is there a difference in dyes?

[TFCbrooke]

Like the quality of them from different stores? Is there one that is better than another or ones to avoid?

I plan on making most of my items dye free but if someone really wants a color I want to have that an option.

[Circle]

I have had the exact same dye from the same company and had a variation in intensity. You would need to recheck colour each time you open a new bottle and record any changes in the amount of drops etc you used.

[Stella1952]

Just like wax & FOs, dye quality does vary. Among the "major" kinds, it becomes a subjective deal dependent on which kind a person prefers. If you are not going to use much dye, you might be best served to avoid liquids and just keep the solid type because the liquids get thick, etc. when not used often. The solid ones keep for long periods of time quite well. I like the Reddig-Glo brands pretty well. They are available from many suppliers. HTH

Edited December 12, 2009 by Stella1952

[Scented]

I have liquids that have been around for four years now that aren't thick. Thing with liquids though is that the dye can eat through the stopper.

[grama]

Know about the stopper Scented! All you have to do is look at my hands I have some from LS that are older than 4 yr and are still just fine.

[TFCbrooke]

Good to know. I was reading about lrbd's dye mess, which is why I wondered. Didn't know if it was the brand or just liquid dyes in general.

Is the reason for using liquid just because it's easier?

[Circle]

I find the liquid dyes much easier as they are quicker for high production runs.

[Jaye]

I used to shave or cut from dye blocks, but could never duplicate the color perfectly. I now use the dye chips from Candlescience (like Stella mentioned - Reddig-Glo), which are wonderful - one chip per pound of wax and you'll have the same color every time. Because they're diamond shaped, they're also easy to cut in half if you need a lighter color, and are very reasonably priced. :smiley2:

[Stella1952]

Is the reason for using liquid just because it's easier?

I like liquid dyes because I find them easier to mix custom colors. Everything has an "up" side & a "down" side - just depends on what feels good to you.

[topofmurrayhill]

I used to shave or cut from dye blocks, but could never duplicate the color perfectly.

If you have a sensitive scale, you can use a solid dye like that to create a color formula by weight. You can then adjust it to any size batch you're making and duplicate it perfectly. That's also another way to use the dye chips. In some circumstances it can actually be more accurate than liquid, especially if you're trying to design a color by making individual candles and then scale it up.

The old fashioned color blocks can be inconsistent and some of the colors don't disperse well. For those who like blocks, the ones to use are the French Color dye blocks. They're perfectly consistent, they work great, and the colors are very nice. Several suppliers sell them.

These days I use liquid dye most of the time, specifically the French Color liquids. Those and the dye blocks are available from Candlechem. Other suppliers sell them also, but not by name. Good suppliers generally have good liquid dyes. Maybe be careful about buying them from hobby and craft stores.

Edited December 13, 2009 by topofmurrayhill

[Candybee]

I like to use the liquid dyes on parrafin and palm wax candles. For soy I prefer using the reddig-glo dye chips.

Both are easy to use for me. I don't have any trouble using liquid dyes. You shouldn't have to worry about them if you are careful. If you are afraid of spills just put down an old throw rug or newspaper on the floor. If you are afraid of spills on your counter use wax paper or newspaper to cover your candle making area. I don't have trouble with spilling dye, but I do have wax spills from time to time.

[Scented]

Good to know. I was reading about lrbd's dye mess, which is why I wondered. Didn't know if it was the brand or just liquid dyes in general.

Is the reason for using liquid just because it's easier?

LOL! Sorry, but no it isn't easier. IMO, liquids did away with what didn't dissolve when chips and blocks were melted. Some liquids are more concentrated than others. I'll compare that to what I have from Peak's or Lonestar to what I have from Alabaster ... for instance it takes a lot of Alabaster yellow to get the color I want, but not from the other two. Chips and blocks are fine, but I seem to have stored those into a safe hiding place for now.

On a side note about spilling dyes, FO will help get rid of dye stains on certain surfaces. (Linoleum isn't one of them ... at least not my floor, but it will get some of it up.)

Edited December 14, 2009 by Scented

[topofmurrayhill]

Speaking of cleaning dye, I always keep a can of Gamsol around and use it from a small plastic squeeze bottle. It's a 100% odorless mineral spirits that makes it a snap to remove dye and wax. You can use it when you want to get molds or pots or glass extra clean. A few drops on a paper towel will wipe candle dye right off your fingers. It's great for cleaning work surfaces too.

Gamsol is safer than just about any other solvent because it's highly refined. The most harmful compounds that you would get in hardware store mineral spirits have been removed and the relatively low evaporation rate keeps the concentration in the air around you to a minimum. It's made for artists who don't want to die young and is available from many art supply places, which are listed on the Gamblin website.

I know that Goo-Gone is very popular, widely available and cheap. Many people think it's a citrus cleaner, but it's actually a mixture of citrus oil and petroleum solvent. The solvent portion does the work in most uses related to candlemaking. I would save the Goo-Gone for degreasing my bike and invest in the high quality solvent for the workshop. It takes very little to get the job done.

[Scented]

Might have to look into it, because the Goo never worked here.

[Jaye]

I always keep a can of Gamsol around and use it from a small plastic squeeze bottle. It's a 100% odorless mineral spirits that makes it a snap to remove dye and wax.

Good to know! Thanks, Top. :smiley2: