[Nfb-krafters-korner] {Disarmed} Fwd: The En-Light-ener -- September 2013
Blindhands at aol.com
Blindhands at aol.com
Thu Sep 26 20:19:04 UTC 2013
This is a newsletter that I have been getting for a long time regarding
candles. I have had some questions recently regarding candles, so this might
be interesting for you. I also have gotten candle supplies from them.
The beginning of the new year is the best time to purchase wicks from this
company if you are looking for large amounts at excellent prices. They
sell them I think by the pound.
Joyce Kane
_www.KraftersKorner.org_ (http://www.krafterskorner.org/)
Blindhands at AOL.com
____________________________________
From: list at candlewic.com
Reply-to: wax-n-wic at list.candlewic.com
To: Blindhands at aol.com
Sent: 9/26/2013 8:27:32 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: The En-Light-ener -- September 2013
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"The En-Light-ener"
Candle Making Newsletter
Choosing the Right Wax
September is always associated with back to school as students head back
to the classroom at all levels. For some students going back to school is
just routine and the classes merely change. For others it is a completely new
school, new studying techniques or grading system.
As a candle maker we recommend treating September as "Back to Candle
Making". It is a great time to reacquaint yourself with all of the waxes
available and if you act quickly time to test the various waxes. If you are just
starting out this should be a great summary of all the waxes available. As
supplement to this article we also recommend you _view this video_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/56572/33/) which summarizes the
various wax types.
In general we try to break the waxes into several categories:
* straight waxes
* blended waxes
* natural waxes
* and then a subcategory of granulated wax
Straight Wax for Candle Making
_Straight waxes, also known as paraffin wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61741/34/) , do not have any additives and are what many
blends start with. These are used in many other applications and in most
instances the most cost-effective product. The type of candles you make will
dictate the melt point of the wax you use.
For containers a melt point of 121-129 °F is ideal for this application.
You can make a very good container by using any waxes with these melt points
and then adding a very small (no more then 1%) of _Vybar 260_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61742/35/) . To enhance the wax you can
even add 5% of _Micro 180_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61743/36/) to this wax.
For votives the ideal wax melt point would be 130-142°F. You can make a
nice votive by adding some _Vybar 103_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61744/37/) (no more then 1%) and maybe something like 5% _Stearic
Acid_ (http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61745/38/) .
For pillars it is best to use waxes 137-150°F. If you plan on putting a
great deal of fragrance adding something like vybar and Micro will make for
an excellent formulation. The nice thing about using straight waxes is that
you can constantly tweak your formula and find that special look. The other
added advantage is that in most instances this will allow you to purchase
at the most economical means.
Candle Wax Blends
If you are starting out and want to simplify your process then blends are
the best way to go for your operation. Blends are a combination of the
paraffin waxes and then various components such as Micro's and Petrolatum's
are used. In most instances the manufacturer will not provide the formulation
to the end user. Blends are an excellent option in that all you will need
to do is add your color, fragrance and UV inhibitors.
The shortcomings of blends are that in most instances they have to be
developed for a wide range of applications so if you are adding a little less
fragrance then the manufacturer is recommending, you may not get the exact
results you desire. Another flaw with blends is that if problems develop, it
can be difficult to troubleshoot without knowing what the components of
the particular blend.
The next category would be the Natural Waxes and we include in this
selection Soy, Palm, Beeswax and Bayberry. Without doubt Soy wax is continuing to
grow in popularity.
Soy Wax
The first wax we will feature is soy. _Soy wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/39/) is simply hydrogenated soybean oil and the
best application for this wax is in containers. When using _soy wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/40/) it is important to note
that there is definitely performance and appearance differences between
paraffin wax and wax and _soy wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/41/) .
* First and foremost is the appearance of the candle. _Soy wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/42/) in general produces
candles that have a "flat" or pastel shade to the candle. This can play very
well to the scents used; in the fall nothing is better than harvest colors
and fragrances.
* _Soy wax_ (http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/43/)
will always require more dye to get to the desired color.
* It is as close to one a pour wax as exists in the market. It will
still require some topping off if poured too hot or if the container is too
large.
* Another very positive feature of the _soy wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61746/44/) is that the pouring temperatures have
less impact on the finished candle than paraffin waxes.
* Depending on the scent load you are using, in most instances no
special additives will be needed.
By now you have to be asking yourself if it is that good then why not just
switch to this wax while I read this article? The main reason is that the
scent throw that candle makers achieve with paraffin just cannot be at the
same level when using soy wax. As these waxes get better at scent throw or
fragrance companies improve the scent throw that can be achieved, the soy
market will continue to grow.
