Asher Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 I use a hard wax (MP of 145 degrees) and seem to get pretty good retention with 1/2 oz. per pound. However, I tried 1 full ounce last night and my candles appeared to bleed as they set (in fact, I had used a dark red dye, so it was a grisly scene ).I know there are waxes that can hold more scent, but I've been using the same wax for a while now and know what to expect from it (i.e. setting time, mold release, surface mottling, etc.). Also, I suspect the superior waxes will cost substantially more. I'm not the type who can order a whole crate at a time, so I couldn't take advantage of any bulk discounts. Right now I spend a tad under $1 per pound (which may be quite expensive in comparsion....I just haven't done a lot of research on waxes recently).So, any good votive waxes that will hold LOTS of scent (i.e. more than 1/2 oz. per pound without bleeding to death).Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaritamama Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Add some stearic at 1tbsp per pound. It helps the candle retain the FO and prevents "bleed" (pardon the pun:grin2: ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Not really, at least not straight paraffin. With some you can push it to 5 or maybe even 6%, but those aren't superior waxes. They're just some of the higher melt point ones, which can carry a higher oil load on the average. The real point is that paraffin isn't used to make good candles by itself. For a good burn and superior scent retention you need to use additives to improve the performance of the wax. Alternatively you can buy a pre-blended wax that will hold 6-8%. If you want to make mottled candles, use straight paraffin and add stearic to improve the scent retention and burn qualities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DENISE72598 Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Top, you're a wealth of knowledge... -D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaritamama Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 All I know is that I was advised to add 1tbsp pp of stearic to my wax to stop the FO from bleeding out, and it works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asher Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 Yeah, thanks a bunch...all of you.I'll have to get my hands on some stearic then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 All I know is that I was advised to add 1tbsp pp of stearic to my wax to stop the FO from bleeding out, and it works! By the way, when I said "not really" I wasn't meaning to contradict your post. In fact we were typing at the same time so I hadn't seen it yet.What you're doing is a perfect example of what I meant. Stearic is the basic candle wax additive. It pretty much does everything. Sometime when you're making a rustic or anything other than a mottled candle, try doubling the amount of stearic and see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asher Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 By the way, will stearic cause a loss of mottling? I know I can add oil to increase the mottling, but would I need to adjust the amount when adding stearic as well?Come to think of it, I think I've used stearic in the past....like a few years ago. It is like a white grainy sort of substance, right? Something you wouldn't want to set next to the sugar container for fear your child or spouse would douse their corn flakes with stearic by accident. Honestly, I don't remember why I got it back then. Maybe to harden the wax and increase the life of the candle. Does it do this as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaritamama Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 By the way, when I said "not really" I wasn't meaning to contradict your post. In fact we were typing at the same time so I hadn't seen it yet.What you're doing is a perfect example of what I meant. Stearic is the basic candle wax additive. It pretty much does everything. Sometime when you're making a rustic or anything other than a mottled candle, try doubling the amount of stearic and see what happens............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SatinDucky Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 By the way, will stearic cause a loss of mottling? I know I can add oil to increase the mottling, but would I need to adjust the amount when adding stearic as well?Come to think of it, I think I've used stearic in the past....like a few years ago. It is like a white grainy sort of substance, right? Something you wouldn't want to set next to the sugar container for fear your child or spouse would douse their corn flakes with stearic by accident. Honestly, I don't remember why I got it back then. Maybe to harden the wax and increase the life of the candle. Does it do this as well?Yup, that's stearic. I use 3 tablespoons pp of wax and it doesn't affect the mottle. I believe if you add to much it will lessen it though. Top will know the numbers Yes, it does also increase hardness a bit I'm told. For me, it doesn't harden it enough to keep a pillar from buldging though. Not sure if this helps or not... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donita Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 You mean I'm not supposed to use it in my coffee? Maybe that's why my skin is so dry. Donita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 By the way, will stearic cause a loss of mottling? I know I can add oil to increase the mottling, but would I need to adjust the amount when adding stearic as well?Stearic will increase the FO retention but decrease the mottling unless you add more FO. It's a balancing act. You'll need to experiment to get your formula down according to how your wax behaves and the aesthetic you're looking for.By the way, adding just a smidgeon of stearic (like 1 or 2%) will actually stimulate mottling. That will accomplish nothing except make your candle bleed more, so you have to get past that amount so the normal effects start to kick in.Finally, there are 2 kinds of stearic available these days. The regular stuff is derived from animules, but there's also a vegetable-derived version. It's effectively the same thing and has less of the stearic odor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 You mean I'm not supposed to use it in my coffee? Maybe that's why my skin is so dry. DonitaI'm a caffeine fiend and after starting to use stearic in my coffee I have clearer skin, don't need anti-perspirent, and can breathe a lot more FO fumes without passing out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Dallas_Texas_Dean Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 Top, do you sell your candles to the public?Sometimes I just like to buy someone else's candles. I remember there was a post where you mentioned the Diptyque brand...or the scents. I am a container addict...if you have a business and sell to the public, let me know. I OWE myself a gift:yay: Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asher Posted November 10, 2005 Author Share Posted November 10, 2005 Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.I wanted to share a photo of the "crime scene". Apparently, this is the result of doubling the amount of fragrance oil while also adding ZERO stearic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaritamama Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 YIKES!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asher Posted November 10, 2005 Author Share Posted November 10, 2005 At least my kitchen had a nice cinnamon scent By the way, take a look at the candle on the far right. See how it is sitting askew? There is a bump that formed beneath the wick base. In fact, half of them had similar bumps, though not quite to this extent.I just feel bad for these candles...looks like they've had a rough life already Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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