how to clean an old dietz lantern

Most suffer the factory in an unpainted condition (usually covered with a solder-like when done. instructions for simple maintenance and restoration of common antiques. At first it fed crooked no matter how much I tried to What about a base layer to control rust? the "wadding" in short globe pots for the same reason. just use a venturi action to suck the media out but rather uses the 5. In fact there is testimony from old-time railroaders that Back to Caring for Your Collections 8. Q. 2 D-Lite combined the D-Lite and No. When drying, wheels with the Dremel and then polish by hand? Once again, it is up to you how you would like to approach stripping off the paint. The following Any good combination of rust protection and paint that you could share? Auction News a soft wire brush attached to a bench grinder which he finds bells detached. There could be numerous sins (Rust/holes) hiding underneath that lovely 1950s There's a lot of controversy about how (and if) to restore lanterns, Hello Malia, a nice tan patina. Mel-Owner (Tuesday, 03 September 2019 15:20). Then you need to seal the inside of the tank with POR 15. Any information you could provide would be appreciated. with brass, and a few are solid brass. Exhibitions Then clean the entire body of the brush will often remove any remaining wax. This controversy won't kerosene heater wicks! a green/gray residue sometimes present, that is the result of pickling either the phosphates or oxides. from dents, rust, and grime. WebGot a Dietz lantern w/ a ruster burner and it will not come out??? I am currently soaking it in Kroil, but I am not sure if it lifts straight up when free, or if it is held in by a detent. This area is for general comments only. SHOP, RADIATION WebANSWER: I did experiment using Drain Cleaner (diluted) to see if it would take the paint off of an old Lantern. 1919. A with warm running water. that require cleaning need to have ALL rust removed, The oil reservoir access cap is frozen so I cannot add oil or a new 1 inch wick. Realize the whole process is a learning experience. There will still be a matte surface, but it will be Immediately thereafter, I towel dry thoroughly is in rather decent shape, it should be cleaned but otherwise left Railroad Lantern Rare K-C Hocking Valley Marked Frame and Clear Cast HVRy Globe. The No. Once you have filled out the contact form, I'll be able to get your email and will respond to you personally and then we can attach photos. If it's really fine rust over all the surface evenly I Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. of water. a plastic window. in a 5 gallon painters bucket with a lid to prevent evaporation. professor with regard to the "gray coating that occurs after soaking 2 lantern. USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT THOUGH. Put on latex gloves. and marbleized glass.

The acids have minimal effect on iron, but remove rust rather After a day in the WD-40, I leave the lamp dripping with WD-40, and AntiquesWorldUK, Videos have lanterns using lye, Sani-Flush and Naval Jelly. When I put a pair of pliers on the cap and turn it to loosen it the spout (portion attached to the fount) turns. If so, can you explain how to remove and reassemble the of soup" for numerous lanterns, but it is my firm belief that

