Silo1688 Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Hey everyone! I've been reading the posts over the last few weeks, and I've noticed some members are stating that microwaves greater than 1000 watts are better to heat plastic up because they do not create as many bubbles in the plastic. Do you guys know why this is? Or is it something that is just accepted. I do have an older microwave that is less than 1000 watts and I've noticed that I do get quite a bit of bubbles. I thought it was the way I was mixing my plastic or if I was mixing it too aggressively. I have been very careful to heat at the recommended temperature and slowly mix of plastic yet I still get bubbles. Initially I thought it was the plastic but now I read about the microwaves I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. Anyway a little insight would be appreciated and as always tight lines. George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallmouthaholic Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Some plastisols bubble more then others-not looking to start the plastisol war but that is the experienced truth.I'll refrain from the name game which others may choose to do so. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallyc14 Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Same here all I will say is I have a 700 watt mic and have no troubles with bubbles unless it's really humid I also stir the plastic in the jug I don't shake the jug when I mix it after its set awhile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 I've gotta agree. I used the cheapest of the cheap microwaves and never had a problem with bubbles. I'm guessing it's your plastic or maybe there's moisture entering somewhere......... If anything, I would think having a higher wattage micro would actually create MORE bubbles. I always liked to slowly build the heat up when cooking plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 I also use a lower wattage microwave. I have experienced bubbles but, it was due to a different brand of plastisol. As I stated in a different post, ask a few companies for a small sample and go with what works best for you and your equipment. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 I use the Spikeit plastic that bubbles to no end if it is not put in a vacumn chamber first just before it is heated. That being said I use two 1200 watt microwaves and put it in for 7 minutes 30 seconds and do not stir it at all. When it comes out it is 340 degrees and no bubbles ever. Now here is one difference I do know. I put colorant after heating and some of the colors will bubble the perfect plastic I had. This is more of an issue with thinner colorants that are available from some company's. I only have a few more colors that I use like that and am in the process of weeding them out. So here is another thing to look out for when looking for a solution for bubbles. I know my microwaves very very well and use them a lot so take my times with a grain of salt. Each has to learn there own experiance with there microwave. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryanmc Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 What amount of plastic is that Frank? Just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveMc1 Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 I use the Spikeit plastic that bubbles to no end if it is not put in a vacumn chamber first just before it is heated. That being said I use two 1200 watt microwaves and put it in for 7 minutes 30 seconds and do not stir it at all. When it comes out it is 340 degrees and no bubbles ever. Now here is one difference I do know. I put colorant after heating and some of the colors will bubble the perfect plastic I had. This is more of an issue with thinner colorants that are available from some company's. I only have a few more colors that I use like that and am in the process of weeding them out. So here is another thing to look out for when looking for a solution for bubbles. I know my microwaves very very well and use them a lot so take my times with a grain of salt. Each has to learn there own experiance with there microwave. Exact setup I am using as well Frank, Heat in the micro and transfer to pots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 What amount of plastic is that Frank? Just curious. A quart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stock's Lures Posted February 26, 2015 Report Share Posted February 26, 2015 I use Do Its essential series plastisol, it has very very few bubbles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted February 26, 2015 Report Share Posted February 26, 2015 I use Do Its essential series plastisol, it has very very few bubbles. Yes some plastic has much less bubbles but my point was when you add sometihing from another company you could end up with bubbles. So paying a premium price for something that could end up with bubbles any ways is something to consider. Microwaves are hard on plastic and could cause bubbles but additives could cause them too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglinarcher Posted February 27, 2015 Report Share Posted February 27, 2015 Sorry, I have a 1000W unit and I set it for 80%. I stir often, but not hard, and I never get bubbles. Something else is going on, but I get clear, bubble free results. If you think microwaves are hard on plastics, you should see what happens with the metal pans we use to use. Slow, uniform, controlled heating is required for best results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
