GoldieMN Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 (edited) You may remember seeing these mercury-type jars that I bought at JoAnne Fabrics. They are tagged "not food safe" so not to be used in canning. I have no idea if that has anything to do with heat associated with canning. I have been testing the one on the right for long stretches--9 hours at a time with nothing cracking, exploding, or getting too, too hot. Would you sell a candle in this jar that is NOT sold specifically for candles? Am I being too paranoid? The safer option would be to sell with a flowerpot votive, pictured on the left. My husband doesn't like that at all. Actually, he wants me to just sell the jars with tiny battery-operated lights in them. Sigh. . .trying to sell my candles, hon. Honest opinion, would you even consider either option? I know I can sell them with the battery-operated lights so no money lost. Goldie Edited September 4, 2016 by GoldieMN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisS Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 I wouldn't use them. Then again, if the jars were made outside the US, I'd be curious about the lead content (and other nasties) in the coating/paint used to create the mercury finish and what would be released by heating it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonshine Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) If they are painted from the inside I wouldn't chance it not knowing what it's painted with they are beautiful though and would look good with battery candles - I have a couple like that on chain links hanging on barn wood for a wall decoration Edited September 7, 2016 by moonshine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandlekrazy Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 I believe it's just the paint that makes them not suitable for canning. I don't think it's the chance of cracking. There are many chandlers around here using them for candles, but I personally haven't tried them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cvndlechix Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 They're so pretty ! It'll be awesome to use those jars but I agree with the other ladies. Who knows how the candle will burn considering the type of jar it is. Have you ever thought about testing one out to see??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonshine Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 29 minutes ago, kandlekrazy said: I believe it's just the paint that makes them not suitable for canning. I don't think it's the chance of cracking. There are many chandlers around here using them for candles, but I personally haven't tried them. I agree the paint makes them non food safe and I don't think they would crack or explode either the paint if it's on the inside though could do some funky things with the flame burning in there - I tried some painted from the inside (that I painted myself though) and it burned the paint off creating a horrible toxic smell- painted on the outside I have had no issues though I have a few jars I have been testing for candles that are not "canning safe" and for candles I don't think it matters so long as it's good quality thicker glass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldieMN Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, cvndlechix said: They're so pretty ! It'll be awesome to use those jars but I agree with the other ladies. Who knows how the candle will burn considering the type of jar it is. Have you ever thought about testing one out to see??? Yes, I've tested one of them for nine hours at a time with no problem. Thanks. Goldie Edited September 7, 2016 by GoldieMN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldieMN Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 2 hours ago, moonshine said: I agree the paint makes them non food safe and I don't think they would crack or explode either the paint if it's on the inside though could do some funky things with the flame burning in there - I tried some painted from the inside (that I painted myself though) and it burned the paint off creating a horrible toxic smell- painted on the outside I have had no issues though I have a few jars I have been testing for candles that are not "canning safe" and for candles I don't think it matters so long as it's good quality thicker glass The paint is on the outside of the jar. In my test burns of 9 hours, I haven't smelled anything but the candle. In researching this, I found a discussin by one of the more popular candle supply companies (can't remember which one right now). That company said anything can crack or explode including candle-safe jars. Soooo, for now, I am looking into product liability insurance for ALL my candle jars. Goldie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldieMN Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 8 hours ago, KrisS said: I wouldn't use them. Then again, if the jars were made outside the US, I'd be curious about the lead content (and other nasties) in the coating/paint used to create the mercury finish and what would be released by heating it. I never thought of this. I wonder if they are true mercury. . . I've written JoAnne Fabrics asking for more information from manufacturer. Thanks Goldie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldieMN Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 Thanks to KrisS for directing me to ASTM Candle Safety information. I found a good summation here: http://www.astm.org/SNEWS/MARCH_2003/becker_mar03.html Goldie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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