jancita Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 I use a combination of mostly soy GW 464 mixed with coconut wax. I achieve mostly smooth first pours but always leave some extra scented wax in case I need to do a second pour. The problem I had recently with a batch of 12 oz straight sided libbey jars was lack of adhesion or wet spots, which I believe were caused by a cold room. I fixed these successfully with a heat gun, but the top is not to my usual standard. Mine usually look like the top image but whenever I hit them with a heat gun, they end up looking rough and uneven. Am I doing something wrong, or is this just part of the process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 That is soy grains cooling at different rates and causing frosting 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdcharm Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 I think the "leather look" & uneven areas comes from too much heat from the heat gun. As much as everyone raves about heat guns being the silver bullet to creating smooth tops, there can be times when they can cause adverse results. I've switched to using a small gun and holding it as far away as possible if I have to use it. My goal this year is to be 100% heat gun free if at all possible when it comes to soy waxes/blends. (I'm not saying there isn't a place for them, just that I've seen similar results and I think it's when I applied too much heat ... although, typically, mine also frosted a bit after a day or so, adding to the appeal of an icy leather look candle.) 🤔 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jancita Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Is there any way to avoid this? I feel like once I use the heat gun, my smooth tops are over. Perhaps I am using too much heat, as you suggest, Birdcharm. I have thought they look like they have been overheated or cooked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErronB Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 Anything 464 related has never ended well for me using a heat gun. I used to just pour when it's slushy and the tops came out decent 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jancita Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 This is the one I’m using. Birdcharm, could you tell me what small heat gun you use. I can only find the minis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdcharm Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 I replaced my larger one similar to the one you have with what is called a "mini" ... I think it's 300 watts, so it doesn't get nearly as hot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jancita Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Thanks so much, Birdcharm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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