jenscandles Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 I've been using the paint stir sticks to mix my dye and FO into the wax. I ran out and mentioned to my BF that I was thinking of just buying a case of sticks and he went into the hardware store and bought all they had at the time - about 100 sticks. He got them from a different place than I've been getting them from. The sticks he bought have the name of the hardware store stamped almost all the way down the stick. It would definitely get into the wax.My question is can the ink on that stamp come off just enough and end up mixing into my wax? I don't want that extra dye in there but I hate to not use the sticks at all since he made a special trip over to the hardware store just to pick some up.Thoughts?TIAJennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuminousBoutique Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 I'd test it... and maybe try sanding them lightly with a sanding block, it should take most of the ink off if it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenscandles Posted February 11, 2010 Author Share Posted February 11, 2010 My BF suggested maybe sealing the paint stick with an acrylic sealer. Keep the ink from spreading and maybe keep the candle dye from penetrating the wood.Thoughts on that idea are appreciated as well.Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
number2of7 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 This is precisely why I use bamboo skewers to stir....cheap and no paint on them Just thought I'd throw another alternative out there for ya in case you run out of pain stirrers again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenscandles Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 This is precisely why I use bamboo skewers to stir....cheap and no paint on them I have used the bamboo skewers for poking relief holes but I did not think to use them for stirring. I don't have any here to try that either... I assume it gets all your dye and oil incorporated or you wouldn't keep using it. I picked up the paint sticks because they were wider, like a spoon. I would have thought the skewer to be too thin to be stirring with.Do you find that you have to stir for a longer period of time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in KY Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I wouldn't think the amount of paint on the sticks would change your wax. Fo will take the finish off furniture so maybe try putting some straight FO on a rag and rub off before using. If it doesn't come off then it probable will never will. I would use them without worry..... JMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewOrleansLady Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I've always used a high temp spatula and I can stir very quickly and throughly. I, too, would think skewers would take forever to incorporate everything throughly since it's not moving much wax with each revolution. I guess it would depend on what kind of paint is on the stick. Testing it should prove the point....dip it in just plain wax and then wipe it off...see if you can see any of the paint in the wax you've wiped off. You could coat them with a couple of things...you could dip them in that plastic coating type paint (you can also dip stuff like gardening tool handles in it) or a spray a clear acrylic on it. Or why not dipping them in thompson's water seal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryTartMama Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 i use shish kabob skewers, i use 2-3. Cheap and they last for ever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanceandcoco2009 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Wooden spoons work great. I just rinse off in hot water, I use the same one all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuminousBoutique Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 yeah I use plastic spoons, let the wax dry and it just peels and slides right off. I use them again and again, and when they start to smell (ususally after about 2 months) I replace them with another dollar store 3 pack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenscandles Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 (edited) Well good news! I went to use one of those sticks today, kind of grabbed it in a rush, not thinking about it, and in the short pour pot with a pound of wax, the wax level was still below the paint. So no worries! Thanks to everybody for chiming in.My BF was very happy. Edited February 12, 2010 by jenscandles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mzpickles Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 i use shish kabob skewers, i use 2-3. Cheap and they last for everFYI, I've been using chop sticks, unused extras tend to accumulate in my house! They have the advantage of being free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mottster Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 We've been using silicone spatulas, because with the wooden spoon was causing a reaction with the wax once it cured. Basically it was causing a pattern to form at the top of the candle. Just wash them after each use, and have been using them for over 3 months now without any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 I use a couple of big spoons (stainless) and wipe them down after using and then wash later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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