Ben Carter
Stearic acid is a common candle-making ingredient that has been used for over 150 years. It is a fatty acid derived from tallow or vegetable oil. When added to candles, stearic acid acts as a lubricant, activator, and hardening agent. It can be combined with paraffin wax to increase the melting point of the candle, making it harder and less prone to melting in hot weather. It also improves the appearance of candles by making their colours more vibrant and intense. To add stearic acid to a candle, it must first be melted in a double boiler or wax melting pot. Colouring can then be added gradually, and the mixture is stirred with paraffin wax until it reaches the required pouring temperature.
Characteristics and Values of Adding Stearic Acid to Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Stearic acid hardens candles, especially in hot weather. |
| Brittleness | Stearic acid makes candles more brittle. |
| Opacity | Stearic acid increases opacity, especially in paraffin wax. |
| Melting Point | Stearic acid can increase or decrease the melting point of paraffin wax. |
| Colour | Stearic acid improves the colour of candles, making them more vibrant. |
| Surface Finish | Stearic acid changes the surface finish of candles and can cause crystallisation at higher concentrations. |
| Lubrication | Stearic acid acts as a lubricant and can aid in mould release. |
| Stability | Stearic acid stabilises polymers and acts as a stabiliser. |
| Burning Properties | Stearic acid improves burning properties, reducing drips, smoke, and the appearance of soot. |
| Longevity | Stearic acid increases the longevity of candles, especially when combined with paraffin wax. |
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What You'll Learn
Stearic acid is a wax additive
Stearic acid, also known as stearin or octadecanoic acid, is a wax additive that has been used in candle-making for over 150 years. It is a mixture of fatty acids derived from animal fats and oils (mainly beef) or vegetable fats and oils. In candle-making, stearic acid is added to the wax to modify its properties and improve the appearance and burning characteristics of the final candle.
When combined with paraffin wax, stearic acid increases the melting point of the wax, making the candle harder and more resistant to heat. This results in a longer-lasting candle that is less likely to bend or melt in warm temperatures. The addition of stearic acid also reduces dripping and smoking, creating a neater flame and minimising the need to clean up waxy messes. Furthermore, stearic acid can be used to intensify the colour of the candle, producing brighter and more vibrant shades, particularly when used with paraffin wax.
To use stearic acid in candle-making, it is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 2-3% by weight, and increase the percentage as needed. It is important to note that higher proportions of stearic acid can affect the appearance and properties of the wax, such as opacity and surface crystallisation. When adding stearic acid to the wax, it is best to do so while the wax is cold, as adding it to hot wax can cause clumping and increase melting time.
Stearic acid can be safely melted in a double boiler or a wax melting pot before being combined with the wax. If colouring is desired, it is recommended to mix in the dye gradually before adding the wax. Stearic acid should not be used with latex moulds as it can cause the rubber to rot. Overall, stearic acid is a valuable additive in candle-making, providing numerous benefits that enhance the quality and appearance of candles.
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Melt the stearic acid in a double boiler
When adding stearic acid to candles, it is important to melt the acid in a double boiler first. This is because stearic acid melts at a high temperature, typically above 180°F or 69.3°C, and a double boiler provides a safe and controlled way to achieve this.
To begin, fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your double boiler, but make sure the water level is not so high that it touches the bottom of the upper pot or bowl. As the water in the bottom pot heats up, it will turn to steam, which will then heat the contents of the upper pot or bowl.
Next, place the desired amount of stearic acid into the upper pot or bowl of the double boiler. Turn on the stove to medium heat and allow the water in the bottom pot to heat up. It is important to note that stearic acid does not melt in a microwave, so this method is not recommended. As the water heats up, the steam will gently heat the stearic acid, causing it to melt.
While the stearic acid is melting, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The melting point of stearic acid can vary depending on its purity and source, but it typically melts between 55°C and 70°C. Continue heating the double boiler until the stearic acid reaches its melting point and becomes a liquid. This may take some time, so be patient and monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it does not exceed the desired melting point.
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Combine with paraffin wax
Stearic acid is a common additive used in candle-making. It is a fatty acid derived from tallow or vegetable oil. When combined with paraffin wax, stearic acid increases the melting point of the wax, making the candle harder and more long-lasting. It also reduces dripping and smoking, improves the colour, and makes the candle slower-burning.