Palm Wax
The other natural wax to consider would be the _Palm wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/60170/45/) . This wax is produced by
hydrogenated Palm Oils. These waxes are great because of the unique textures which
can be produced with these waxes. In most instances there is a
crystallizing pattern which is available for both containers and freestanding candles.
In addition there is a feathering pattern which is available for free
standing candles.
One of the best natural waxes we offer is the _CSP wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/49401/46/) . This is an all natural blend of soy
and palm wax which creates a very nice creamy finish. This wax is excellent
for pillars, votives and tarts.
Beeswax Candles
The other natural wax which is commonly used and has been for hundreds of
year is beeswax. This product is used in all type of candles including
tapers, pillar, votives and even containers. Beeswax is one of the best all
around waxes on the market.
Granulated Wax
The final type of wax which is used more for crafting and easy candle
making is the _granulated wax_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61747/47/) . This wax is a 140 Melt point paraffin that is formed into little
beads. These beads can easily be poured into containers and a wick inserted
for an instant candle. This activity is great if you own a candle shop, if
you teach classes or when you do shows it is an activity the kids would
want to do while the parents shop your candle selection. No matter which wax
you are currently using it always helps to know what options are available
if you are adding another line or looking to change things up. Hi! I'm
Chandler!
I can help you
_learn how to make candles_
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61748/48/) .
CHANDLER'S CORNER
How do I determine the burn time of my candle?
One of the important elements when marketing a candle (besides the candle
itself) is the burn time. Each candle company has different burning rates
depending on the waxes used and the size of the wick. In order to properly
determine the burn time of a candle, the following procedure should be used:
1. Light the candle and let burn for four hours. At the conclusion of
this time, blow out the candle.
2. Wait one hour. Then trim the wick and relight for four additional
hours.
3. Repeat this procedure until the candle is consumed.
4. Record how many hours you burned the candle.
This will give you a standard burn time at which you can market the
candle. Many times consumers will let the candle burn continuously. This will not
allow the candle to obtain the maximum burn time.
FAST FACT
Ancient Egyptians recognized the value of beeswax as a preservative, and
early Romans fashioned coins from beeswax to pay their taxes. Invention of
the candle dates back to about 400 B.C., but the idea to use beeswax to form
candles didn't emerge until the Middle Ages. Source:
_http://www.wisegeek.com_ (http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/52107/49/)
Editor Note: Boy weren't the good old days great. If only I could pay my
taxes with beeswax now.
September 2013
Featured Project:
Customization Made Easy
Have you noticed an item in your home that you thought would make a unique
candle and/or soap mold? Did you then realize that making the mold was a
difficult and costly endeavor? This was truly the case until _Miracle Mold
Material (M3)_ (http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/59721/50/) came
along.
We have selected a flower to use for this project, but you can use any
similar object. The best project to get started with should be simple, until
you learn how to work with the material.
Step 1
Take equal part of the material (again, starting with something small and
only using a small portion of the material). One is an ivory color and the
other is yellow. Mix them together thoroughly by hand. You will know they
are mixed together thoroughly when the material is a consistent yellow with
no streaks. You will have to work fast because the material will start to
set in about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Take the material and form it around the flower. Make sure you apply
pressure throughout the object and that there is some level of thickness to the
material around the object. Depending on what the object is, leave the
bottom of the object open so you can pour the wax/soap base into the complete
mold. The thicker the molding material is, the more durable the mold will
be in the future.
Step 3
Once you have the material uniformly covered (leaving the bottom open),
take the bottom of the mold/top of the candle and gently flatten it out so
the mold will rest flat.
Step 4
Let the product set, which generally takes 30-40 minutes, and then remove
your object from the material. You now have your finished mold, and you
can take the wax and pour it into the mold.
FEATURES
* Make your own custom candle and soap molds that are great for
weddings, baby showers and other special events.
* Make your own embeds.
* Easy to mix by hand.
* No waste of materials - only mold to the level of the desired
thickness of the mold.
* Very fast set-up time; no need to wait overnight to use.
* Can be used with wax or soap
Join Us Online
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/49687/51/)
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(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/53100/56/)
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/53036/57/)
(http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/56289/63/)
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the En-Light-ener.
Thank you for your continued interest and support.
Our goal is to make this newsletter as entertaining and educational as
possible.
_Let us know_ (mailto:info at candlewic.com) if you have any ideas on how we
can improve. Candlewic Company
3765 Old Easton Road
Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901
800-368-3352 (http://list.candlewic.com/t/6329883/3365805/61749/64/)
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