scifichik

Help! I'm experimenting with the scalloped 1 oz metal molds that most people use for floating candles or tarts, but I'm having a hideous time getting them to release. I'm using Golden Wax 415, which is supposed to be for tarts/votives (unless I was told wrong.) I don't want to buy mold release by itself without anything else I need to order, so does anyone have any suggestions for me? My partner in crime noticed that the mold release on the supplier sites all say "food grade," so she's thinking we could use non-stick cooking spray. I'm thinking that would be messy. We tried the old "stick it in a freezer for half hour trick," but no good results. LOL Someone take pity on me with a nifty tip or trick!

I usually test with 1 - 2 ounces, but you're off to a great start if you are having successful results with half ounce.

I'm so happy you are pleased with your result. As a rule, I don't worry overmuch about the small random air holes or gentle roughness. It all adds to the "signature" of it being handmade, or at least my customers think it, so I don't fight it. The real test is in the scent throw after you toss them in a burner/melter. For testing, I usually have portion cups that I pour the extra/leftover wax into and use as my tester, so you're on the same page as I am with "why break apart a nice clamshell for testing?"

Hooray for you! Hoping to hear a good report from your test. Best wishes!

Don't give up! When you find that combination of fragrance and wax that works, and you have that glorious smell in a room---it will be worth it! You've tried a variety of waxes, so perhaps it's the fragrance that is the problem. One of the first lessons I learned was that not all fragrance makers produce the same quality oils, and not all fragrance oils work well with soy (as it is one of the waxes you mentioned). I especially appreciate Candle Science and their soy rating, which is a good indicator of whether that fragrance oil will be strong or weak in soy wax. Peak's also gives a recommendation as to whether their fragrance is happy with soy. I'm sure if you provide more info (wax type and amount used, what temp you melted to, what temp you added fragrance (and how much fragrance added), and what temp you poured) someone will help you find that "aha!" moment. Wishing you much success from Missouri!

How did your second test run turn out?

I use this wax. I have better results by heating to 180 - 185. Add colorant (if you use it), add fragrance around 160 (mix for about 2 minutes) and pour. Try again with these higher temps and let us know what your results are.

We print labels at the end of each pouring session.

Kudos to the person who rescued the little chi! What a cool way to help it ID the rooms by scent

I'm jealous out loud! I'd love to visit Peak's!

Are those like the square containers and status jars that Dollar Tree also carries? I think I remember someone sourcing plastic lids for those, but I don't use them and don't recall much of the details. I'm sure if you ran a search through the forums, you'd locate it.

Prayers for your health, dear lady, for which there should be no apology expected or given. I've heard wonderful things about your products and will look forward to the opportunity to order from you in the future.

I saw that and was beyond mortified! I like that FaceBook page because it sometimes has good items about canning and food preservation.

Peak's Cranberry Citrus has a lovely scent and throws forever

I didn't want to purchase the special tools needed, I purchased mine here: www.prestopotwaxmelter.com I haven't had a problem with it and really enjoy how easy it makes things. I also purchased a second one on the classified section here on this site, too. Also has a spigot and works like a champ.

Some people use a small mix of paraffin in their soy to stabilize the blend and prevent frosting. I prefer to avoid paraffin because soy is so much easier to clean up. I actually think the frosting make each candle unique and is pretty; happily, my customers think so as well. We tend to agree that it is easy to ID a soy candle because of the frosting. Just my two cents' on the subject.

You could really mess with him and say that you used pastels, and maybe a trip to the eye doctor is in order I think they are beautiful. Maybe he means the color is rich, which my artist husband says is "entirely different than dark, which implies lack of appropriate depth in the color spectrum."

Thanks, Judy. What special property does the beeswax add? I've not used it before.

For those who dip (bears, critters, tp, etc), what wax do you use? Is there a soy wax that produces acceptable product?

We use soy flakes, and find that it's easiest for us to store in a trashbag-lined tote with lid.

I love that! Are you selling these? If so, please PM me details to purchase.

Looks fairly typical to me. Wait until you find one that looks like cauliflower after it cools! My customers never complain about the tops, even when they look like a mutant experiment gone awry...they are more concerned with good scent throw.

Awesome opportunity ! I know you are going to use baskets for your product, so that would work well with stair step levels so it's easy to see everything. Also, be sure to have some business cards with your contact info (can sometimes get free from Vista Print for the cost of shipping), and a handout with your contact info and your scent list. Don't forget to have fun.

Those are lovely!

I'm sure they'll do whatever it takes to make you a satisfied customer.