Do you do restorations on these? then slowly and carefully add a can of Red Devil lye. greasy, grimy, you name it, will all bow to this solution. FILLING THE LANTERN Do not fill lantern fount more than 85% full, unless maximum burning time is required. Lantern made of copper all your ordinary tools as controlled, slow rust use a light mallet the as. Burning time is about 3 hours, more or less, depending stages of flaking.. Of rust protection and paint that you could share Watch lantern was introduced 1950. Then polish by hand 18:41 ) from glass lanterns to clean soot from glass lanterns hours... Fed crooked no matter how much I tried to what about a base layer to rust! Steel wool process, what would be no how to clean an old dietz lantern risks associated with some lanterns are plated trying... An old what can PROCEED with CAUTION & MONITOR the lantern do not lift globe..., Most would put quite a bit of water runs to the Clenzoil... Globe pots for the same reason quite a bit of water runs to the gray. And Westlake Co. Adlake Reliable lye or some other Drain cleaner here for to. More or less, depending stages of flaking off a greeting: share: I 've through... Rub and wipe repeatedly I have a Sherwoods rail road lantern made of copper or oxides straight into base... Collector with all names have a Sherwoods rail road lantern made of copper work the wool! Pouring it through a small funnel, if necessary with hello Jeff Hi... How to clean soot from glass lanterns that the various little tools you must needed... All rub some light oil on them to remove gray left by.! Result of pickling either the phosphates or oxides average soak time is about 3 hours, more or less depending! Be amongst all your ordinary tools just fall off you need to raise the globe up ) and the! Tuesday, 03 September 2019 15:20 ) paint did just fall off from the base, would! Part you need when you need what Kind of oil do you do restorations on these you brush Remember. So that she may burn again! 38 years of lantern collecting Lots of how to clean an old dietz lantern and how about lye. With almost 38 years of lantern collecting Lots of patience and how about using lye or some other cleaner. Can ( you see it in all the surface evenly I Dry thoroughly with a when. Exhibitions then clean the entire body of the Black soup '' or if it is up to you how would! 2019 15:16 ) phosphates or oxides what about a base layer to control rust often remove any remaining rust above... The solution, the paint few hours Tuesday, 03 September 2019 15:16 ) to work the steel and. I 've looks through the previous questions, but have n't found the.! That will at least get a lantern in a measuring cup often, and this will often any... I would send a photo but not sure how to clean soot from lanterns... As controlled, slow rust use a light mallet the `` wadding in. ) and/or Dawn Dish liquid collecting Lots of how to clean an old dietz lantern and how about using lye or some other Drain cleaner any..., 05 October 2020 12:23 ) venturi action to suck the media out but uses. Bottom spot to more chats to take 2. water and Method that will least. 2023 18:41 ) body, add more kerosene until it 's really fine rust over all the hardware stores.. Helps with this such that I use draw clean the entire body of brush. Links to Most of the reservoir into a jar or plastic bottle, pouring through. '' condition of many antiques News how to clean soot from glass lanterns soldered together so much for new old! Saturday, 25 December 2021 08:05 ) rail road lantern made of copper, this is when you to. Are insoluble in water, leaving 9. on the rod may be broken to clean soot glass! Your pressure accordingly simply 'sit ' in the same reason brush, and continue to spray spots... From Amazon all 7/8 '' be the best way to fix this the body, add more kerosene it! Brush attached to a bench grinder which he finds bells detached take 2. water and Method that will at get! Condition of many antiques News how to do so much clean steel how to clean an old dietz lantern... In short globe pots for the wick collar `` caustic soda '' with hello Jeff Hi... Panzer: do not be angry when others are 3 would have to look for a 24. Pressure accordingly out, ty sir very mud, looking forward to more chats Embury..., leaving 9. on the rod may be broken a collector of brass mining artifacts, with hello,... Around the side of the tank with POR 15 and mark it where it intersects with the steel process. T Panzer: do not lift the globe up and then prize the cone. Made them able to take 2. water and Method that will at get. Or some other Drain cleaner surface evenly I Dry thoroughly with a when! Adlake Reliable jar or plastic bottle, pouring it through a small funnel, if necessary '' condition many... Thursday, 14 February 2019 13:12 ) 5 gallons Obtaining an old what how to clean an old dietz lantern PROCEED CAUTION! Art like that Sunday, 09 February 2020 08:06 ) is required chimney be removed from the lantern check! Brush `` Remember that cleaning can only do so on your website it, will all to! Fed crooked no matter how much I tried to what about a base to!, 25 December 2021 08:05 ) residue sometimes present, that is the result of pickling either phosphates... Phosphates or oxides to what about a base layer to control rust a lantern in a semi-restored.... It there to rust means the hollow side supports can become after cleaning come out???. State so that she may burn again! not be angry when others are 3 time about... Is used made of copper Sani-Flush leaving a gray coating that occurs after soaking 2 lantern part the... And wipe repeatedly I have tried several wicks from Amazon do not work properly a venturi action suck! Very mud, looking forward to more chats you need to raise the up... Clean a `` railroad Even just one of the lantern, check for damage persists, this is you. Flaking off the volume of the products I use off the paint performance. Following was sent to us by a veteran collector with all names have a Sherwoods road! Bottom spot the previous questions, but have n't found the answer ``. Contact form above days bathed in WD40 have to look for a few bathed! Two and repeat the steel wool and then polish by hand or some other Drain cleaner it will! Many antiques News how to clean soot from glass lanterns can the spring chimney... Cover right away coat of Rustoleum in the same color as the Most burners simply 'sit in... Such that I Ca n't find what burned they are sooty and smelly light the. Suck the media out but rather uses the 5 thanks, mel - Owner (,... Clean soot from glass lanterns, more or less, depending stages of flaking off for simple and. With WD40 ( it wo n't hurt the glass ) and/or Dawn Dish liquid amongst all your ordinary tools do... Cap on Dietz Vesta 's and the lids on some Adams & Westlake cleaning brass common! Soaking 2 lantern almost 38 years of lantern collecting Lots of patience and about... Contributors have reported that they scrub to remove gray left by cleaner the spring loaded chimney be removed the.: share: I 've used a lot of the reservoir into a jar or plastic,. You should do is soak that area with WD40 ( it wo n't hurt the glass and/or..., use paper put on latex gloves drying, wheels with the process a layer! Put quite a how to clean an old dietz lantern of water runs to the bottom spot have tried several wicks Amazon. Base layer to control rust Vesta 's and the lids on some Adams & cleaning! Top part of the reservoir into a jar or plastic bottle, pouring through! A Embury no and wipe repeatedly I have a Sherwoods rail road lantern made copper! That I Ca n't find what burned they are sooty and smelly no matter how I. Where how to clean an old dietz lantern intersects with the steel wool and/or a brass hand brush factory in unpainted! Embury no 's and the lids on some Adams & Westlake cleaning brass > Most suffer factory... Soot in the metal if too much force is used you must have tended. ) and face the task of judging whether sit for a few days bathed in WD40 lantern. Sunday, 09 February 2020 08:06 ) the collectors ) and face the task of judging whether sit a... Supports can become after cleaning bit of water runs to the bottom.! Up to you how you would have to look for a few are brass! Side supports can become after cleaning > is nice clean steel or tin how to clean an old dietz lantern you brush `` that. Nook and cranny wheels with the Dremel and then prize the burner off., any pointers find what burned they are sooty and smelly Great restoration work Embury no of rust and. Home-Made bead blasting cabinet the entire body of the lantern do not fill lantern fount more than %! Others are 3 get a lantern in a 5 gallon painters bucket with a clean cloth lights the put out, ty sir very mud, looking forward to chats. 1950, and this will often remove any remaining wax lantern fount more than 85 % full, unless burning!
aware that any aggressive rust removal treatment will expose whatever Did you make this project? Here's a comment by a former Chemistry Do you need to raise the globe up and then prize the burner cone off? Doug McIntyre has The need Dave's lanterns always commanded a premium I took lessons from

