Anyone know how to make a newer lamp more active like the 90s lamps?

[KS]

Hi,

I have a 52 oz globe from Spencer's, and I noticed that it really only tends to flow nicely when I put it on a 50 wattage bulb and it flows beautifully just like a 90s USA lamp. The lamp uses a 40 watt bulb, but when I actually use a 40 watt bulb, the wax melts but it just sits at the bottom in one giant blob.

What can I add to the fluids to make the lava flow and be more active while on a 40 watt?

I was reading I could add some salt, but does anyone know a trick or anything I can do to make it flow actively?

[bob]

Nice lamps Keith , so your saying  even though that lamp calls for a 40 w , you use a 60w and it works great ? , where do you find that kinda bulb , my local hardware places doesn’t seem it have the right base for the bulb 

[Keith]

Yes, no problems.  60 watt appliance bulb also sold as ceiling fan bulbs

bob y said:

Nice lamps Keith , so your saying  even though that lamp calls for a 40 w , you use a 60w and it works great ? , where do you find that kinda bulb , my local hardware places doesn’t seem it have the right base for the bulb 

[bob]

Cool thx , maybe that’s the ticket then , I’ll go look tomorrow .  I’ll keep u guys posted on the results , 

Kyle I hope you can get the lamp going good , keep us posted , I don’t know anything really but if you need to bounce an idea of someone am around , and less is always more with lava lamps  I feel . This web page has tons of good info , and youtube also about lamps , fixing etc. . Good luck 

[bob]

The lamp flows better , used a 60w bulb it worked , but the base is ceramic so I went back to the 40 w , so it won’t break the base , however if I had a base I didn’t care about I’d use this light bulb but I can’t find it 

[Robin Miller]

If it flows better with 50W then use a 50W bulb. It's only a 25% greater power output, it should not be hazardous. Put it another way, the globe is a great temperature indicator - it's going to visibly overheat long before the lamp melts or catches on fire!

Obviously use a dimmer, but that's pretty much standard advice for any lamp. You may well find that you don't need 50W all the time, and that something like 45W is fine.

[bob]

where did you find these bulbs that fit  the normal size base , all I can find is 40w 

[KS]

Beautiful lamps, Keith. I love those silver centuries and their colors!

Your case sounds interesting, and that blue flow is certainly beautiful. I was concerned about using a higher wattage bulb because of fire hazards and also because it is on a vintage base. My lamp also does that halfway up mound when on 40, but the 50 does it wonders!

Keith said:

See that blue lava lamp?  I've had a 60 watt bulb in it for many years.  It is a 90's lamp and just won't flow on a 40 watt bulb, just a raised mound halfway up, not even a column.  But look how good that flow is on a 60!  Just sayin