Additives

Wax Additives
Most of waxes available in market are pre-blended waxes which essentially means that a base paraffin was enhanced by other ingredients by the manufacturer so that no additives are necessary. Although many candle makers will experiment with different formulas to achieve the results they are seeking, as a general rule it’s not recommended using additives with any pre-blended waxes. Any wax described as base paraffin is just that… a base product, generally at a lower price, with no performance enhancing additives blended in at the time of manufacture. Additives such as Vybar or UV Stabilizer will likely need to be added in order to achieve the best results

Vybar

Vybar

Vybar is the modern alternative to Stearin (Stearic acid). Vybar is a polymer which is used primarily to aid in fragrance oil retention, although it also benefits the candle by increasing opacity and enhancing dye colors. When using vybar, wax can hold more fragrance oil without the fragrance oil separating from the mixture. This enables the candle maker to put twice or even three times as much fragrance oil into their mixture, causing the candles to have much better hot throw, which is a term used to describe the fragrance characteristics of a candle while it is burning. There are two types of vybar. Vybar 103 is used for harder, higher melt point waxes such as pillar and votive waxes. Vybar 260 is used for softer, lower melt point waxes such as container waxes. Recommended usage is 1/4 tsp – 1/2 tsp per pound of wax but will vary per application. Don’t overdo it, though, because too much vybar can actually trap the fragrance in your candle, reducing your candle’s hot throw.

UV Stabilizer

uv stabilizer

Also known as UV Inhibitor, UV Protectant, and UV Absorbant. This additive is used to help protect candles from fading due to the exposure to UV light rays. Fragrance oils can also cause colors to fade/change. UV Stabilizer helps to prolong the fading process, but will not completely eliminate it. This additive is particularly useful if your candles will be displayed on store shelves for an extended period of time. This additive is not already present in a pre-blended wax and we highly recommend it’s use for all wax types and candle types. Recommended usage is 1/4 tsp – 1/2 tsp per pound of wax but will vary per application.