What's in Your Homemade Candles?

There are eight additives that can be used in the candle-making process, and each is distinct from the other. Each additive has its own advantages. And while some candle makers decide to take advantage of these, others prefer not use any additive in their candles. Candle additives are relatively cheap. They work beautifully for those who know how and when to use each type.

Below is a description of the eight types.

Chimasorb 81
It's a yellowish powder that easily clumps. The main use of Chimasorb 81 is to improve color. For each pound of wax you only need 1/10 of a percent.

103 Vybar
It's available in small bead-like form. Even in low humidity areas the small beads do not clump easily or stick together. It is also used as a hardener. 103 Vybar gives your candle wax an exceptional creamy texture. For scented candles 103 Vybar is the most ideal hardener. For each pound of wax add a single teaspoon of 103 Vybar.

Kemamide
Kemamide is available in a fine powder form. It is almost transparent though at a close look one can see the ivory tint of Kemamide. It should be kept in a dry environment since it clumps when exposed to moisture. Kemamide should be used as a release agent. To each pound of wax, add a single teaspoon.

BHT Crystal
BHT Cryatal comes in a powdery form that is yellow in color. When you have wax that has been in storage for a long time in its liquid form, use BHT Crystal as an antioxidant.

When BHT Crystal is added to wax, it causes the wax to have a very pretty sheen.

Poly-AC
Poly-AC comes in a powdery form and has a white color. Because of its dry texture it's recommended to store it in a dry environment, this prevents it from clumping. To every pound of wax, add a single teaspoon of Poly-AC.

Poly 400
Poly 400 is available in form of beads. The beads vary in shape and size. Poly 400 prevents your candle from fading when it is exposed to sunlight as it is a UV inhibitor. Like many of the additive add a single teaspoon to every pound of wax.

Stearic Powder.
It is white in color and it's flaky. It does not clump even when exposed to humidity and therefore is a good additive to use for hardening. The amount to use depends on the kind of candles you are making. It reduces the temperature required to cause the wax to melt. To each pound of wax, add three teaspoons of Stearic powder.

Paraflint
Paraflint is a hardener too. It is available in beads similar to the 103 Vybar beads only difference is that they are much larger. Use one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

You can add a range of features to your wax by using the candle making additives. The type of candle and the climate of your region influence the type of additive you use. Make sure you use the right quantities of the additive otherwise you will damage your wax. Several candle making books exist and this can help you know which type of additive for which type of candle.