Making candles often requires the use of additives which are added to candle wax for a variety of reasons.
For example: Candle fragrance or enhancing the look and texture of your candle creations.
Candle making uses a variety of nine chemical additives, so you can simply pick and choose depending upon the type of candle you want to make, also allowing for the climate of your region.
Do all candle makers support the use of additives?
Well, yes and no…as a candle maker it’s entirely your choice whether you want to use additives or not. There are the pros and cons in various forms and functions to consider.
Firstly, additives are quite inexpensive and work effectively if used in the right way to take full advantage of the results you want.
Naturally additives must be used in the appropriate amount because even a little bit more can damage the candle wax or the burning quality of the candle as well.
How to choose the various types of additives are as follows:
1. Kemamide is close to transparency, a fine powder with a slight hint of ivory in color, used as a release agent.
This additive must be stored in a sealed jar or container (dry environment) as exposure to humidity creates clumping. Add one teaspoon to each pound of wax.
2. Poly-AC is a fine powder, white in color and dry in texture. Store in dry sealable jar or container to prevent clumping. Add one teaspoon for each pound of wax.
3. Chimasorb 81 is a powder, and highly concentrated additive used to enhance candle wax color. It has a yellowish tint. Store in sealed jar or container to prevent clumping. Add 1/10 of a percent for each pound of wax.
4. Stearic Powder is a white colored additive and it comes in flakes used for hardening the wax and reduces the melting temperature.
Beware while using stearic powder because it can causes damage to wax. Add three teaspoons for every pound of wax.
5. 103 Vybar are tiny beads, used to add a creamy texture and also as a hardener for the scented candles. Add one teaspoon for each pound wax.
6. Paraflint is larger bead, used as a candle wax hardener. Add one teaspoon for each pound of wax.
7. Poly 400 is made in a variety of bead shapes and sizes. This additive is a UV inhibitor used to enhance the candle from fading in sunlight. Add one teaspoon for each pound of wax.
8. BHT Crystal is an antioxidant additive, creamy yellow in color, used to enhance candle wax. It adds a smooth finish a beautiful luster to the candle wax. You can also store in liquid form for very long periods of time.
As an arts and crafts candle maker, you can experiment with various additives in your candle making process.
If you’re making scented candles, you’ll want to enhance the candles ability to hold scents and fragrances and that’s why additives are used in making candles.
By: John Mignano About the Author:
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