bottle waxing...

I haven't personally waxed any bottles, but from my understanding it only helps if you're worried about the cap-seal to begin with. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Let me start by saying, I try to wax all my capped bottles. I do not wax corked bottles. I wax capped bottles since they will let in oxygen over time even if they are capped correctly. Some companies are notorius for not capping completly. I know you will say corks will let in oxygen as well but i believe the brewer wants this to happen to some extent, although some brewers just think it looks nice. Waxing, for me is just a cheap way to help insure against oxidation.

 

Opinions will vary on whether you should wax or not. I do it because I like it. My only advice, buy some bottle wax. You can find recipes that use crayons, but if you're spending the time and money, why not use a product that is designed to seal bottles. Just my 2 cents.

 

I used crayons and hot glue, because I did it for fun mostly and figured at worst it wouldn't hurt the beer and at best it would help in some way. They worked great and I have never had an easier time opening a waxed bottle. It came off in one piece and didn't damage the label. Just be sure to let your bottles come up to RT before you dip them in hot wax.

 

Just gone through this myself. Bought a 1lb block (good for around 80 bottles or so, I waxed around 50) from these guys in Victoria, BC, http://kingswax.com/bottle.html $14.99 for a block, and you can choose whatever colour they have on their site. It's then just a simple job of melting the wax in a pan, pot etc, dip the bottle, turn a few times, lift out and watch it settle. Oh yeah, as 2378GCGTG said above, make sure bottles are at room temperature! Did a few test batches and the wax doesn't go brittle at all. Peels off nice, in one go and doesn't leave nay bits behind. Service & shipping from these guys was excellent and would recommend & use them again.

 

I've read on this forum several times that waxing bottles only prevents the caps from rusting. I dunno if that is the whole truth and nothing but the truth though.

 

I would use a double boiler setup to keep the wax from overheating and to prevent a flare up...which I have heard stories of.

 

I used a blow torch and a metal coffee can, worked really well. Definitely do it outside though, it gives off a bit of smoke

 

No need to do it outside if you use proper wax. I used a regular electric range, melted the wax in an clean paint can, on a low heat. No flare ups and no fumes. Heating the wax up slowly is the key; took 20 minutes to melt the 1lb block.

 

I always use a pickle jar, which has a wide-mouth opening. I place that inside a pot of water and heat the water to a boil. This keeps the flames off the glass or can if you use one (gives of fumes if it comes into direct contact with the flame). As its been said, be patient because it takes awhile for the wax to completely melt. And make sure you allow it to completely melt - be patient!

 

so what happens to the leftover wax? Does it harden and can be reused again later or you have to dispose of it? And, is the melting container usable afterwards, for food?

 

One does not simply wax the bottles...

 

Yup, hardens up ready to be melted down again. I would throw the container away once it's had wax in it. I used a galvanised plant pot holder which cost $3.00, and used a pair of pliers to hold it whilst stirring the wax.