Successful candle making often depends on the use of additives to the waxes. While some candle makers choose not to use additives, others take advantage of the benefits of using the different additives. Most of these additives are inexpensive, and once you know how to use them, can be very useful, making your candle making more successful and easier. Here are the eight different additives, with a short description of what they will do.Kemamide, a fine powder, is a release agent. It is added to waxes so the candle will easily release from its mold. Because it is almost transparent, it will not change the color of the candle wax. One teaspoon is added for each pound of wax. Keep it in a closed container, and prevent moisture from getting in.
A second fine powder additive is Poly-AC. This powder will help to harden your candles as they cool. Store it in the same way as kemamide, so it will not clump up. Add one teaspoon to a pound of wax.
Chimasorb81 is a color enhancer. That means when you add it along with dyes, it will make the colors stronger and you will need less dye. Since it readily clumps up, keep its container tightly closed and store it in a dry area. You will need just a small amount, only .10% per pound of wax.
Another additive that helps candles harden is stearic powder. This white flaky additive is not affected by humidity, so is much more commonly used. The amount used depends on the type of wax you are using, and the type of candle you are making. Added benefita of stearic powder are that it helps to reduce the temperature to melt the wax, and helps release the cooled candle from the mold. With paraffin, use from one to three teaspoons per pound of wax. In low percentages it may produce snow-spots, and at high percentages crystallization becomes visible.
Another hardener is Vybar 103, sold as small beads. It will add a creamy consistency or texture to the candle wax. It works very well with scented candles and colored candles, since it tends to “lock in” these additives. It also contributes opacity to the candles.
Paraflint is a third hardener, also in beaded form similar to Vybar 103. Use one teaspoon to every pound of wax. Paraflint tends to clarify the wax, creating a cleaner glow and appearance. With its relatively high melt point, it must be melted separately and then added to the wax. It is quite useful in making a wax that you will use as a veneer.
Poly 400 is another beaded additive, this one added to keep colored candles from fading in the sunlight. It is a UV inhibitor. It is a must in maintaining color to extend the shelf life.
A BHT crystal (butyl hydroxytoluene) is an antioxidant additive. Organic compounds in candles will react with oxygen, causing color change. Also, as you pour and mix wax, you introduce some oxygen. BHT binds with the oxygen and reduces the effects of oxygenation on the candle’s color. It also adds an attractive luster to the wax.
As you can see, these candle making additives can add a variety of features to your wax. Which ones you choose to use will depend on the types of candles you make as well as your environment. Use candle making additives in the right amounts or you may damage the wax, resulting flaws in the candles appearance and burn. Research to figure out which additives are best for the type of candles you decide to make.
