Tyler Brooks
Stearic acid, also known as stearin, is a common additive used in candle-making. It is a fatty acid derived from palm or coconut oil, though historically it was derived from animal fat. When combined with paraffin wax, stearic acid increases the melting point of the wax, making candles harder and more resistant to hot weather. It also acts as a lubricant and stabiliser, and can make colours more intense. Candle-makers should add stearic acid to the wax when it is cold, as adding it to hot wax can cause clumping.
When to add stearic acid to candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Additive | Stearic acid is a wax additive that can be added to candles. |
| Type | It is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm or coconut oil. |
| Benefits | It makes candles burn more evenly, with high thermal stability, and increases burning time. |
| Hardness | It acts as a hardening agent when combined with softer waxes like paraffin. |
| Opacity | It increases the opacity of the wax and the finished candle. |
| Colour | It helps to intensify the colour of the candle. |
| Scent | It improves the olfactory rendering of the candle. |
| Moulding | It can be used as a mould release agent and is suitable for making moulded candles. |
| Lubrication | It has both internal and external lubrication properties. |
| Best time to add | It can be added when the wax is cold or when melting the 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 derived from palm oil, coconut oil, or animal fats. It has been used in candle-making since the Middle Ages, and its use became widespread after World War II due to its high melting point.
Stearic acid is a valuable additive in candle-making for several reasons. Firstly, it increases the melting point of the wax, resulting in candles that are harder and can withstand hot weather without melting or bending. This is especially beneficial when combined with softer waxes like paraffin, as it prolongs the life of the candle without affecting its burning quality. Stearic acid also improves the appearance of candles by making the colours more vibrant and intense, and it can be used to create moulded candles.
Additionally, stearic acid functions as a stabiliser and softener, and its lubricating properties aid in the reduction of viscosity and improvement of product flow. It also serves as an activator, catalysing molecules to start a general reaction. When used in higher proportions, stearic acid can opacify the wax, and in even higher amounts, it can cause crystallisation of the candle surface.
When adding stearic acid to candles, it is recommended to melt it safely in a double boiler or a wax melting pot before combining it with the wax. It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots rubber. The ideal ratio is 1 part stearic acid to 9 parts paraffin wax, although a higher proportion of stearic acid can be used to increase the opacity of the wax.
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It can be used to harden candles
Stearic acid, also known as stearin, is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil, coconut oil, or animal fats. It has been used in candle-making since the Middle Ages and is known to be a valuable additive.
When combined with softer waxes like paraffin, stearic acid acts as a hardening agent. It increases the melting point of the wax, making the candles harder and more resistant to hot weather. This means that candles made with stearic acid are less likely to melt or bend and are also less likely to drip.
To use stearic acid in candle-making, it is recommended to melt the acid in a double boiler or wax melting pot before adding the colouring. Once the desired colour intensity is achieved, the stearic acid can be combined with paraffin wax and stirred while heating up to the required pouring temperature. It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots rubber.
The addition of stearic acid to candles can also improve the burning properties, increase the burning time, and make the colours more intense. It is a useful ingredient for creating moulded candles and scented fondants, as well as improving the olfactory rendering of soy wax.
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It increases the melting point of paraffin wax
Stearic acid, also known as stearin, is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm or coconut oil. It has been used in candle-making since the Middle Ages, when it was derived from animal fat. Adding stearic acid to paraffin wax increases the melting point of the wax to around 80°C (176°F). This is significantly higher than the typical melting point of pure paraffin wax, which falls between 46°C and 68°C.
The process of increasing the melting point of paraffin wax by adding stearic acid was discovered in the 19th century by a chemist named Michel-Eugène Chevreu. This discovery revolutionised the candle-making industry, as it allowed for the production of candles with higher melting points, improved burning times, and enhanced appearance.
When creating candles with stearic acid and paraffin wax, it is important to note that the ideal ratio is 1 part stearic acid to 9 parts paraffin wax. This ratio ensures that the candles have vibrant colours and burn efficiently. Additionally, it is recommended to melt the stearic acid separately before combining it with the paraffin wax. This can be done using a double-boiler on the stove or a wax-melting pot.
The addition of stearic acid to paraffin wax not only increases the melting point but also enhances the overall performance of the candle. Candles made with this combination tend to burn longer, with smaller and neater flames, resulting in less dripping and smoking. The higher melting point also contributes to the stability of the candle, especially in hot weather, as it helps the candle retain its shape without melting or bending.
While the addition of stearic acid has notable benefits, it is important to recognise that it is not a standard ingredient in wax formulations. This suggests that while it offers advantages, it may not be a universal solution for all candle makers. Nevertheless, for those seeking to enhance their candles' melting points and overall performance, stearic acid can be a valuable additive to explore.
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It can be used to make candles burn more evenly
Stearic acid, also known as stearin, is a valuable additive in candle-making. It is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm or coconut oil, though historically it was derived from animal fat. It has been used in candle-making since the Middle Ages, and its use became widespread after World War II due to its high melting point.
When combined with paraffin wax, stearic acid increases the melting point of the wax, resulting in candles that burn longer and more evenly, with smaller, neater flames. This leads to less dripping and smoking, reducing the need to clean up waxy messes and sparing your walls and ceilings from candle soot.
To use stearic acid in candle-making, it is recommended to melt the acid in a double-boiler or wax melting pot before adding the colouring. You can then add the paraffin wax to the stearic acid, stirring occasionally while heating up to the required pouring temperature. It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots the rubber.
The amount of stearic acid added to the wax will also affect the properties of the candle. A ratio of 1 part stearic acid to 9 parts paraffin wax will produce vibrant colours and pure pastel shades. Increasing the proportion of stearic acid will make the wax more opaque, and in even higher proportions, the candle surface may start to crystallize.
Overall, stearic acid is a useful additive in candle-making, particularly when combined with paraffin wax, as it improves the burning properties of the candle and enhances its appearance.
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It can be used as a stabiliser and softener
Stearic acid, also known as stearin, is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm or coconut oil, though historically it was derived from animal fat. It has been used in candle-making since the Middle Ages and remains a common additive today.
Stearic acid is an incredibly useful ingredient in candle-making due to its properties as a stabiliser and softener. When combined with softer waxes like paraffin, stearic acid acts as a hardening agent, increasing the melting point of the wax and resulting in candles that are harder and more resistant to heat. This makes stearic acid particularly useful for creating candles that can withstand hot weather without melting or bending.
The hardening effect of stearic acid also helps to extend the life of the candle by slowing down the melting process. This results in candles that burn for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
In addition to its hardening properties, stearic acid also improves the appearance of candles. It can be used to intensify colours, making them more vibrant and pure, particularly when combined with paraffin wax. However, it is important to note that using too much stearic acid can give the wax a soapy appearance.
When adding stearic acid to candles, it is recommended to melt the acid in a double boiler or wax melting pot before combining it with the wax. It can then be stirred into the wax while it is still cold to avoid clumping.
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Frequently asked questions
Stearic acid is a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm or coconut oil. It is a common additive in candle-making that acts as a lubricant, activator, and hardening agent.
Adding stearic acid to your candles can improve their appearance and burning properties. It increases the melting point of the wax, making the candles harder and more resistant to heat. It also makes the colours more vibrant and intense, and can help reduce dripping and smoking.
Stearic acid should be added to the wax when it is in its melted state. It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots rubber.
The amount of stearic acid added depends on the desired effect. For intense colours, a ratio of 1:9 stearic acid to paraffin wax is recommended. For slower-burning candles, a higher proportion of stearic acid can be used, but this may cause the surface of the candle to crystallize.
