Palm Wax, FO and curing ?'s

[kw2703]

Hi everyone. I have a few questions for those who use palm wax. I am using crystal palm wax from Nu-Scents. I was told to use 2-3 oz/lb. of FO in the candles by the woman who taught me. I have been reading to use a max of 1.5 oz/ lb in palm wax. Which is true and why? I am trying to figure out what I am spending per candle. What helps the scent throw more...adding more FO or letting it cure longer?

Also, as far as curing, how long should I let them cure for before I test? What exactly should I be looking for when testing? Lastly, what type of wicks do you find work best for you in palm wax? I have had so many suggestions ranging from cotton core to LX to RRD. I know it is a matter of personal preference, but what do you find gives you the best throw, with the least amount of mushrooming and soot? I am testing HTP wicks in 4 oz mason jars and have noticed a sizzling noise coming from the wicks, what does this mean? I know my questions are kind of vague, but I am new to this and could use any help offered!

[Stella1952]

KW, FO amounts are dictated by the type of wax. Read up on the manufacturer's recommendations for the wax YOU are using and start there. There is a maximum amount of oil that a candle can hold! Using 2-3 oz pp tells me that a lot of money is being wasted on FOs that are not throwing well. If 1 oz pp isn't enough, I look for another supplier of that fragrance.

As for the rest of your questions, if you will search this forum, you will find a LOT of discussion on these points and recommendations from members who have shared their experiences.

Good luck!

[Candybee]

2-3 oz FO per lb is too much! Stella is right-- you should check the manufacturer of the wax and learn all you can about using it. I can't think of any wax that you would use that much FO in-- especially palm wax!

[grama]

KW - I use the palm wax from candlescience and use 1 oz per lb. I also use their csn wicks. I really don't let mine cure - to anxious to burn them. If you are making a pillar, and I am not sure what the wax is you are using, I always underwick a little - like a 3" pillar I use their 11 csn wicks and have had good results. It burns leaving a real pretty shell and I don't have to worry about it running over. Off course I am a power burner also. From early morning to late night! hth

[Judy, USMC]

Hi - I don't do pillars - but I do pour palm container candles. Each manufacturer or distributor will have their own recommendations. NuScent recommends 1 1/2 oz per pound (less than 9%) for their palm wax while Candle Science recommends 1 oz per pound (a tad under 6%) for theirs.

To put it simply, adding more oil than the wax can "hold" will result in the excess oil being released into the pool and burned off at the wick. That's probably the noise you're hearing!

Different types of wax can hold more of a load - some paraffins can hold 12% which is a little over 2oz per pound. So if she taught you with paraffin the oil load will not be the same for palm! I'd follow the guidelines from NuScents for their wax.

HTH

[kw2703]

Thank you all so much, this has been extremely helpful...glad I asked, I don't want to waste FO!

[suzanneg]

I use pillar and container palm wax from candle science also and I never add more than 1 ounce of FO per pound! I love their csn wicks too!!!!!!!!! I am a power burner too and just love it!!!!!!!!

My son just came in and could swear I was making fudge brownies!!!!!

I just poured my fudge brownie container candles and my Cow Patties containers! and they are curing on my kitchen counter!!!!

He was so diappointed!

[ubure]

kw,

I use only 3% /lbs - that's absolutely enough (but I'm using another palm wax I get here in Germany - so it's not the same as the ones you in the US use) . Palm tends to hold less PO than soy, e.g. That's not a disadvantage - on the contrary, I get a much better throw from the palm than I did with the soy.