, California, three employees of the Rocket Chemical Company began developing rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for the aerospace industry.

After 40 attempts, they successfully created a working water-displacing formula. The WD-40® Multi-Use Product was born. The name stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula, taken directly from the chemist’s lab notes.

The first commercial application was at Convair, where the product was used to protect the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. Its effectiveness quickly led employees to take it home for personal use.

A few years later, founder Norm Larsen introduced the product in aerosol cans, making it accessible for consumers to use at home, in workshops, and garages.

The first aerosol cans were sold in 1958, and the company rapidly expanded. In 1969, Rocket Chemical Company was renamed the WD-40 Company.