Henryk Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 I was researching back posts on J-50 and once again referred to Top's excellent poll on container blends. I was curious though from those in the know - what properties would J-50 exhibit that can put it last in the appearance category?Appearance1. Harmony 4.19 (0.88)2. Comfort 4.13 (0.96)3. J-223 4.10 (0.87)4. J-50 3.92 (1.04) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 I was researching back posts on J-50 and once again referred to Top's excellent poll on container blends. I was curious though from those in the know - what properties would J-50 exhibit that can put it last in the appearance category?Appearance1. Harmony 4.19 (0.88)2. Comfort 4.13 (0.96)3. J-223 4.10 (0.87)4. J-50 3.92 (1.04)I can only give you my very NON technical opinion here. I have tried both of the J waxes mentioned, and I currently use Comfort Blend. I have never tried Harmony Blend, so I don't know how it compares. The J waxes just do not have the creamy lovely appearance that my CB has. I can't even define it.. it's not really that it's more opaque I don't think.. it's just creamier and richer looking when it's cooled. There. How's that for scientific? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdmorgan Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 My guess would be all the wet spots. I liked J223 but couldn't control the wet spots and I've read other posts that mention the same problem with j50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane42 Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 The Harmony wax has a very smooth, creamy appearance - wet spots are rare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugtussle Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 IMHO, Harmony is very greasy and smokes. 223 is a beautiful wax and J50 is close but a little more transparent. My husband threw out the Comfort. He called it vaseline. Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 I suspect the glass adhesion factored into the appearance score. Harmony and Comfort are a distinct cut above the J waxes in that regard, as suggested by both the poll and my own observations. J-50 is distinctly the worst. Just bear in mind a lot depends on how you pour the waxes and what particular batch you get. Some of these products are manufactured in more than one facility using slightly different materials and the materials might change from time to time according to availability.Other aspects of appearance are more subject to personal preference. Opacity is one of the most notable differences. Comfort Blend colors more deeply and can distinctly glow through depending on the size of your candle and how you dye it. Harmony has brighter colors with the same amount of dye. It's kind of in between Comfort and J-223 in terms of opacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henryk Posted July 4, 2007 Author Share Posted July 4, 2007 Thank you very much !I was actually all set to start working with the comfort blend - but it being dead last in wicking has me concerned.Wicking and Burn1. J-50 4.21 (0.63)2. J-223 3.77 (0.95)3. Harmony 3.44 (1.27)4. Comfort 2.27 (1.12) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 Thank you very much !I was actually all set to start working with the comfort blend - but it being dead last in wicking has me concerned.Wicking and Burn1. J-50 4.21 (0.63)2. J-223 3.77 (0.95)3. Harmony 3.44 (1.27)4. Comfort 2.27 (1.12)Henryk it's not a hard wax to wick. You just need to remember that you will probably have to wick UP. I use zinc wicks and I know others do too, they have their downfalls, but they do a fantastic job with this wax. If you don't mind the mushroom, they are definitely the way to go.I remember when I was trying to decide what container wax to go with after Peak's discontinued their Performance Blend.. I was so bummed out, but now I am just thrilled that I picked the Comfort Blend. Have you tried a sample of it yet? Would you like to if not? Let me know.. I'll share some! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted July 4, 2007 Share Posted July 4, 2007 For all the good qualities of 4627, the tradeoff is that it's the hardest to burn of all those blends. You might have to experiment more with wicking.Your experience will also depend on what kind of candle you plan to make. There's a big difference between trying to make a wide diameter single-wicked jar versus a tumbler or something in between. If you select a wax with your application in mind, you won't need to fight with it as much.I think some people like zinc wicks with 4627 because it makes it easier to get a good melt pool. I saw that phenomenon myself and was puzzled at first. Then I noticed I always got a wider melt pool with wicks that mushroomed (even in pillars), so I think that's the explanation. Relatively low ROC plus a hot coal at the tip of the wick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lsbennis Posted July 5, 2007 Share Posted July 5, 2007 I have only been playing with the 4627 for a short time but in my limited experience I did not find it anymore or less difficult to wick then soy and I also ended up going with the zincs in a 3 inch tumbler cause it seemed to give the best burn and melt pool but I did have to wick up as suggested by Pairieanne having said that I did also get some successs with HTP's but choose the zincs. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredron Posted July 5, 2007 Share Posted July 5, 2007 With all due respect to Top, I find J-50 to be the best of the bunch. I've tried 'em all and stick with the J-50. I tweak it a tad, but by itself it ain't bad.Hey, that rhymes. Candles and poetry-who Knew?I get no wet spots, great colors, extremely (and I mean EXTREMELY) clean burn and excellent cold/hot throw.It doesn't get any better.Fredron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henryk Posted July 6, 2007 Author Share Posted July 6, 2007 I want to thank everyone again - esp. Prarie for the offer - very kind of you.:smiley2: After so much reading I think I'm going to J waxes - at least first - for a couple reasons. I can pick it up and/or get it shipped locally - plus wetspots are low on my list as far as problems that bug me go. I'm just getting bored with soy wax for container candles - need another challenge.:tiptoe: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane42 Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Sounds like a plan to me! Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henryk Posted July 7, 2007 Author Share Posted July 7, 2007 I need all the luck I can get ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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