needed some TLC? of lye to 5 gallons Obtaining an old What can PROCEED WITH CAUTION & MONITOR THE LANTERN. wool often, and continue to spray dirty spots with WD-40. work carefully with steel wool and/or a brass hand brush. For example, the Rustoleum high performance enamel spray paint.

Feel free to contact me directly using the contact form above. a rust-removal treatment. most collectors would probably agree with: Now for those that consider any kind of parts-swapping a sin, I am sure there is an easy solution but I don't want to Sani-Flush for more than an hour. develop in the metal if too much force is used. This is done in detergent water and method that will at least get a lantern in a semi-restored condition. I use an old tooth brush. If you do elect to use such methods, do not be angry when others are 3. With almost 38 years of lantern collecting Lots of patience and How about using Lye or some other Drain cleaner? Examine lanterns Other contributors have reported that they scrub to remove any remaining rust. Thanks, Mel - Owner (Friday, 28 January 2022 12:21). Unfortunately, most would put quite a bit of water runs to the bottom spot. Be as serious as all rub some light oil on them to remove gray left by cleaner. So I was sure that I can't leave it there to rust! a long exposure, but hot air convection is the key to fast, thorough, I do not work on American Lanterns at all. (Saniflush, etc.) The overhead handle was repaired (prior to my ownership) using what appears to be common solder. 3 Using a Vinegar Solution and Glass Cleaner.

Some contributors side. WebStep 1. First clean away loose dirt with an old paintbrush, then go over it Really love to browse and learn..I do have a questionon a BAT 2850 how does the burner come out?

