gingerinarkansas Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 I've been testing votives today using Astorlite V, CD5 & 6 and also 44-24-18z. I'm getting a good burn but alot of mushrooming on the wicks. Is it me, the wicks or is this normal? Mushroom is worse on the zinc but still having it on the cd. Opinions please. Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eugenia Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Mushrooms are the nature of the beast with some wicks, zinc being the worst. They are cuase by carbon buildup and a sign that the wick needs to be trimmed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 I did a seach on mushrooms and it looks like it's just a part of candle making. I like the one customer that thought it was a "fragrance ball". I guess I will testing or deal with it. I seem to specialize in mushrooms and wet spots somedays. It's nice to know I'm not alone. LOL Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 You may not be able to eliminate it, but play with the wick size. Depending on your wax and fragrance sometimes you can hit upon a size that won't mushroom and might even self trim so you can burn the votive indefinitely. It takes some luck and a lot of finagling. Varying the FO can influence the results too.I like those CDs for votives. I've just never really liked the burn of a votive with a zinc wick in it. Starts off nice but always seems to turn to crap along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 I've been testing SNC Rosemary Mint and it was one that CD 5-6 didn't work well in so I went to 44-24-18z. Good burn except for the mushroom. Back 5-8 years ago, I don't remember having the problems with wicks, wax and wet spots. Was I not paying attention or have products changed for the worse? I started making candles when I first got out of high school.(1971) Then I made then for someone else in Texas for about 6 years...container and votives. Now it seems like everytime I turn around, I have a new problem. The supplies were limited back in the 70's but I don't remember the problems. Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eugenia Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 The supplies were limited back in the 70's but I don't remember the problems. GingerYou were likely in a fog for most of the 70's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelaVA Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 I haven't tried CD wicks in votives, but I use LX and don't get mushrooming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 Ok Eugenia, you are probably right but the lady that taught be never seem to have all those problems as far as I remember. She made pillars and small mold candles and they were beautiful. Very limited on scents. My favorite was jasmine and still is. Now, as far as the LX wicks...I have 2 sizes, 10 and 12 and I have never used them. Just keep for decoration, I guess.LoL Are those the right size for votives? If they are, I might try them tomorrow. My grandson has two ballgames tonight so candle testing is over for the day. T-ball has top priority today. Thanks to all for your advice. It is amazing how much you can read but you still have questions. I thought I was so smart when I graduated H.S. that I would never have to ask questions again.Ha Thanks, Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelaVA Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 LX 10 and 12 are what I use in 4794. The LX 10 works for most FOs, wick up if necessary. They really burn great and I won't go back to zinc now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 I use astorlite v....not real impressed with it...but I'll try the Lx tomorrow. Thanks, Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 9, 2006 Author Share Posted June 9, 2006 I've got a table full of votives this morning testing LX wicks. Hope they work a little better than the zinc and Cd wicks. Too much mushrooming but good clean burn. Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaritamama Posted June 9, 2006 Share Posted June 9, 2006 I use LX-10.... No mushrooms! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted June 9, 2006 Author Share Posted June 9, 2006 These Lx wicks don't seem to be cutting it on my votives. Still some hang up on sides...my cups have a small rim at the top and once things get over that it is usually ok. I'm still testing. No mushrooms yet!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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