Help With Candy Melts!

Sugar Work By Aaris Updated 19 Jan 2007 , 6:07am by Kelrak

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Aaris Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 2:30am
post #1 of 13

I have just started looking into candy melts. I tried melting according to pkg directions, but it was just getting soft and not melted or getting burned. Also, I wasn't sure how to do the painted effects. I read that some people paint the molds before pouring in the melts. Any tips? Also, can you use food coloring in the melts or does that alter it too much? Any help would be appreciated!

12 replies
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JoAnnB Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 5:17am
post #2 of 13

I use a double boiler to melt the candy, but the microwave usually works great. Be careful with the micro- they don't LOOK melted. If the melted candy seems too thick, you can add some paramount crystals (wax flakes) or some solid vegetable shortening (Crisco) just a small amount at a time.

You can only use candy colors that are oil based for coloring. Regular food coloring will ruin the candy.

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rezzygirl Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 5:28am
post #3 of 13

When you microwave them, stir them frequently because they melt quickly. They will scorch otherwise. Like JoAnnB said, they don't look melted, but once you stir them up you'll see that they are melted enough. The heat from the melted pieces will melt the lumps that are left as you stir it. (hope that made sense).

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miny Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 5:59am
post #4 of 13

I use the microwave 15 sec at a time, and stir them, it is more work but effective, I never get it right on a double boiler, and yes JoAnnB is right only use the candy colors (oil based). Good luck! thumbs_up.gif

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mbelgard Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 12:32pm
post #5 of 13

I like the microwave for melting too, you have to stir frequetly especially if it's just a little bit of candy like for painting.
Painting is really easy, just take your brush and fill in. Make sure that you have a good thick layer of melts in the area you're painting or the colors will show through. Pop the mold in the freezer in between colors to let set up.

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shrek Posted 21 Jul 2006 , 6:33pm
post #6 of 13

I USE A DOUBLE BOILER AND THAT WORKS FOR ME. GOOD LUCK.

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m0use Posted 22 Jul 2006 , 3:21am
post #7 of 13

I use a double-broiler method along with a tablespoon or two of vegetable shortening to make it really smooth.

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Fascination Posted 30 Jul 2006 , 5:48pm
post #8 of 13

Hello...
Micro-waving is good to melt, especially smaller amounts; but if you need to work with larger amounts or several colors at the same time; you are better off with the double boiler method (or place small glass (heat resistant) bowls over a small pot of warm water. If using a double boiler, let the water warm up first and then place the top pot with the candy melts it in. DO NOT let the water boil while the chocolate is in the top. Keeping the chocolate over the warm water will keep it melted & soft longer so you do not have to re-heat.
Re-heating in the micro-wave over and over will cause it to dry out & you will have to add some shortening or better yet, a FEW DROPS of a light vegetabel oil.

For coloring: yes you can color the white chocolate (aka candy melts), but make sure you are using oil based colors. Another option is to use the color candy melts: there are several colors available. So, start with the white & add a couple of the colored melts at a time till you achieve the color you are looking for. For small areas of dark colors, use the colored candy melts directly since most of the colors are quite dark anyway.

Once you have 'painted' some small areas, if you place the mold in the freezer, make sure that you do not leave it in there too long (a couple of minutes is all it takes really), as the thin layer of chocolate will crack. Play it safe and place it in the fridge... it only needs to dry & harden slightly before you can add the next color and/or layer.
Make sure that the chocolate is warm not hot & the colors will not run.
Once the mold is full, then put it in the freezer, and let it harden completely.

Sorry,... I could go on and on..
Hope this helps.

ciao for now

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candyladyhelen Posted 30 Jul 2006 , 10:34pm
post #9 of 13

The method I use is an electric frying pan. I place one large glass bowl in it, then small glasses around that to hold my individual colors. I put white chocolate in the large bowl. Then I add enough water so it doesn't over flow. Put it on the lowest setting. & then adjust the temp as you go along.

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Lia Posted 15 Jan 2007 , 6:21pm
post #10 of 13

I usually use the microwave or a melter. I got the wilton melter for when i'm doing things like chocolate covered pretzels or anything I'm dipping. It works pretty well, I like it especially because you can melt it then switch it to warm and you won't have to reheat it.
I have also heard about using a crock pot if you have to get a LARGE amount of chocolate.

I've heard about doing it the way Candyladyhelen does, haven't tried it yet although I am hoping to.

The easiest way to find the perfect melting method for you is just to try as many as possible. Somethings are easier just based on what you're using it for. The melter I have is great unless I need a very very large amount of chocolate.

HTH Best of Luck! Can't wait to see your chocolate creations icon_smile.gif

-Lia xo

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Katskakes Posted 15 Jan 2007 , 6:41pm
post #11 of 13

I too microwave. I have never read directions on how to melt them. so i've learned little by little. What seems to work for me is microwaving 30 seconds at a time. Stir, put it back for another 30 seconds, and repeat til you notice it's nice and soft. I attended a recreational chocolate class at our local high school. the lady giving the class says she uses an electric skillet when she needs to do a big batch.

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Kelrak Posted 19 Jan 2007 , 6:06am
post #12 of 13

Speaking of candy melts, I was trying to make black. First tried white with black, and of course, got gray candy. Then I bought some dark cocoa and added the entire jar of black and it's almost black.

The Wilton site says add red and blue to white candy to get black. Seems to me that would equal purple. Has anyone ever tried this?

I ordered some flo-coat so I won't have to use Wilton candy colors. Hurray!

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Kelrak Posted 19 Jan 2007 , 6:07am
post #13 of 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaris

I have just started looking into candy melts. I tried melting according to pkg directions, but it was just getting soft and not melted or getting burned. Also, I wasn't sure how to do the painted effects. I read that some people paint the molds before pouring in the melts. Any tips? Also, can you use food coloring in the melts or does that alter it too much? Any help would be appreciated!




Make sure your microwave is set for 50% power or it will probably burn the candy. I know from experience!

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