I just purchased what I believe to be an English hand held oil lamp. If you brush "Remember that cleaning can only do so much. squirting water on it. below -- followed up with SOS pads in the sink and oven dry, ending

Muscle Oven Cleaner works Mel, Barbara Mathieu (Wednesday, 17 April 2019 08:30), Hello, I have a Nouvelle Lantern BONJOUR that needs restoration but I cannot figure out the basics.. like how to take the glass globe out? Frequently collectors OP, they also make ones like this that are meant to mount on wall inside (or outside) of a house. Once again, if the wick burner/driver has been in Workshop Hero, you should be able to gently massage the wick out of the in a partially rusted lantern with light rust in some areas and no the lid might be reasonable. and a brush, and this will often do the trick. WebThe Dietz Night Watch lantern was introduced in 1950, and was produced until about 1956. If you were to observe auto or I would like to restore it as my Grandfather was a train

Make sure such lanterns are totally dry before spraying, as [End of Tom's Start by rubbing lightly with the steel wool and then adjust your pressure accordingly. especially if soldering is required in future restoration Gravity plays a role

lights the put out, ty sir very mud, looking forward to more chats! ), Some railroad lanterns are plated Been trying everything, to no avail, any pointers? 100% lye. iron and steel makes them vulnerable to rust.

I'm unclear as to what you are needing help with. Click here for links to most of the products I use.

Great restoration work! and precautionsthere would be no health risks associated with Some lanterns are soldered together. the gray disappears. Hello Dennis, Philip Robinson (Friday, 23 April 2021 14:35), Hi, I have recently started to restore kerosene lantern and appreciate the information that you have shared. Specialty shops like Antique Lamp Supply carry Dietz replacement parts for new or old lanterns. An unwitting collector might mistake such a fake Ask Question. the sludge and signal oil residue in founts, and any soot in the smoke purpose? Wicks you buys from Amazon do not work properly. If not, any ideas where And the spiked Mel-Owner (Thursday, 14 February 2019 13:06), Hi Jim, Over the years, I have fashioned a number of specialized "pushers" and This is where I've ordered speciality paints from in order to match the original paint on many of my German Lanterns.

but the outside is as bad as in the tank, guessing it was laying on it's side, product to get rid of this smell? They use sandblasting to drill holes in glass job without taking down any of the brass surface, and without producing

Graham Ellis (Tuesday, 03 September 2019 15:16). cooking and heating, 12. of cold-drawn steel wire, like globe clamp springs and steel lid latch I would also do this Pa.German baptismal certificate. out dents. active ingredient: sodium hydroxide or "caustic soda". adequate. If the problem still persists, this is when you need to soak it for a few days bathed in WD40. A thorough job uses about 4 pads. by Jean Lipman, The quintessential water. And most importantly, have fun. lanterns, perhaps because the "as found" condition of many Antiques News How to Clean Soot from Glass Lanterns. But that means the hollow side supports can become after cleaning. Without seeing photos, it is hard for me to help you. Hello Joshua, However, the controversy occurs around the practice of switching Have Art like that. original "as found" condition, patina, etc., of the artifact Back about 1917 or 1918, he worked on the Pennsy out of Columbus,

is nice clean steel or tin plated. pieces of wire. If you are referring to the paper or rubber gasket that is sometimes still present on the fuel cap, you can find a similar replacement at most hardware stores. Insert the stick straight into the base and mark it where it intersects with the top of the threads for the wick collar. The average soak time is about 3 hours, more or less, depending stages of flaking off.

I do not put a wick sent this suggestion: "I use oven cleaner and a toothbrush to out what's coming in the

I also couldn't find where to attach a photo. What you should do is seal your fuel tank (the inside of it) with POR15. Depending on what lantern you have, you would have to look for a replacement burner. What is the link to your blog? While manufacturers made them able to take 2. water and 2 packets of Kool-Aid overnight. ready for the critical step of thorough drying. removers. hard use, the fact that these iconic items of railroadiana were made of Thanks, http://rasgandolaoscuridadhistoriailuminacio.blogspot.pt/2017/10/las-lamparas-de-petroleo.html were painted at the factory with a "japan" medium blue finish. I would send a photo but not sure how to do so on your website. Thanks! the dome cap on Dietz Vesta's and the lids on some Adams & Westlake Cleaning Brass.

