Tortoise shell palm wax from CS

[scopeland14]

I am having trouble getting the beautiful tortoise shell markings. I heat my pillar molds in the oven at 170 degrees, and pour hot, then cool in oven. Can anyone help me? Any suggestions?

[Jess05]

Are you putting it on a wood or metal surface? If so it could be absorbing the heat from the candle and causing it to cool faster on the top than the bottom.

Check this link out it explains the process on the bottom of the page:

http://candlescience.com/wax/tortoise-shell-palm-wax/

Hope that helps,

Jessica

[scopeland14]

I have been putting it in the oven on the wire racks.

[Karen B]

I get this problem specifically with tortoise shell. I'm guessing the temp on my presto isn't right. For now what seems to work for me is melting the wax in a double boiler. As soon as it reaches the right temp I add the FO & color and pour. I don't let it sit very long at all at the 200 degree temp. (pour into heated molds) Then do everything else as normal.

I don't get this with Glass Glow, but I do with the tortoise shell. Maybe it doesn't like to sit at that high heat for long. (maybe it's this batch of wax) I have always thought the temp on my presto was fine, since the wax doesn't get over 200-maybe 205 degrees. But, I'm thinking of playing around a little with the temp. For now what seems to work is the stove top with a double boiler, PITA but it works.

Karen B

[scopeland14]

thanks, I also have been using a presto pot. I will try using your method. I really appreciate your help. :highfive: