Candle-making 101 – Optional Wax Additives

Candle-makers usually use different wax additives to achieve different effects with their candles. Below is a summary on the different types of additives available and what their purposes are.

An animal fat by-product called stearic acid, or stearine is used to achieve a harder set wax once the candle cools. This is particularly useful for low melting point waxes such as beeswax. It also serves to lower the melting point of high temperature wax. The candle will mottle if too much of this additive is used. The amount per pound of wax recommended is 3 tablespoons.

Vybar is another useful additive, which comes in two types. Vybar 103 is used with waxes with a melting point of 131 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and vybar 260 is used with waxes that have a melting point of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Like the stearic acid, vybar adds hardness to the wax, improves scent throw, and gives the wax a creamy texture. It also reduces air bubbles and mottling. It is recommended to use .5-1 teaspoon per pound of wax.

Luster Crystals are a man-made product – wax polymer. With the use of this product, candles burn longer, have opaque wax, and have brighter colors.

For a transparent and glowing look, while improving the hardness of the candle, Clear Crystals can be used.

If you’re looking for a mottled look for your candles, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of mineral oil per pound of wax.

Microcrystaline wax comes in several different grades which have several different effects on wax. Microcrystaline soft is used for candles that you intend to hand-mold, making the wax more workable and pliable. One grade helps to soften the wax and enable the reduction of wet spots. Another grade acts as a wax hardener.

If you plan to have your candles displayed in a window or other location that gets a lot of sun, you might want to consider using a UV inhibitor. While this product doesn’t guarantee that the color won’t fade over a long period of time, it will help prolong the life of the color of your candles.

As seen here, there are various additives that can change the look and feel of your hand-made candles. These additives are not a necessity in making candles, so do not feel like you have to go out and spend an exorbitant amount of money on these items. The point here is to know what is available and what a candle-maker can achieve with this hobby.