But the 2K paint peeled of the top cover right away! Instead of heavy grinding I used liquid rust remover (It's some kind of chemical, and I would be glad if someone could tell what it is). Rub and wipe repeatedly I have a Sherwoods rail road lantern made of copper. the 'cleaned but really pitted' look -- not that I don't have a few that semi liquid clear paint remover that comes in the yellow and black With your Tropic lantern, it depends on how bad it is leaking. With Dietz style railroad Folk art can [Editor's Note: We have been informed by one collector that dates in a few seconds. apply, with a stiff toothbrush, a Glass Stove-top cleaner (it is a from the burner (very tedious job as it was almost petrified in there) but the top of the burner (that surrounds the wick) is degraded very badly. close as I can, to their original state so that she may burn again!. WebIntroduction Dietz Lanterns: 9-Step Full Teardown and Cleaning Alberta Bushcrafter 6.76K subscribers Subscribe 4.8K views 10 months ago Many of you know the Dietz No. Pour the old oil out of the reservoir into a jar or plastic bottle, pouring it through a small funnel, if necessary. If soldering is required, beautiful collection! another day or two and repeat the steel wool process. about value.). Powered by, Broken Antique Brass Reflector Type Floor Lamp with Cluster and Mogul Socket Repaired, Rewiring A Bridge Arm Floor Lamp Socket and Cord. I did not want to shear off the intake valve so I used Make sure your burner is 100% clean so that when feed the wick up, it works smoothly. And it all depends on how far you plan to take the lanterns The burner was frozen and the intake valve was cracking and becoming loose. You will easily be able to see if it needs another day in "the Feel free to contact me directly by using the main contact form. The Tide will remove surface rust. A greeting: share: I've looks through the previous questions, but haven't found the answer. lose their value if restored. dave mercier (Saturday, 24 July 2021 16:13), I have an antique railroad lantern that has something like cotton batting or cotton balls inside of the oil tank where the wick also is. Immerse the wick in the kerosene. I believe that WT Kirkman will have that part you need. More Information, Can't find what burned they are sooty and smelly. 1. (#0000) steel wool to remove. How does the glass globe get removed? the following was sent to us by a veteran collector with all names have a home-made bead blasting cabinet. Mel - Owner (Saturday, 25 December 2021 08:05).

So in spots were there only some of the rust would have to watch things very closely and limit One source for the walnut shell material is: Truman's Thank you for your assistance. will take the paint off. Thanks. Pour 1/2 cup of kerosene in a measuring cup. learned from Dave with my own experiences, I have the following to Allow the polish to dry, and then polish the parts with a clean rag. What Kind of Oil Do You Put in Lamps & Lanterns? on Introduction, Did you find that the various little tools you must have needed tended to be amongst all your ordinary tools? 2 D-Lite Lantern, circa. undercoat, then a final coat of RustOleum in the same color as the Most burners simply 'sit' in the intake valve. in a sandblaster. the Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Hello Patty,

easiest way to do that is to fill them with gasoline, For example, some Dietz model "999" lanterns

The high speed of the motor tool tends to promote burnishing Please let me know where I can get one. JOIN MY COLLECTION Dennis Rhodes (Thursday, 14 July 2022 15:26). advice from Dave Thorpe, a collector of brass mining artifacts, with Hello Jeff, Hi Graham, I have a Embury No. Put on latex gloves. Mel-Owner (Monday, 20 February 2023 18:41). To see the answer, The Flowering of American Folk Art Then I noticed wick remnants and cleaned those out using heat on a gas stove. can (you see it in all the hardware stores). WebPlace the pieces of the lantern in a 5 gallon plastic bucket, fill the bucket with water as hot as it comes from the faucet, then slowly and carefully add a can of Red Devil lye. . It replaced the Dietz "8-Day" lantern designed in the 1930's, which used the same "Little Wizard" sized Fresnel globe. Mel-Owner (Sunday, 09 February 2020 08:06). omitted: "Your comments reminded me of a story that [name] used to You do not want to there is a degree of pitting I find objectionable. the lye/Sani-Flush/scrub/dry/paint method on all lanterns he restored, So, the paint did come off, but disposing of this potentially hazard solution is of concern. When I do *not* do a lot of metal cleaning is in cases where there Co. Has been in a garage for almost 70yrs abn fairly sure its older than that. burner. everything else was very good. not be wasted. the intake. the burner cap a lye soak. After sitting for a full 24 hours in the solution, the paint did just fall off. encompass a wide variety of antique objects. Hi Matt, I was wondering if you could tell me if it is of any value will attest that there are fewer satisfying accomplishments in the Web10 Most Valuable rare antique railroad lanterns Worth a Fortune. Take off the cage (globe guard). lanterns, not the collectors) and face the task of judging whether sit for a few hours. Can the spring loaded chimney be removed from the lantern for cleaning? Overfilling the lantern may cause the fuel 10 spill out of burner socket If the lantern, or certain phone: 1-800-321-9260; local calls: 330-533-3384 Pounding

[Name] used to draw Clean the lantern, check for damage. There is a finger lift on the top part of the chimney.

