Brat

I accidentally used 4974 votive wax with a melt point of 128 to make a picture hurricane! How bad is this? I'm going to use a small light bulb in it... should I just toss it back into the pot and not even wait for it to cool? Damn!

Ok, thanks for clearing that up!

What's the purpose of castile?

JS is always awesome getting orders out, I always get mine quick!

Thanks for all the encouragement and info! One day soon, I'll try to get moving on it, I just really don't want to mess it up! One more question, what is castile?

It might just be the FO. I wouldn't worry about quality if I got an FO from a good supplier, but even then sometimes it's just a weak scent. Not all FOs throw well.

Lone Star Candle Supply has great FOs and a nice selection of waxes.

Hi and welcome aboard! One pound of melted wax is the same weight as one pound of solid wax. Or flakes, granules, whatever. Candlenose is a very big issue, normally I can't smell candles in my house because the scent sticks when I pour, but I can smell them at work. One to one and a half ounces per pound of scent is usually plenty, and you should be able to smell them after you clear your sinuses! Sniff coffee grounds or go outside for a few minutes to smell unscented air, then try it.

I did the same thing. Just easier to pour it directly into the pour pot, no more worrying about the spigot getting clogged or being left open!

Welcome back and good luck!

Thanks again for all the info. I've been reading most of the evening, and I think I'll try the OHP first. It'll be a few weeks, I'm sure.. but I'll post pics of whatever comes out of the mold, good or bad! I won't get all into coloring or swirls or anything like that. I'll just be happy with a decent batch...

I think I'll try to find a simple recipe somewhere for both processes, and see which one I like best. I think I'll like the HP better, because I'm impatient and would want to be able to use the soap as quickly as possible. But, I also like the idea of using fruit, veggies, and milk too, so... who knows? I plan on reading as much about it as I can before I start doing anything, cause I really hate having to go back and figure out what I did wrong. I don't want to do what I did with the candles and buy a bunch of everything all at once... what a mess that's been! Anyway, thanks so much for all the info, this board is the best!

Thanks for the help, I certainly appreciate it! One day soon I'll try to get my feet wet in soap... right now I just fear the lye LOL I'll check out that link too, Sharon... Thanks again!

Ok, thanks for posting that. I was typing as you posted this. So with the HP, how long does the "cure" take? Is it less time than the 4 weeks for CP? Or does it do most of its curing in the oven? Thanks for the help!

If I'm understanding this right, with HP after you mix everything together, you'd pour it into molds, then put it in the oven afterwards, while with CP you'd just pour into molds?

I'm interested in learning how to make soap. I'm not interested in M&P. I just read a couple of tutorials. One was for CP and one for HP. One was supposed to cure quicker and be easier to make. They seemed the same... what is the difference between the two? I'm sure there's something I missed... thanks!

Normally, people use about one ounce (by weight) of scent per pound of wax. Drops will do nothing, might as well not put any scent in it at that amount. Pretty much the only drops you need to use would be if you use liquid dye. Most waxes for votives and pillars will sink while cooling. It's not uncommon to have to do a repour. Just make sure it's not too warm to the touch before you repour, or you'll have to do it again. For lots of info, read the message boards, use the search feature, and check out the links on the left. Basic Instructions and General Information and Techniques & Ideas. You'll find a LOT of great info to get you really going. Also, the online suppliers you will find mentioned here have excellent quality waxes, dyes, and scents. Much better than you'll find at a craft store. They also have starter kits you can try out. Welcome and good luck! To add a pic to a post, click on the Go Advanced button, click Manage Attachments, and browse your computer for the pic you want. Then upload it and Submit the post. HTH

It's all personal preference if it's acceptable to customers. Since the wick needs to be trimmed after a burn anyway, I'd think the mushrooming would be just a reminder to them to trim it. But some people think they're ugly and won't use a wick that mushrooms. If you don't mind the mushroom and like the way it burns, keep them. If not, try another type of wick. It's all your choice! JMO

I would measure it like you're pouring a solid pillar. That way, you know the amount of wax you will use will be tall enough. Half of it won't be!

For FOs, I like Peak's, Lone Star, and Just Scent. I normally get my wax from Lone Star and the granulated votive wax from Just Scent.

Some say mushrooming happens because of too much FO. I don't really think there's an exact answer, some wick/wax/FO combos just tend to mushroom. Some types of wicks are just going to do it.

If you used the same jar again, it might be that there's a slight film on the bottom of it. You'll have to clean it well to get it to stick, if you're using some sort of sticky stuff.

Depends what temp you keep it at. If it's too hot for a long time, I'm sure it will ruin the wax. If you keep it at just a little above the melt point, it should be fine.

I would absolutely try wicking down... you shouldn't have to trim it to a nub every time you light it. I might go 2 sizes down.

Those are awesome! Won't the grub melt off?