Trying to find a better goo formulation

[BaBa-Gooey]

I am in the process of experimenting with different waxes and additives, trying to find the perfect formulation to make my own goo for lava lamps.  

I know I could buy formulated goo kits, but I like melting wax, coloring it, and making them on my own.
 

The "usual" way of paraffin and brakleen works ok for me, but about 30% of my lamps do not last more than a few weeks, before the wax starts separating and/or sticking to the sides.  Other lamps I made in January are still flowing perfectly.  I make them all the same, but my mileage varies wildly.  Not sure why.    

I have found running them for only about 4-5 hours and then giving them an hour rest will increase the lifespan of homemade lamps exponentially, at least from what I have experienced.

I thought I would start a new thread so people can share their experiences with making their own goo and using various formulations.  I have ordered a bunch of different paraffin waxes with different melting points, microcrystalline waxes, several different chlorinated paraffins, tackifiers, polyboosts, and some other additives.

It may take a while, but I am going to start experimenting with different formulations and logging my results.  

Please share your own stories of making goo and what ingredients work best for you.

My lab is excited for the new stuff to arrive!

[Eliot]

I would be very interested to hear how you get on, good luck! 

Unfortunately I've had very little success making my own goo. 

What I'd love is a good oil based formula, that stays near to or completely liquid when cold. Like the goo used in the early Crestworth and Hunter lamps.

As there's no wax to melt, they begin to flow and perform beautifully after only half an hour or so! 

[BaBa-Gooey]

The chlorinated paraffin I am getting a sample of is liquid, so we will see how it works.

Eliot said:

I would be very interested to hear how you get on, good luck! 

Unfortunately I've had very little success making my own goo. 

What I'd love is a good oil based formula, that stays near to or completely liquid when cold. Like the goo used in the early Crestworth and Hunter lamps.

As there's no wax to melt, they begin to flow and perform beautifully after only half an hour or so! 

[BaBa-Gooey]

I was just informed that I would have to pay $200 for a one liter (34 ounces) sample of liquid chlorinated paraffin.

I think I'll pass. 

[andy ross]

Hi, I've been following from  afar, as I collect early Crestworth too, it seems crazy you should be hit with these prices, it's almost as if your attempts were being blocked?

[Donna Abrego]

You mentioned that you can get the goo for lava lamps already made up.  If you know where I can get it please let me know

[Elias]

magmatower.com/gookits 

Donna Abrego said:

You mentioned that you can get the goo for lava lamps already made up.  If you know where I can get it please let me know

[BaBa-Gooey]

Three samples were supposed to be sent.  One cost $200 for 1 liter.  No thanks.

The other two...  Crickets.  

[BaBa-Gooey]

Since nobody that promised to send samples is sending any, I went out today and bought some Vybar 103.  Not sure if this is the right stuff, but it was only $5 for a plastic bag full.  it is supposed to be a polymer that binds wax to it's color and fragrance.  Let's see how it works binding wax to perc in a lava lamp.  Melting wax now.  Will let you know...

[Claude J]

how did it go?

[BaBa-Gooey]

 Man, a little of that vybar goes a really long way.

Seems to eliminate 95% of bubbles.  Seems to make the goo A LOT heavier. 

Still adjusting densities and trying to fine tune 2 new lamps.  

According to their instructions, I should only use around 1-1.2 ml of vybar for a 14" lamp.

Not too impressed just yet, but I think I need to try to Vybar 260 instead of the 103 and experiment with the quantities I am adding.    

Trial and error continues.

Joe

[BaBa-Gooey]

I tested out some of the Vybar 103.  Anything more than just a drop ruins the flow and consistency of the goo.

One little bead, however, seems to work very well.  Almost all bubbles are eliminated and the goo still seems heavier.  It rises and falls faster than goo without the Vybar.

I am going to get some of the Vybar 260, which is what I should be using for the Gulf Wax I am using.  . I bought the wrong stuff last week.  We'll see how these two lamps hold up.  

[BaBa-Gooey]

I got some of the Vybar 260 today.  I will be trying it out over the next few days.