Heat Shrink Capsules

[BorderTerroir]

How do I get capsules to have a professional look?

I use the smallest ring on our gas cooker at the lowest setting but I can never get an even finish.

The ones I have do not have a brand name is that the reason?

Any help would be great.

John

[Boo]

I take it you are using steam, not heat from the gas ring!?

I find if I start to apply heat/steam at the base of the cap first (not the top end) and turn steadily I acheive a neater finish.

I use a saucepan which has a small pouring point, keep the lid on and the steam is directed.

[bryanc]

Hairdryer

[Her Lushness]

I put on oven gloves, and use the steam from the kettle and rotate the bottle slowly in the steam. You need the gloves on cos if you hold the button down to keep the kettle boiling continuosly it gets a bit hot...

...and don't let your partner catch you doing this coz "apparantly" it's not very good for your kettle...

I keep on meaning to try the hairdryer method, but I value my hairdryer more than my kettle.

[Darren]

Tried the hairdryer just could not get it to work i use the steam from the kettle it boils realy well from being on a gas ring instead of electric and just turn the botlle while holding the top down with a knife(just so i don't burn my fingers) works every time

[Duffbeer]

Tried the hairdryer just could not get it to work i use the steam from the kettle it boils realy well from being on a gas ring instead of electric and just turn the botlle while holding the top down with a knife(just so i don't burn my fingers) works every time

Yup, thats how I do them too, leaves a nice even finish.

[BorderTerroir]

I take it you are using steam, not heat from the gas ring!?

Do you mean steam (the invisible bit by the spout) or water vapour (the white fluffy stuff)?

Either way it looks like me holding the bottle six inches from the ring is too fierce I'll try the hairdrier method.

This reminds me when I tried to be chefy with a creme brulee. I used the electric paint stripper and blew sugar all over the kitchen.

[Duffbeer]

Actually an electric paint stripper on a medium heat will work too.

[BennyBoy]

I use a kettle, very bad for the environment and the kettle though lol woops

[Richard S]

The best method I have tried to date.

Boil a pan of water then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place capsule over bottle neck, hold in place with a knife then turn bottle upside down and slowly immerse the capsule in the water untill it has all contracted. This only takes seconds to do so the bottle won't be harmed.

[lockwood1956]

Thats the method I use, but i use a slotted spoon to hold ther shrink in place....although i tend to not use them any more.....

[Mamgiowl]

I use this method too, but being a tough old bird I hold the edge of shrink cap tight with my fingers, slowly imerse the bottle and let go of the cap before the water gets me. This way there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.

[fatbloke]

I've achieved good results with both a hair dryer and hot running water.

The hair dryer technique might need a bit of practice (on the end of a broom handle), but once the hair dryer is up to temperature it should make the plastic shrink quite slowly as it's only just hot enough.

With the hot water method, I just run the tap until it's as hot as it will go, then place the cap over the top of the bottle, holding the shrink in place on the edge with a finger, then run the water over the top part (bottle facing downwards). The shrink will usually form onto the shape of the top of the bottle enough to angle the bottle upwards toward the flow of water allowing you to finish the job properly.

Or you could try a "hot air paint stripper" but make sure that you are careful about how close the machine is from the plastic as it's quite a fierce heat, but it should do the trick.

regards

JtFB

[Rich]

Steam from the kettle for me too, if I've only got a few to do, If I have a batch of 30 or more I'll boil a pan of water and use the slotted spoon.

I've tried a hairdryer but it wasn't that good, and the paint stripper gun I thought was a little too fierce.

[lyntom54]

I use a paint stripper gun, do have a few melt if i am not careful.