bsalmon26

I agree that not keeping my SB submerged while blending is probably the culprit for "air" in my lotion. Now, I look at 2 bottles poured 2 days ago that were full and now they are about 2/3 full. Would the air, or fluffy lotion, be the reason for this, too? I have been mixing in a stainless steel bowl. does this sound o.k. or is there a better method for mixing water and oils? Thanks everyone.

I am just starting to play with lotions. I have a question, my lotions always seem to have what I could call "air bubbles" after poured into bottles. I use a stick blender and am following the 'basic lotion recipe' found in this forum. After lotion cools, it seems to "shrink" in the bottle. I'm afraid my descriptions aren't very technical, but I hope someone can offer a suggestion about what I must be doing wrong. thanks for you help

It does help with the bubbles. I've never had to use a heat gun on my candles - kind of funny I use my heat gun on melted wax! Just don't like heat guns.

I'm waiting on that answer and an answer regarding a good Lot number. My wax never heats beyond 180 (use a hand held thermometer in addition to automatic one). I agree the color isn't the real issue. I have found something that helps. After pouring wax into pour pots, add color (if used) and fragrance, I do my normal stir, stir, stir, etc. Once the wax settles a bit, I use the low, low setting on my heat gun and the bubbles will dissolve. Stirring very slowly while apply heat helps also. Use very very low heat. No bubbles after you pour into your jars. Aunt B

I received this message from Michelle at Elevance. I heard a more from the plant on the C3 browning issue. They said, “lecithin will burn and change the color of the oil if overheated. I heated a sample of the flakes to 200 deg F and there was some darkening. By 300 deg F, it was much darker than initially. Products with more lecithin will actually turn black if heated too much.” Can you confirm what temperature you were melting the wax at? And, have you tried heating it at lower/different temperatures; if so, do you recall what temps? This info will help further our investigation. Also, regarding the bubbles: the plant believes it is due to the agitator in their tank. When the oil level gets low in the tank, the agitator keeps turning at the surface of the oil. This is causing more aeration of the oil than normal and when melted again, the air escapes thus causing bubbles to form. The tank is currently set up to shut the agitator off when the oil level gets below the blade but they have increased the level so it won't churn the surface and created excess air. This should prevent the problem for occurring in the future. Thanks for your help and input throughout our investigation. We appreciate your patience as we continue to remedy this issue!

I think I spoke with Michelle from Elevance. Gave her lot number "L8K14". YES, whoever received this lot number should definitely call. She was interested, but gave me the impression this was "new" to her. I haven't had glass adhesion trouble, though. I need to order more and not sure where to order from? I don't want 20 cases of L8K14! Does anyone have any "good" lot numbers? Aunt B

Same Lot number as yours! INTERESTING!

Received USA from Candlemaker's store - just like USA from JBN.

I do know that my "good" cases of C3 are from a supplier listed on Elevance's website. My "bad" cases of C3 are from a supplier not listed on Elevance's website. Probably means nothing, but still a little interesting.

Since I still have 2 "bad" cases of C3, I, too, e-mailed Elevance and Nature Wax. Never heard from Nature Wax, but Elevance has called me twice. I gave her the lot number from my wax and I was also asked to send 1 lb samples. The only thing that is a little troublesome to me is that you had contacted Elevance before I did. The person I spoke with sounded as if they had never heard of such a thing - no one else had complained about this. I'll send my wax samples to Cargill, but I'm not sure what to think,now.

Thank You! I am not out yet, but I now know where to order more.

I may have missed this information, so I apologize if I am posting a question that has been answered. I used USA from JBN with C3. JBN no longer carries this additive. If you previously purchased USA from JBN, have you found a new supplier for this product? Thanks in advance for your response. Brenda

Thanks, Stella and everyone. I will try the "slow" method today. You are right - over time I'm sure I haven't paid as close attention as I used to.

