siberia

An Egyptian friend of mine on an email list that I belong to is having problems with his wax. His computer time is limited so he asked me to share a picture of his problem with you all for opinions. The question is do you think white spots in this candle is fingernailing or mottling? I'm leaning towards fingernailing. What do you all think?

I first read about this candle in a magazine where it was explained that the candle was not wicked all the way through to the bottom. I still think it's a bad idea. Too risky, IMO.

Kimberly

I think it's an accident waiting to happen! You can read more about it here:

http://www.craftscollection.dk/php/page.php?p=art-11214

Hey there! I've used Ecosoya's VB quite a bit and really like it a lot. Ignore their pouring temp advice. Heat to 170-175, add FO and dye if you like and stir like crazy. As the wax cools, stir less often and more gently. Let the wax cool down to 110-115 degrees. Pour very slowly/evenly into your molds. This should solve your air pockets.

I wondered if that was the case. To me IGI 1343 is such a versatile wax. I can do just about anything with it using the various additives, temp variables, etc. I like flexibility as well as versatility when it comes to paraffin's. When it comes to soy, I want consistency. Still looking for that one. lol

Thanks for answering my question. I was about to start another thread for fear that it was lost in the OP's discussion.:wave:

topofmurrayhill

Candlwic's

4045.

Really? Can you give a bit more detail as to why you favor CW4045 over IGI1343?

My 2 cents, I've ordered quite a bit over the years from Candlewic and have never had a problem. However, I do agree that communicating with them through email vs the phone is much more effective (works for me as that is my preferred method of business communication:yes:).

Kimberly

Oh, that is really nice Landa. Don't you love the BRV? So, I'm curious, now that you are an expert in several methods of soapmaking...which is your favorite?

Kimberly

Ohhh, that's so very pretty!

Kimberly

They work perfectly in my votives (four different sizes). I did not like the eco's in my large soy containers though.

Kimberly

I too use the AK unrefined shea and only use EO's when I make a whipped butter and I really don't add that much. The last batch I made, I think I used 2 drops of lavender EO and 1 drop of geranium EO per ounce and you can smell it over the shea.

This is exactly what I do as well. I think EO's are really the way to go with shea because it only takes a little bit. AK's unrefined shea is really very nice and does not smell bad at all.

Kimberly

That's not good. It sure looks exactly like the one in the recall. I wonder if I should pass that information on to them. I hate getting in people's business but I just might email a heads-up in this case.

Kimberly

Gorgeous!!

Kimberly

I was checking out a new supplier for beeswax and found this candle on their site:

Beehive Candle

It has a spring loaded clip that automatically extinguishes the flame when it reaches a certain point. Isn't that the coolest thing?

Kimberly

Beautiful!

Kimberly

Oh my gosh! I'm not usually a big fan of the bears but yours is just tooooo cute!!!!

Kimberly

Very festive!!

Kimberly

Michelle, that half box wrap thing sounds very interesting to me. Do you have a picture of that type of box you can post? I am still struggling with my packaging. It never seems just right, know what I mean?

Kimberly

I get my wick pins from Peaks. In the standard votive cup they fit perfectly...no wiggle room. In the other three votive sizes I make (octagon, square and poly) I have to be sure they are centered. Also, there are usually a few pins that need to be straightened as top mentioned.

Kimberly

Hey Lorrie...lucky you!! Here's an article I found on cleaning and using beeswax.

Beeswax <----This is a PDF file.

Beeswax <----This is Google's HTML'd version of the PDF file.

Kimberly

This is definitly one of those issues where everyone will probably come up with a different number of drops pp. Testing is the key. Start with one drop of dye, pull out a small amount of wax and let it harden. If it's not dark enough you can always add another drop. Oh, and keep notes. lol

I use Bitter Creek liquid dyes when making parrafin candles. Here's a IGI 1343 candle that has violet (3 drops pp) and yellow (1 drop pp):

Kimberly

Anna, I have not used Pink Sugar but I do know that it has a heavy vanilla component which means in candles (particularly votives) you will need to wick down and in soap it will turn your whites to brown.

Kimberly

Good luck! I've never done HP and want to try it sometime. Are you doing the oven HP or crockpot HP? Oh, and don't forget to post pics when you're done!

Kimberly

Here are the results of the testing I did on that particular jar.

Wax: EcoSoya CB Advanced, no additives

FO: 1 oz pp of wax (4 different types, light to heavy)

Dye: 1 drop liquid dye (Bitter Creek brand) pp of wax

Jar: Fairway Elevation 8 oz & 16 oz

Wicks tried that failed:

RRD55 - flame height too small; never reached full melt pool; large amt. of hangup.

LX 20, 24, 28 - flame height too small on the 20 & 24, too big on the 28; never reached full melt pool; large amt. of hangup, mushroomed like crazy.

HTP 126 - flame height too small; never reached full melt pool; large amt. of hangup.

The winners:

HTP 1212 - perfect fit for the light FO's. Great melt pool, no mushrooming and no hangup. However, this wick did fail on the heavier FO's with hangup and small meltpool.

HTP 1312 - works beautifully on the heavier FO's. Perfect melt pool, no mushrooming and no hangup. This wick could be used in the lighter FO's but I am picky about flame height. IMO, the flame was too tall in unscented or light FO situations.

Kimberly

Guess I'll have to give it a try. Not sure I have the right wicks though. I think wick pins are out lol.

You're a braver soul than I am. Wicking palm is a real bear. Please post picks of your palm tapers if you get a chance. I bet they will be beautiful!

Kimberly

Are you using the Elevation jars from Fairway? That's the jar that I use and it was a bugger to figure out the wick. I was determined to single wick that bad boy and I finally succeeded. However, my wicking advice might not help you because I use soy for my containers.

<Clinton>I feel your pain</Clinton>. Wicking issues really stink!

Kimberly