usa process

[RedLady]

I have a question about usa... let me tell you my situation......

Since I am new to candlemaking I have been experimenting with c-3, cba, and 135. I for the most part like them all and have been experimenting to see if one becomes my top pick. I haven't had any issues other than a little frosting on the surface with all of them and an occasional pebbly area on the surface. I read here about an additive called USA that was supposed to help with these issues. So yesterday I made a couple of candles. I used 3.3 inch tins and 4 inch apothecary jars. I used c-3 wax in the apothecary jars and a 50/50 combo of cba and 135 in the tins. I used FO at 7% and the usa at a rate of 1 tbs per pound. I also used 1 dye chip per pound. I put the dye chip, usa, and wax in my pot and heated to 185 for both batches. I added the FO and stirred well. I poured the c3 at 160 and the blend at 135. i cooled on a rack covered with a box. they looked great upon initial set up...smooth tops, no wet spots, and only one little spot of frosting on one of the jars. i left the candles on the rack under the box overnight. When I woke up today the jars had terrible frosting on the sides and the tops. The tins had a smidge of frosting just below the surface. Did I incorporate the USA improperly to cause all this excessive frosting in these batches with the usa? I did the same two batches last week except no USA and the frosting was so minor and faint I'm not sure any one would have noticed if they weren't told about it.

Can any one offer any suggestions?

[Stella1952]

Did I incorporate the USA improperly to cause all this excessive frosting in these batches with the usa? I did the same two batches last week except no USA and the frosting was so minor and faint

Can't speak for the CBA/135 as I don't use it, but I do use C3 with USA.

put the dye chip, usa, and wax in my pot and heated to 185 for both batches. I added the FO and stirred well

I add my wax flakes to the pot, USA then UV absorber. I stir well, heat to 185-190°F, temper the wax, add FO & dye at 185°F and pour at 165°F. I stir a LOT throughout the entire process. The difference I see is that you added the dye while melting the wax. I add mine with the FO right before pouring.

Did you use the exact same FO as the last batch? Did you use the exact same dye & amount as the last batch? FOs & dyes have a LOT to do with frosting, as does the temperature of the batch & how it's been handled, the temp of the containers, the ambient air temp., etc. This time of year when it gets pretty cold, pouring hot wax into cold containers contributes to lots of frosting issues.

If you have not cut the wicks, you can reheat those in the oven, stir slightly, then turn off to cool. OR put the containers in water up to the level of the wax (be CAREFUL not to get any water in the candles!) and heat to 200°F (just under boiling point) until the wax on the inside of the glass melts. Remove & cool in a warmed oven, turned off.

[RedLady]

the fo and dye quantity were exactly the same and in the same amount between the two batches. the only difference was adding the usa in the second batch. i added the dye chip at the same time as the wax chips to the melt pot because i wanted to make sure it melted completely. i did end up putting the candles in the oven to remelt and they look much better. on my next batch i am going to try adding the dye chip after the wax has been melted and see if that helps any. thanks for the replies!