Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

Zanaspus · 10-03-2012, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66

I don't think my humidor is sealing the way it should. I seasoned it over time, prior to putting my cigars inside. Over the weeks, the RH just keeps dropping. Is there something I can apply to the edge of the lid where it meets the bottom portion to make it more air tight?

What are you using for humidification? Hint: the correct answer is beads. The second best is, "i'll soon have my beads."

Route 66 · 10-03-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanaspus

What are you using for humidification? Hint: the correct answer is beads. The second best is, "i'll soon have my beads."

I'm using 2 Xikar Cigar Bars filled with their PG solution. The Bars are filled with beads that expanded greatly when I poured the PG solution inside. The humidor is very small and will hold only about 30 cigars.

CigarNut · 10-03-2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66

I'm using 2 Xikar Cigar Bars filled with their PG solution. The Bars are filled with beads that expanded greatly when I poured the PG solution inside. The humidor is very small and will hold only about 30 cigars.

Those are not beads -- they are a gel that releases moisture in an uncontrolled fashion -- that is they do not help at all to regulate RH.

If your humidor is not holding humidity you can check for leaks (lots of threads here about how to do that) but the two simple ways are the "dollar bill" test and the flashlight test. Passing these tests does not mean that there are no leaks -- they can just help you to find leaks.

Also, you might just try re-seasoning your humidor -- give it a good long time -- like two weeks. There are lots of threads on how to do this as well.

Once you are satisfied that your humidor is holding humidity you can keep using the gel and PG (not recommended) or you pick up some beads (Heartfelt or Shilala** -- both are good products) and be on your way.

Route 66 · 10-03-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Those are not beads -- they are a gel that releases moisture in an uncontrolled fashion -- that is they do not help at all to regulate RH.

If your humidor is not holding humidity you can check for leaks (lots of threads here about how to do that) but the two simple ways are the "dollar bill" test and the flashlight test. Passing these tests does not mean that there are no leaks -- they can just help you to find leaks.

Also, you might just try re-seasoning your humidor -- give it a good long time -- like two weeks. There are lots of threads on how to do this as well.

Once you are satisfied that your humidor is holding humidity you can keep using the gel and PG (not recommended) or you pick up some beads (Heartfelt or Shilala** -- both are good products) and be on your way.

You've given me a lot of good, useful information and I really appreciate it!

It sounds like I have some work to do.