Measuring Color

[LIARS CORNER]

how do you  guys measure your color ? what is the best way?

I use the drop method now and I don't feel like I'm getting the consistency I desire

and I don't mix in large enough volume were weight will work (4 cups)

 

any advice ?

[bryanmc]

Get a set of little measuring spoons.  They have drop, smidgen, pinch, dash and tad.  I don't use them for colorant but I use them for flake all the time.

 

http://www.casa.com/p/norpro-3080-mini-measuring-spoons-5pc-set-565687?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_C&utm_term=FPS-66129&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1464617980&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla

[Travis]

I would recommend just getting some syringes.  Neat and clean.  Squirt what is left over back into the bottle and then store the syringe with the colorant (cap syringe and slide under rubber band).  I get them from work but pharmacy should have some or you can order them online easily.  I would recommend the 1 ml syringe for what you are doing.

 

.   1 ml Dosing Syringe | U.S. Plastic Corp.

[FreshwaterFX]

I believe a standard drop is 0.05-0.06 mL. Try converting your drops and use a syringe, like what's typically used for children's medicine. I've never had an issue doing it this way. It's the most consistent way I've tried.

[mark poulson]

I found I was getting inconsistent coloring because I wasn't mixing the color well before I added it.

[alsworms]

I found I was getting inconsistent coloring because I wasn't mixing the color well before I added it.

 

VERY good point.  Most of them need a really good shaking/mixing/pounding/beating, etc. before adding to plastic.  LOL

[toadfrog]

Don't have all that shaking and drops if you use powder plastic dye . I'm basically a slob can't seem to keep from getting that liquid stuff all over the place .

[LIARS CORNER]

I PUT A STAINLESS STEEL NUT IN THE BOTTLE TO HELP MIX IT UP

THANKS EVERYONE I THINK IM GOING TO TRY THE SYRINGE

THANKS

[carolinamike]

The most consistant and professional way to measure coloring is by wieght in grams. This is the way all professional injection companies measure their coloring. And for pigment that is not broke down it is really the only way you can measure it because it is more of a paste than a liquid.

[Kajan]

   Unless you use someone else's recipe, where their drops could be different from yours, you should not have any issues if you always shake well like stated with ss nuts in containers and refill the same bottle you use to administer the drops, just keep refilling it.

[Richard Prager]

If you're only making 4 cup batches, the amount you get from counting drops should be consistent enough.

Edited October 3, 2013 by Richard Prager

[Travis]

For most of us using a syringe is the simplest and cleanest method (besides just using drops).  Once you start trying to transfer to containers, tsps, etc.... it becomes a huge mess and transfer errors become more into play.  

[Lonestarbaitcompany]

Use a stainless steel screw or but in the bottle to get the colors mixed up real well. Also instead of cutting the bottle tip use small very sharp scissor to make an x in the top it makes it a lot easier to measure color. Mixing 4 cups at a time is a good bit for most of us. That seems to be an Inbetween amount, using a smidgen,dash pinch, could still give you off amounts, I'd go with a syringe if you don't want to count drops.

[RayburnGuy]

drops.......milliliters.........syringes..........dash.......pinch.........transfer errors..........measuring spoons            Sounds like Betty Crocker meets a meth lab. 

[Richard Prager]

Unless you're using the same cup to pour all 4 cups, it doesn't matter which method you use. I think we are way over complicating this for a small amount of plastic like 4 cups. Squirt your color in, pour your baits before the lakes freeze over!

[Lonestarbaitcompany]

He asked for help because he is not getting the consistency he wants, there is no overthinking involved here. (Yet)

[gone2long]

I stopped using nuts and bought a $6 mini drink mixer to mix the colorant I get much more consistent results that way. Also excellent for my Airbrush paint. Still use the drop measure as if your colorant is mixed properly your results will be more accurate.