Bubbled lava

[Marie]

My lamp finally went bonkers and I have "fixed" it, but - the lava is completely filled with small bubbles.  Its seems it even get more bubbles as it warms and finally becomes a single column with rolling bubbles.  Its not ugly but its not right.  Any ideas? 

[Bohdan]

This problem will happen to the wax if the liquid has been changed or added to. Is the lamp a Mathmos of Lava Lite. I repaired one of mine a while ago by changing the liquid that was new from another same batch version as the formula is different dependent on year/version this was done as a test and I later redid both globes back to original. It seems to be all about the liquid as it changes the wax flow.

[George]

Hi  Marie could you post a pic of this lamp for us to see?

[Marie]

I have two of the vintage Century lamps.  17 inches tall.  Both have been wonderful til I used 40 watt bulbs purchased bulk online.  They both got too hot and the lava would only float.  I've redone both.  One turned out just fine.  The other has the bubbled lava.  I have included pictures of each lamp.  

[Bohdan]

40 watt bulbs may be to hot for this older version. They seem to take a 30w bulb. There should be an inner label showing the bulb list, also those original bulbs were made shorter. The bulb you bought were they 40w A15 type and are they frosted coated. Clear 40w bulbs also run hotter.

[Marie]

Thank you to you both!  Such a pleasure to meet other lava lamp lovers!  <3