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There are
several additives that can be added to paraffin wax. The
following are the main ones and the effects that they give. Some
additives will give a crystallised look and others will stop that look so
it takes time and effort with testing to find out what works best for you.
Stearin
added at up to 10%
Helps to increase
the length of burn time by making the candles harder.
Help to shrink the wax to allow it to be taken out of the mould.
Reduces the transulcency of the wax to make it more opaque.
Helps colours look more vibrant and alive and adds a glossy sheen.
Allows you to add more fragrance.
Stearin cannot
be used in rubber moulds as it will rot them. Vybar is more suitable
for rubber moulds.
Vybar
added at 1 - 2%
Helps to elimiate
mottling in candles.
Allows you to add more fragrance.
Hardens the candle for longer burning times.
Helps with vibrance of colours and adds a smooth glossy sheen.
Microcrystalline
Soft
Added at 10% to pillar blend paraffin wax
Allows the wax to be used for making container candles.
Helps the wax to stick to the sides of the containers.
May need larger wick.
Microcrystalline
Hard
Added at 1%
Lengthens burn time and improves candle lustre.
Good for candle dipping.
May need a larger wick.
Luster
Crystals
Added up to 10%
What you can add to
use your wax to make hurricane candles.
Hardens the wax and makes colours brighter.
Melt separately from the wax and add in slowly.
Mottling
Oil
Added by the teaspoon
If you want that
snowflake look that you can sometimes get without vybar, then this is how
to promote it through your whole candle. A few drops can make all
the difference to what you achieve.
Colour
Colour can be added by chip, flake, liquid or block.
Whatever type of colour you choose will have an explanation of how much
can be added to get the result you desire. A little more colour will
achieve a darker look. It is all down to testing, keeping the
results and testing some more.
Scent
There are huge
differences in quality if scents that can be used for candles. The
general rule of thumb is 8 - 10% maximum of a good quality oil where
additives are used. Candles without additives will not be able to
absorb such large quantities of scent and would be liable to oil seepage.
Again it is all about testing and taking notes on the results and
amending what you use. |