TheWickChick Posted June 10, 2007 Share Posted June 10, 2007 I tried my first seascape and it turned out cloudy - well first when I put in the gel it sizzled and made a million bubbles, then it turned cloudy. I washed the shells very well, even soaking them in water, and then soaked them in mineral oil overnight and still this happened. Am I missing a step? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalClear Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Sizzled? Do you mean a bunch of bubbles came up out of it? I'm picturing sizzling like..meat sizzling! hahaWhat I do is, set up my scene (sand, seashells..etc) and then pour a thin layer of gel on top of that. Then I let it set up a lil bit, and then pour the rest of my candle. Keeps the bubbles at bay that way. Also, I pour a lil hotter or cooler depending on how many bubbles I want for that particular candle.I do know other people that dip their seashells or embeds in gel wax first, then pour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWickChick Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 No joke, it sizzled - much like the sound meat makes when it sizzles. Maybe I had a bad shell in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CathyinME Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 :undecided Sizzling gel?? Are you using sand in the bottom? What temp did you pour the gel at? Never had mne sizzle!!! I also pour a thin layer on the bottom to help keep bubbles under control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalClear Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 No joke, it sizzled - much like the sound meat makes when it sizzles. Maybe I had a bad shell in there.Ok..that's just weird! What gel were you using? I never had that happen either. :undecided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWickChick Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 Yes I had sand in the bottom as well. I poured at 180, I wanted to control for bubbles, which obviously didn't work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky_CO Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 You need to check your thermometer it sound like your got your gel way to hot and gel will cloud up in high temps. I have had similar happen but only when I had the gel to hot. At 180 gel is not hot enough to cause what you are describing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWickChick Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 I do have a back-up thermometer, I'll try it again and pay close attention to the temp.Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luci Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 I've never had a shell sizzle, but I've not paid attention to my fo and used one not appropriate for gel. That will make it cloudy for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernadette Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 I'm not sure what type of shells you used, or if you collected them yourself, but 8 years ago I had the same thing happen when I used the coiled up(does that make sense?) shells. It appears there were dead critters within the shells that when the gel hit them, it sizzled. And the gel wasn't overheated, just didn't like dead bodies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky_CO Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 I would never have thought of dead bodies. The thought of that just grosses me out. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernadette Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Neither did I!!! Someone had collected these for me in Mexico. I washed them thoroughly, followed all the steps. But they were so far in you couldn't see them or easily remove them. After they fried and sizzled, parts came out of the shells, so I knew they were there. For those types of shells, I now buy sanitized(and yes, you can buy sanitized shells). Since this event, I've tested lots of things and have come to the conclusion that anything organic is best stayed away from, or doubled glassed, pouring at the lowest possible melting point.But gel can sizzle, for dead critters, a drop of sap on a pinecone, even real peppermints with a high sugar content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalClear Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 I will never look at my seashells the same way ever again! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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