Candle Making: Additives
Other additives you might consider in candle making will aid in the setting and desired rigidity.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid, or stearine, is an animal fat byproduct, but you can find a vegetable (palm oil based)
substitute available. It acts as a hardener for low melt point waxes, and lowers the melt point of higher
temperature waxes. Take care not to use too much as over-use will have mottled candles as a consequence.
The recommended amount for making candles is 3 tsp. per lb of wax and it can be used in any amount from
1% to 100%.
Vybar
Vybar is used to make the wax hard, impart a creamy texture and assist in the scent throw of the candle.
There are two types of vybar: - vybar 103 which is used for wax with a melt point of 131 or higher, and
vybar 260 which is used for wax with a melt point of 130 and lower. Vybar will also reduce mottling and
tiny air bubbles. Take care not us use too much Vybar as over-use can result in binding the candle scent,
resulting in a poor or non existent scent throw. The recommended amount to use when making candles is
between ½ tsp. to 1 tsp. per pound of wax.
Luster crystals
Luster crystals are absolutely fantastic when making white candles. It is a man-made wax polymer. Using
luster crystal will result in your candles having brighter colors, your candle will burn longer, and the
wax will be opaque.
Clear Crystals
Yet another polymer that acts like luster crystals are the clear crystals. It will harden the candle wax
like luster crystals but makes the wax more transparent for a glowing effect whereas luster crystals will
the candle opaque in the end.
Plastic additives
Plastic additives are used when making hurricane and embedded candles. Plastic additives will also harden
the wax like the other additives with a major difference: the high melting point also makes it perfect in
the making of these candles. Plastic additives also result in a transparent effect on homemade candles.
Special care must be taken when using this product as plastic additives require heating over a direct
heat source before adding to the correct temperature wax.
Microcrystaline Wax or Micro Wax
Microcrystaline wax, or micro wax as it is also known, comes in many different grades – all for different
uses. One grade can be used as a hardener and another grade can be added to container candles to soften
the wax and help reduce wet spots. Microcrystaline soft is also used for hand molding candles.
UV inhibitor
If you know that the candles that you will be making will have to stand displayed in a sunny window sill
or even outdoors for a craft market, then it is advisable to add UV inhibitor to your candles. Purple and
red candles have a reputation for fading the quickest under UV light. UV inhibitor will only help to
protect the candle; it cannot guarantee that they will not fade eventually. The recommended use
1/8 tsp. to 1 lb wax.
Mineral Oil
If you want your candles to have a mottled look, especially if it is part of your artistic impression, you
could add approximately 2 to 3 tsp. mineral oil to 1 lb candle wax to achieve the mottled look.