Well, I opted to try 444 because of the hot throw reviews. IMHO, nothing compared to the throw with C3 (I bet you will agree, Stella1952). Speaking of C3, Stella did you have to change anything to accommodate for the formula change in C3? I would LOVE to stick with C3, if I could get it to perform as it did. I did use USA (forgot to mention that). My USA supplier quit carrying C3 so also dropped USA. I have quite a bit left, but wouldn't know where to get more. CDN wicks are still my favorite. I guess I am in a real quandry after reading all your messages. My C3 problems are many; hot throw problems with 444; I am a creature of habit and hate the fact that I am in this predicament!!! So, I have both types of wax and a variety of wicks that are "new" to me. I have tried so many things, I need to step back and think. Any advice for an impatient person? I can't stand the thought of sending an order of "bad" candles that I thought were good. Thanks all - have a good evening. Brenda

I loved C-3! I knew that the formula had changed slightly, but 2 separate shipments for a total of 10 cases was just too much for me. I still have some and have thought about combining 444 and C-3, but really don't have the time to play with that combo. I used C-3, CDN wicks, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and same containers with no problems for years. I loved the throw with C3, too! I still have some. If I had an answer for the millions of bubbles in every single batch, I would stick with it. Now I'm having trouble finding the right wick to use with 444. (Still haven't found the right one.)

I'm leaning toward CD (have always liked these wicks) Anyone use 8oz Madison jars? Brenda

I have CD wicks, but I think I will need larger ones. I am working with an 8oz Madison Jar from AH. would like to single wick, but may need to double wick with CDs. Do any of you use 8oz Madison jars? I pour 444 at 140 on the dot! I've always poured very slow, so that has remained the same. don't know what happened to C3. I was a huge proponent of this wax, but it isn't the same. The last 4 cases I used were absolutely full of bubbles! filling orders for holidays was a nightmare! I can get 444 much closer to me so shipping has been reduced, as well.

I pour at 140 and have beautiful candles - not one crack and good adhesion. I struggled with C3 through entire holiday season. I hated this, because I have used C3 for years and always loved it. It's not quite the same now. I have been lucky since switching to 444. I've read so many posts, I was hoping to hear from those that use 444 to share which wicks they like best.

Just changed from C-3 to GW444. I LOVE this wax! No pour problems at all. For those who use GW444, which wicks do find give you the best hot throw? I have ECO, HTP and Cotton Core from Peak's. - Making dye free, 1/2 tsp Coc. Oil/pound is only thing I add. Thanks for your replies! Happy New Year!

Trying to find a "Christmas Tree Pine" scent that I like. Do you have a favorite "Christmas Pine" scent and supplier? Thanks

While cleaning my molds this evening, I began wondering how everyone cleaned pour pots, candle molds, wodden spoons, etc. I thought it might be interesting to share our 'clean-up' methods. I bet we will all learn some new tricks of the trade. I routinely clean my molds by heating the inside with a heat gun and wiping them clean with a soft cloth. After several uses, I use the 170 degree oven method (this also loosens old sealer). After warm, I wipe them down with paper towels or a soft cloth. I look forward to reading everyone's tips. Brenda

Thank you so much! Perfect. I thought I would have it right (by the slight curl) ... would burn and discover I was wrong. Thanks again.

My title isn't clear, I know. However, here is my question. When double wicking your jars with wicks that have a slight curl (CD, CDN, ECO, for example), do any of you have any secrets for inserting the wicks so you know the curl of the wick will be opposite the other wick? I haven't found the secret and was hoping one or more of you great people would have the answer. By the way, this forum is wonderful. If I have a question, I have always been able to find the answer ... until now. Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks for the info! I'll let you know my results. If I can't get it figured out, I'll just leave the 2" pillars alone. Brenda

Using Ecosoya PB. No wicking problems on larger pillars. BIG problems with wicking the 2x4 pillar. They are really neat, but am about ready to give up because I can't find a wick that doesn't blowout the candle. Are/Have any of you making this size pillar? If so, what wick have you found that works. All suggestions welcome! Thanks!