need help with Tongue pink

[magpiejst]

The title makes it sound as if it belongs in the bathroom.
Is there a magical way to get tonue pink to strike with a hot head? It looks dirty white as a rod, it looks dirty white as a bead except a tiny area that hints of the blush of a rose. I tried heating it as hot as the HH goes but to no avail. Any suggestions?

Judy

[bgillen]

I'm on a minor but what I do is to let the bead cool way down then heat it up again slowly till it strikes. You can see the change in the glow when it starts to strike.

[kimberly]

I get my best results if I let the bead cool, then very gently allow the flame to kiss the surface of the bead. I heat it until it BARELY turns a soft, dull orange.