Candlemaking Wax Secrets

Having so many available options for wax is great but it can also seem like information overload whenever you are first confronted with it.
Luckily, my aunt shared a valuable tip with me that made a significant difference in the world, and one that I still live by to this day. The secret was to pick 1 project and one wax and to stick with it until you have mastered it. You should practice, refine it and take notes. It may take some time to master it.

What Type of Wax Should I Use
The first choice people starting out with candlemaking make is to decide which type of wax to use.

Historically one of the oldest waxes and also one of the natural waxes is beeswax. Candles made out of beeswax also tend to burn longer as well as have a high melting point. Beeswax candles can also have a honey sweet smell every time they burn.

One of the primary disadvantages to beeswax is the cost. It can work out to be 2 - 3 times more expensive than comparable waxes. It is for this reason that it is rarely used.

To be able to lessen the cost you're able to sometimes blend waxes together. In this examples we could blend beeswax with paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is much less expensive to beeswax.

Role of Temperature with Wax
Here is a report on some of the temperature related problems that you can have with wax.

1. Pin Holes - Small holes that may appear in the wax as a result of excessive temperature
2. Pitted Surface - Caused on the candle by having too cool of a temperature.
3. Stutter Marks - Horizontal lines on the candle due to too cool of a temperature.
4. Pillars Stuck in the Mold - If you do not pour at the correct temperature the candle can get stuck in the mold because of a lack of shrinkage.

Additives
Additives are any ingredient which you use to enhance the smell, appearance or performance of the candle. The most commmon additives used in the manufacture of candles are essential oils and fragance oils.
Listed here is a list of some of best additives to add

1. Stearin - Used in paraffin and vegetable based waxes and helps opacity and hardness
2. Vybar - reduces mottling and airbubbles. This is especially utilized in highly scented candles
3. UV Inhibitors - protects the candle from discoloration.
4. Luster Crystals - Can prolong the burn time and gives a vibrant sheen to a candle's color.
5. Microcrystalline - Normally used to raise the melting point as well as improving the fragrance oil. This is used a lot in highly scented candles.

If you take into account all the points mentioned previously and your odds of creating a successful candlemaking business will increase immeasurably.