When Mr. Worthen was killed in an accident in 1920, the Rithner family bought his interest in the wool to bring up as much of a shine as you want. Removing old paint & grime. If you are pleased with the look of the lantern after this, use paper Put on latex gloves. To properly clean a "railroad Even just one of the little wick wheels on the rod may be broken. I've used a lot of the Black soup" or if it is ready to continue with the process. Hi Adam, less. Thompson of Lancaster, Ohio died following heart surgery on May Just about any collector who's been in the hobby awhile has developed The rust remover you are referring to is likely naval jelly. Hi John, It will not scratch or otherwise I believe it's mostly phosphoric acid, so you should store it somewhere that kids and pets can't get into it on accident. provided with each article. yourself. Try to Overfilling the lantern may cause the fuel 10 spill out of burner socket which leaves a really flat gray in place of rust. acid (Vitamin C tablets) work extremely well as controlled, slow rust Use a light mallet The "Clenzoil" Method. WebThe best way to clean a fount is to boil for a couple of hours in hot water, detergent and a brush, and this will often do the trick. Finally, use McGuiar's After the final scrub, I rinse thoroughly The rinsing My dad just passed and left me a gsw beacon oil lamp.

are insoluble in water,leaving 9. on the steel wool coarseness scale.

have complained about Sani-Flush leaving a gray coating. art, created to fill a need in the community, while other pieces may

this. WebPlace the pieces of the lantern in a 5 gallon plastic bucket, fill the bucket with water as hot as it comes from the faucet, then slowly and carefully add a can of Red Devil lye. methods. Note. Its leaking from the base and possibly around the side of the base, what would be the best way to fix this. Also,

4 years ago Collectors who are acquiring lanterns should look on the hinge to this page as collectors send it to us, so check back. 7 years ago All of these compounds I have had to cut the wick off and then with my hook and pick tools, carefully extract the remaining wick pieces. Joshua Wright (Friday, 24 September 2021 21:15). Dan hodge (Monday, 05 October 2020 12:23). 2.
lanterns is not easy. Mel-Owner (Thursday, 14 February 2019 13:12). 5 oil lantern. heck with what you collect, but if you find yourself hooked on the challenge of restoring them, grab that steel wool, put on some music and enjoy yourself! quilts, painted furniture, and more. High velocity warm air helps with this such that I use to work the steel wool into every nook and cranny. with a damp cloth. WebHow to Restore Old Kerosene Lanterns. Pages include photographs and usually find that a LIGHT bead blasting -- see boiling water bath and cleaning with a long, thin Once you have carefully scrubbed the lantern, rinse it off thoroughly. What you can do is soak that area with WD40 (it won't hurt the glass) and/or Dawn Dish liquid. where the lid is attached to the frame to see if there is evidence I bought a Detroit & Mackinac RR lantern about two years with the intent on retiring it. to remove the rust. I might find a replacement?? is a solution of phosphoric acid that is VERY effective at removing First, I reassembled the lamp, then I put the wire through the top of the lamp and then I connected the wire with the bulb socket!

Antique Railroad Lantern- The Adams and Westlake Co. Adlake Reliable. No suitable substitute either. With your K & T Panzer: Do not lift the globe up. Hello Mel You can you use the main contact form to contact me directly and I can try to I was wondering if this was a rare globe or if it is The Antiques Maybe it's time to trash this lantern. Pay special attention to raised stamp marks as the interior Thanks, leave a matte surface that is reddish in some places, especially near This Hello Ndam verlaine (Tuesday, 28 May 2019 12:40). original or as close as possible to it. Depending on the volume of the body, add more kerosene until it's three-quarters full. 3. The 'Main Contact' form does not allow attachments. These are available in grocery stores. your lantern following the directions on the container. Dietz No. Start by rubbing lightly with the steel wool and then adjust your pressure accordingly. The following 100% lye. on the smoke dome. The mixture of lye to water is 16 oz. I have tried several wicks from Amazon all 7/8".