Liquid Dye vs. Reddi-Glo Dye Chips

[DelphicScorpion]

I'm leaning towards buying the chips because they're brighter and cheaper, but which is better? I'm buying from Peaks.

[Sharon in KY]

They might be cheaper to begin with but liquid dyes go a long way. I use both.

[candlesprite7]

I've always liked using the chips...I'm a klutz and they are better for me to use.:smiley2:

[tlc26]

I would go with the liquid. I have both. Red is a very difficult color. Depending on what wax you are working with to get good, bright ,vivid reds you tend to use quite a bit of color. I notice with solid colorants it doesn't all dissolve and I get red flecks in the finished products. On the other hand with the red liquid there seems to be a chemical smell (at least to my nose) that used at a percentage for a dark red will over power some FO even the mac apple and baked apple pie

Edited May 29, 2010 by tlc26

[scifichik]

We always wear cheap latex exam gloves. Our liquid red always seems to get all over our hands, and we can at least remove the gloves...or wait a couple of days and may handwashings/showers to make it fade from our skin.

We tried the chips, but liked the ability to control the variations on color through the use of liquid colorants.

[Soylicious]

I like the chips.. I am a klutz also and at least if I drop a chip on the counter or floor I can pick it back up.. if I spill liquid dye.. it's all over me and whatever I spilled it on... lol..

[doglover]

I use the liquid. I can blend my own colors that way. (And I am a klutz, too!) But as you can tell from the replies, it is a personal preference. Good luck!!

[jonsie]

I've been using color blocks. You can chop, chip, or shave off how much you want to use and weigh it so you can have exact color matches. I find it caused slightly less frosting but I don't know if it is because it has a parrafin base.

[Candlebuddy]

I use both too ... it's really personal preference ... both chips and liquid have their good and bad qualities.

[lindanelson]

Liquid is easier to use for me. I started with the chips though.

[EccoLights]

Voting for both also, like the variations we can get using both xoxo

[Candybee]

I've been using both but I am tending to color more with the chips because I get brighter more vibrant colors and a bit less fading or color changing on me. And yes I use UV inhibitor but colors can still change on you. With the chips I get less discoloration or color fade from doing lots of outdoor shows this time of year.

[DelphicScorpion]

Thank you, all of you, for the help! I decided to go with both in the end, as most of you suggested.

[Scented]

I use liquids mostly any more.

Chips aren't that inexpensive when you take a look at how much you might have to use to get a color ... think about black. There can be inconsistencies in getting that color.

Reds, thanks Tab. lol. I think liquids are best for that color also. It doesn't matter what chip or block, I can't get it completely dissolved.

But when it comes to wanting to make certain colors, the blocks and chips are easier to get than x-amount of drops + x-drop for me. I just wish someone would make a good turquoise ha.

[jruhsam]

Still kind of on topic. Where is the best location to get good liquid dyes? I like Peaks but I'm always looking for something new or better. Also how about "different" types of 'colorants' like the pigment chips at Peaks that are blacklight sensitive?

[ChrisR]

I've found these suppliers have VERY concentrated liquid dyes: Aroma Haven, Lone Star, Just By Nature and Candle Science.

Just remember the pigment dye chips do not melt in the wax, they are suspended particles and they can and will clog your wick if you use too much. I personally stay away from them.

[CandleMama6]

I use a few liquids but mostly use the powders.

[cgoff]

I'm leaning towards buying the chips because they're brighter and cheaper, but which is better? I'm buying from Peaks.

I started with the blocks, but quickly shifted to liquid. It is cheaper per pound of wax dyed. Also, look around for those cheap disposable droppers. It seems like the ones that come with the liquid dye are really tough to get carefully measured (drop in like 5 drops instead of 3). They are incredibly cheap too, and I reuse them over and over until they clog.

Chris