There are a lot of different choices for candles makers these days with additives that you can add to your candles. They all have defined uses and desired effects that they produce. I want run through the most common additives you will be using in your candle making at home and what each one of them does.
One of the most common is stearic acid. It was arguably the first additive used for candle making. It is primarily used to harden wax, especially softer waxes like soy and beeswax. It also makes wax more opaque and gives the wax a nice polished finish. Typically you will use three tablespoons of stearic acid to every pound of wax. You simply add it to the wax as it is melting, as stearic acid has about the same melting temperature range as most waxes.
Stearic acid is available in two forms, animal based and vegetable based. The animal based variation is derived from the fat of animals. Vegetable based usually comes from palm leaves. They both work very well and it's hard to tell the difference between the two with the result of the candles. They also come in different grades; single pressed, double pressed, or triple pressed. Again I find it hard to notice a difference between these options myself.
Vybar is another common additive that increased the hardness of wax, increases its opaqueness, improves a fragrances throw and inhibits mottling. It is available in two types. Vybar 103 has a melting point of one hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit and Vybar 260 has a melting point of one hundred and thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Vybar 103 is typically used with waxes that have a melting point of one hundred forty degrees or higher, while Vybar 260 is used with waxes that have a low melting point. The most common usage is one teaspoon per pound of wax. To use this additive simply add it to the wax while it is melting.
Luster crystals are a relatively new additive. It also increases wax hardness, increases opacity and improves the surface finish of the wax. You typically see candle makers using one quarter teaspoon to one teaspoon of wax (1:4 ratio). The luster crystals have a melting point of around two hundred degrees Fahrenheit so they will need to be melting separately from the wax.
Micro 180 is an additive that increases wax hardness without increasing the opacity. It is great for uses that require translucent yet hard wax, like with hurricanes. The melting point of this additive is within the same range as most waxes and can be melted together.
Ultraviolet inhibitors are a great additive to have in your arsenal. They allow the dyes in wax to keep their color longer when exposed to UV rays. If your home or wherever you're placing your candle gets high sun exposure like in a window, it's a great way to keep your candle from fading. This is especially important if you intend to sell your candles.
Lastly tacky wax is an additive that is sold under a variety of names like taper hold wax. You can add it to dipping wax to improve its adhesion to the hardened wax. The amount you use depends on the wax, but it typically falls within the range of one to ten percent.
Now that you have a better idea of what additives are available to you, pick up one or two and start playing with them! Have fun making beautiful candles.
Author Resource:
We teach people how to make gorgeous candles in their homes from beginners to pros. Candle making can be easy with the right guide and tools! For more information on how to make candles strategies and tips simply visit our website at www.howtomakecandlestoday.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")