Mathmos Jet problems

[Simon Lloyd]

Hi there,

 

I just picked up two Jets at a car boot sale.

One of them the liquid is very cloudy - hoping to use the distilled water / liquid detergent and epsom salt method (see attachment)

 

The other the wax has a whitish flaky appearance. Can this be remedied?

 

All hints would be welcome. 

 

Thanks, Simon

 

 

 

[Tim Gill]

Hi Simon

I used the epson salt thing on some of my china globes and it works well - you need to add the salt mix a bit at a time and little detergent othewize it can brake up the wax too much and the flow will be rubbish.

The flaky wax possibly means the wax is dead so you will probably have to do a globe redo but without a picture of it i am not too sure.

[Simon Lloyd]

Once up to temperature the wax regains its fluid lustre and flows well. 

The surface gains its rich colours, blobs nicely etc.

 

[Simon Lloyd]

Also, has anyone used uk food colourings? Should i add this before adding the epsom salts, or after i have reached a consistency i like right at the end?

[Tim Gill]

I would add the food dye when you are completely happy with the lamp - that also goes for painting / base redo as you can concentrate on the formula and not worry about the appearance.

Food colouring wize I haven't used it with the Epsom salt mix but I have heard it works well.