To combine stearic acid with paraffin wax, first melt the stearic acid in a double boiler or wax melting pot. If you wish to add colour to your candle, this is the stage to introduce dyes, mixing them in gradually. Once you are happy with the colour, add the paraffin wax to the stearic acid, stirring occasionally while heating the mixture up to the required pouring temperature.
The ideal ratio of stearic acid to paraffin wax is 1:9, or 10% stearic acid to 90% wax. This ratio can be adjusted to achieve the desired properties and appearance. For example, a ratio of 1:4 produces startlingly vivid colours, but may give the wax a soapy appearance. If you are using stearic acid primarily to minimise fragrance migration, a lower ratio of 2-3% stearic acid to wax is recommended.
It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds, as it rots the rubber.
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Add dye to the liquid stearin
Adding dye to liquid stearin is a simple process, but it requires precision and care. Firstly, it is important to note that the type of dye you use will determine the specific steps you take. For example, if you are using a powder dye, you will need to dissolve it in very hot water before adding it to the stearin. On the other hand, if you are using a liquid dye, you can simply add it directly to the liquid stearin.
Let's assume you are using a powder dye. You should begin by wearing protective rubber gloves and dissolving your chosen dye powder in very hot water. The ratio of dye to water is crucial and will depend on the intensity of colour you desire. A good starting point is to mix 15 ml of dye with 950 ml of very hot water, as this will be enough to colour up to 1 kg of wax. You can always adjust the ratio by adding more dye or water to achieve your desired shade. Stir the mixture slowly and continuously for at least 10 minutes to ensure the dye is thoroughly dissolved and evenly distributed.
Once you have a homogeneous dye solution, you can begin adding it to your liquid stearin. It is important to add the dye gradually, a little at a time, to ensure that you achieve the desired colour intensity without oversaturating the stearin. Stir the mixture continuously as you add the dye to ensure even distribution.
To test the colour, you can drip a small amount of the dyed liquid stearin onto a plate or the base of a cup and allow it to set. This will give you a preview of the final colour and intensity. If you are happy with the shade, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you can adjust by adding more dye or diluting with water.
After achieving the perfect colour, you can add your paraffin wax to the mixture. The standard ratio is 10% stearin to 90% paraffin wax, which means you would use 100 grams of stearin per 900 grams of wax. Stir the mixture while heating it up to the required pouring temperature. And that's it! You now have coloured liquid stearin ready to be used in candle-making.
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Stearic acid improves appearance and burning properties
Stearic acid is a valuable additive that improves the appearance and burning properties of candles. It is a mixture of fatty acids commonly used in candle-making. When combined with softer waxes like paraffin, soy wax, or palm wax, stearic acid increases the melting point and hardness of the wax, making the candle more stable and less prone to bending or sagging in warm conditions. This results in a longer-lasting candle with a slower burn rate.
The addition of stearic acid also enhances the opacity or whiteness of the candle wax, making it ideal for producing white or lightly coloured candles with a more consistent and vibrant colour. It can be used to achieve pure pastel shades and bright colours without the muddy appearance that can sometimes occur in soy wax candles.
Furthermore, stearic acid's hardening properties contribute to the production of dripless candles. The increased hardness of the wax results in candles that are less likely to melt and bend, reducing the amount of wax that drips onto tables or clothing. This also leads to a cleaner burn, with smaller and neater flames that produce less smoke.
Stearic acid also functions as an activator, helping to catalyse molecules and initiate chemical reactions. Its lubricating properties aid in the reduction of viscosity and improvement of product flow, making it easier to work with during the candle-making process.
Overall, stearic acid is a versatile additive that improves the appearance, durability, and burning characteristics of candles, making it a valuable tool in the candle-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
Stearic acid is a fatty acid derived from tallow or vegetable oil. It is a wax modifier that has been used in candle-making for over 150 years.
Stearic acid has lubricating, emulsifying, and stabilising properties. It can also be used as a surface lubricant and mould release agent. When combined with paraffin wax, stearic acid increases the melting point of the wax, making the candle harder and longer-lasting. It also reduces dripping and smoking, improves colour, and makes the candle slower-burning.
Stearic acid should be added when you put in the wax. If you are using wax flakes or pastilles, you can stir it in while the wax is cold. If you are using liquid wax, add the stearic acid first and then add the wax, stirring occasionally while heating up to the required pouring temperature.
The amount of stearic acid to add depends on the desired properties and appearance of your candle. It is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 2-3% or 5% by weight, and increase the percentage when necessary.
Yes, it is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots the rubber. It is also important to handle stearic acid safely when melting it, as it has a high melting point.
