Question Beginner problems

[fox87]

Hey guys.

I am trying to install the AVE
-HDMI. But i am running in some general amateur soldering problems i guess.

No matter what i do, the solder wouldnt stick to my iron. Instead it would form a ball on the solder itself. Is the temperature of my iron too high? Too low? How do i make sure it is clean enough? When i try to clean it on some kitchen sponge i got laying around its getting really dark and dirty. So i guess thats wrong. I got some copper sponge ball thingy that kinda gets it clean. But still then the solder wont stick.
Could it be due to being some cheap china solder? (Btw it says 63/37, 2% flux). Pls help and pls be gentle.

Thank you guys

 

[Len-Rod]

I would suggest getting a can of paste flux. Stick the iron in that for a moment and then coat it with solder. That works every time for me.

 

[Stitches]

As len said, a little can of tip tinner paste might do the trick, but your iron could also just be scuffed. Can you post a photo of your soldering iron?