Place half pound of candy coatings in a microwave-safe bowl (I recommend a glass 2-cup measure.) Heat the candy coatings for 30 seconds. Remove coatings from the microwave and stir. It might not look like it's melting at first. That's fine! Stirring removes "hot spots" and prevents your candy coatings from burning. Repeat, removing the candy coatings every 30 seconds from the microwave and stirring, until melted.

Some colors, like red, are thick when they melt. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of solid vegetable shortening to the melted candy coating if it's too thick.