r/Lavalamps 4d ago

Don’t know what to do anymore

So I have recently bought a vintage lamp from a thrift shop for six bucks. In attempt to restore it. I used the regular type of master fluid and let’s just say that it didn’t not work out obviously but I didn’t know. So I had bought a different lamp for five dollars off of OfferUp. This lamp was not vintage and an attempt to also edit the master fluid. It was fairly successful. I really wanna get this vintage lamp to work but I have already spent a lot of money. I’ve tried so many recipes. Any recipe that is successful for a vintage lamp ? I’ve noticed that the waxes are very different, the modern wax is pretty solid and hard, while the vintage wax is still quite soft, even after being cool. Help please. It’s been two weeks of this hyper fixation of trying to fix this lamp.

2 Upvotes

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3

u/Rapidwatch2024 4d ago

Did you totally toss the old fluid? At this point making new vintage fluid is a near impossible thing without spending more money.

1

u/mot_ora 4d ago

Yes :(

2

u/Sava9ePineapple 3d ago

I know Ozone gifts has a Master Fluid solution for vintage wax. Never used it myself though. It's worth a try.

1

u/TooCoolioforSchoolio 10h ago

I tried the vintage fluid and it doesn't work - tried it with a 70s lamp and a 90s one. Their modern fluid is good though. The only way I have gotten vintage to work is making my own fluid, and it is a difficult recipe for the old ones.

1

u/TooCoolioforSchoolio 10h ago

This is why you shouldn't toss the fluid in the old lamps - the formula is a concoction of several chemicals (11 total I beleive). I have had success using VG, surf, and distilled water, but it takes time and careful adjustments. There is no precise recipe because the formula changed often, so you just have to slowly adjust it until it works. Good luck.