Candle Wax Additives

When combined with waxes, additives can harden, mottle, opacify and create other special effects.  They should generally be melted with a small amount of your wax blend and then added to the rest of the batch of wax.  This will ensure proper melting and thorough blending. 

Stearic acid - when combined with paraffin waxes at the right temperature and in the right ratio, stearic acid can combine with wax to form very strong crystalline structure.  This makes a hard candle that resists bending or caving in.  It aids in mold release.  Stearic acid is usually used at a rate of about 2-5 tablespoons per pound of wax.  Stearic acid also helps opacify a translucent wax. In cases where you are overdipping a candle to protect embedded objects, (shells, leaves, flowers etc) you will want to avoid using stearic acid as you will be unable to see through the outer coating.

Microcrystallines - a group of highly refined waxes that are generally used to increase wax to wax adhesion or make waxes more pliable and elastic or to make waxes more durable and hard.  Choose your microcrystalline waxes carefully and know what they are for before you use them.  Used properly, they can really increase the quality of your candles. 

Synthetic polymers - there are a number of polymer additives that can be used to prevent color fading, assist in mold release, increase the luster of a candle, raise the melting point of a candle, create mottling effects etc.  You will need to follow the manufacturers directions for use to achieve the proper results. 

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