am i shootng too hot?

[BiteMeBaits]

I have been having a slight issue with my glitter.  I use the glitter sold here on the site and when i add the glitter the first shoot is very brigjt and the glitter really pops.  But after the first shoot or so the glitter doesnt seem to be as noticeable.  Still there but not as reflective.  I should have my IR thermo in today to see what temp im at.   So far i dont think i have burnt any plastic so im out of solutions.  Also i was looking at a hot plate to help keep my plastic hotter longer and not have to nuke after every 2 shoots.   Any ideas? Thanks in advance

[kipbass]

Some glitters curl if the plastic is too hot. It doesn't matter who's glitter it is. I heat my plastic to the recommended 350 and let is drop to about 330 then add glitter. You don't need to reheat up to 350 again to shoot the remaining plastic, just warm enough that it will flow through the injector. Hope this helps

[BiteMeBaits]

Yep, a big help. Hopefully the thermo and hot plate can help keep a more stable temp.  Thanks!

[gone2long]

Keep us posted on the hot plate as they have no real thermostat control and often scorch plastic with the quickness.

[hawgthumper]

The only way that's worse to heat plastic than a microwave is probably a hotplate. Very easy to scorch your plastic.

[Bassman2169]

I run my plastic on the upper end of heat most of the time.  Seems the larger glitter curls eventually.  Certain colors seem to fade more quickly also.  I don't have trouble with red, but blue and purple seem to fade faster for me.  Joey

[ctom]

I do mostly small baits and for that I use smaller glitters. The .015 and .008 are what I use mostly. I have some of the larger flake sizes but have run iinto the curling issue too.Not so with the smaller. I also add my glitter once the initial plastic cooking temps are past. By adding glitter after the highest heats I eliminate the flake color bleeding issue too with purples and blues.

[BiteMeBaits]

Yep.  I got to use the thremo yesterday and was getting it too hot.  I injected between 290-315 and it worked fine.