Laura C

Thanks for the reply.

Cool, I used to be a licensed beautician many years ago myself.

Hello and this is for anyone wanting to know more about safety masks or respirators, I just call them masks. Since I make candles & melts and use strong chemicals when I clean house I need a really good one and one that will be comfortable. I have been wanting to get a better mask but didn't really know which one to get so I've been doing some research and thought I'd share this important info with you all. As recommended on Lowe's website, they said to call 3M and talk to a customer service rep in order to determine the best mask for my needs, so I did. Per 3M Customer Service 800-243-4630 / the rep suggested a few different masks to use when making candles and/or dealing with bleach and these two looked like some good options, IMO. They do sell them at Lowe's, on Amazon and probably at Home Depot. I want to actually see it in person before I buy it so I'm going to visit my local Lowe's soon. I want to make sure it will fit my face which is on the small side. Both of these masks have the NIOSH P100 rating, meaning they filter at least 95%, 99%, 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil. - all purpose safety mask model #62023DHA1-C https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-All-Purpose-Valved-Safety-Mask/3652534 - chemical safety mask model #65023QLHA1-C https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Reusable-Chemical-Valved-Safety-Mask/1000040243 Here's some helpful links. NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html Respirator Trusted-Source Information https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/respsource1quest2.html In addition to the other info and links for masks posted on here I hope this will be helpful to someone or at least get you going in the right direction.

I was looking over Aztec's website and reading the reviews on the liquid dyes and other people also commented on the foul odor. As you suggested, I went ahead and called them to make sure they weren't rancid or something and the lady said they do have a strong odor. Guess I won't be using the Aztec dyes anymore, they are not for me. Plus, when I used those dyes in wax melts containing 444 Soy wax, the C&H scent throw of those melts had an odd odor very similar to the dyes. Sorry, I know this is off topic and referring to a different wax than this post was meant for but I wanted to mention it for anyone reading this post.

Thanks so much for the response. Since several of you have recommended those dyes and say the odor isn't bad, I will probably order a few of them this week to test out.

Awh, so you have the EVO liquid dyes from Candle Wic. Are they odorless or at least easily tolerable to smell? I see from this pic what you mean about that type of bottle being messy. That's a shame. At least the ones from Aztec do have an easy to use twist open pour spout. Could you pop out that disc that has the hole in it and put a pour spout lid on it?

Just wanted to throw this out there for anyone reading this post. I bought some liquid dyes from Aztec within the last 4 months and I hate them simply because they stink and I mean a strong, mothball, nasty repugnant stank. They just about make me throw up and I do wear a mask. They are very concentrated and they make pretty colors but I can't deal with the odor.

If you don't mind me asking, which liquid dyes do you use and do they have a strong terrible odor? I ordered some liquid dyes from Aztec and made a few melts with them but I can't stand the smell of the dye while I'm using it. It's horrible and like mothballs, it's really strong and repugnant. I did use a mask but I think I will get a better one, LOL. Someone on here said the EVO liquid dyes from Candle Wic are odorless or have very little odor. I hope I'm repeating this correctly. I may order some of those and try them but honestly I make a mess with liquid dyes.

I know, I don't get it. If it's not one thing it's another. LOL

Yes, in the one clam shell I used a dye block. I read on here some where that dye blocks should be heated to at least like 185-190 in order to melt properly and I did add dye at 190. But I didn't use any dye in the other clam shell and it's just as gritty. I only notice or see the fine grit when I gently run my fingers across the melts. I had even cleaned the clam shells too. In my next batch I'm going to try only 6% FO, like you, and see what happens. And you are right, overall it is a nice wax and is easy to work with.

Thanks for the feedback @aptommo.

Hi aptommo. I posted the beginning of my experience using EcoSoya PB in this other post if you're interested in reading it. Also, since you use this wax, have you had any problems with the melts feeling gritty?

That is an awesome scent and I didn't realize that scent would last that long in a wax melt. I would imagine that's a concentrated FO. I'm new to making wax melts and I'm using EcoSoya PB, I need to test mine for hot throw for a longer period and see what I get.

Finally got around to making some clam shell melts with EcoSoya PB Pillar Blend Soy Wax and I'm liking it so far. I'm now waiting for them to cure several days before testing them in the warmers. - I did one with only FO and poured at 150. The wax is ivory so I can't see any frosting if it's there and it only had a very slight sinkhole in the middle of the mold, not enough to do a 2nd pour. - The other one had FO and dye block and poured at 140 which was too cool for me because the wax in the corners of the mold are a little puffy and rounded. It had just a few small spots with some faint frosting and also had the slight sinkhole in the center. Regardless, it looks fine to me. - The cold throw is really good so far with both of them and they both have 8% FO using My Dear Watson from The Candle Makers Store. - Both were heated to around 200 and FO added at 190. I've noticed they feel gritty when I lightly run my hand across them. It can't be the dye block since the one w/o dye feels the same way. I don't think they cooled too slow because I had the A/C blowing in the kitchen and I could feel the draft over the clam shells. I was afraid they were going to cool too fast and crack or something. So I'm wondering if it is the FO, the FO % or just a trait of the EcoSoya PB wax? Has anybody else experienced gritty melts with this wax?

I'll add this to this notification, Peak has some neat tutorials and info on their blog. Anyone interested should download themselves copies since the site will be going away soon. https://peakfragrances.com/pages/tutorials

That's awesome and a great way to get out there and go for it. I'm going to file that away in my book of selling ideas.

Hi @Trappeur. Both labels look very nice and very different of course. Looks to me like the red and black label would go better with Ace Hardware and their branding. The other label looks more elegant and may look out of place in a hardware store unless you changed out the font for something more rustic looking.

That's for sure, I wish I was only a month behind. LOL. As for candle making, I can't even tell you how many times I thought I was ready to announce to my family that I finally have a safe, reliable, sellable candle formula only to get smacked down by either a wicking or scent throw issue.

Hi @ChadTaljaardt. As some have said on here, there's not really any 1 go to wax that will do everything you want and do it consistently, unfortunately. Loads of trial and error testing are ahead of you. Yes, it's probably a good idea to pick 1 type of wax to begin with; coconut, soy, paraffin or whatever and test till you find one that makes you happy and either stop or then move on to the next type of wax. But if you keep moving on, your journey never ends, LOL. Please note, I'm not an expert, I'm still learning and trying to formulate a great candle myself, LOL. Here's a list of candle supply companies. Some may be local to you to save on shipping.

I can see now how that would be ideal. I'm documenting everything now, LOL

That will be really cute doing a western theme.

Awesome, yes, I think I may need to get some of those. They just may suit my needs as well.

Yes, you're right, Candles and Supplies used to have rustic necklaces or strings with charms for the necks of candle jars but either they are just out or not carrying them anymore. Maybe contact them and see if they are getting some in soon. I can't recall seeing them anywhere else. It's not something I have really looked for.

I really like status jars too @GailC. Your candles look nice, not surprised they sold. I checked out your Facebook page and you've done a nice job with your products. I like the different dust covers you made and that's a handy option when you can't find a lid to fit.

Highlight a web address and copy & paste it into a post, that's it. Or highlight a web address to a particular post here on Craft Server and copy & paste it into a post. Copy & Paste is fabulous and such a good friend of mine. LOL