Additives

Additives assist in making a candle more versatile, the two main additives are Stearin and Vybar. Using additives can soften, harden, or change the opacity of your candles. It will also give cabdles a better smell, burn more efficiently and increase burning time.

Stearin

This is a wax additive generally used with paraffin wax to increase a candle’s shrinking qualities. Stearin is a crystalline substance, which is white in colour and usually made from palm oil. When stearin is added to paraffin wax, the set wax shrinks after cooling and makes it easier to remove the candle from the mould. Besides prolonging the life of a candle, stearin also helps to stop candles from dripping, makes the wax denser and it also intensifies colour (wax dye).

As a guide, you normally need to add about one part stearin for every 10 parts wax. Be warned that if you add too much stearin, it can affect the appearance of the candle. If you are making a coloured candle, always add dye to the stearin before you add the wax to it.

Vybar

Vybar has a similar effect on waxes as Stearin. However Vybar is used with latex moulds because if you use stearin on latex, it will rot them. The general measurements for vybar is to use one per cent of the weight of the wax used, or approximately ½ teaspoon of vybar per 100g (3 ½ oz) wax.

Candle Making Home Introduction to candle making Candle making guide Beeswax candles Materials Waxes - paraffin wax Additives Wicks Candle molds The work area & safety		Additives Additives assist in making a candle more versatile, the two main additives are Stearin and Vybar. Using additives can soften, harden, or change the opacity of your candles. It will also give cabdles a better smell, burn more efficiently and increase burning time. Stearin This is a wax additive generally used with paraffin wax to increase a candle’s shrinking qualities. Stearin is a crystalline substance, which is white in colour and usually made from palm oil. When stearin is added to paraffin wax, the set wax shrinks after cooling and makes it easier to remove the candle from the mould. Besides prolonging the life of a candle, stearin also helps to stop candles from dripping, makes the wax denser and it also intensifies colour (wax dye). As a guide, you normally need to add about one part stearin for every 10 parts wax. Be warned that if you add too much stearin, it can affect the appearance of the candle. If you are making a coloured candle, always add dye to the stearin before you add the wax to it. Vybar Vybar has a similar effect on waxes as Stearin. However Vybar is used with latex moulds because if you use stearin on latex, it will rot them. The general measurements for vybar is to use one per cent of the weight of the wax used, or approximately ½ teaspoon of vybar per 100g (3 ½ oz) wax.



All Contents ©2004 Candle Making Guide, All Rights Reserved