Plant-based stearin for better candles

Stearin is a plant-based raw material in pastille form that you add to paraffin to improve the burning properties of your candles. Normally you add about 10 % stearin to the paraffin. For larger pillar candles, such as abbey candles, about 15 % is recommended: this gives you a whiter, firmer candle that is less likely to warp. You can also use stearin on its own for stearin candles.

Key benefits

• Better burning properties: the candle burns more cleanly, drips less and smokes less.
• Harder, stronger candle: sturdy and less prone to warping.
• Deeper colours: candle dye shows to better effect.
• Easier release: better shrinkage properties, so the candle comes out of the mould more easily.
• Plant-based, in pastilles: easy to weigh out.

Typical applications

• ✓ Additive for paraffin casting wax and paraffin dipping wax
• ✓ Large pillar candles, such as abbey candles
• ✓ Pure stearin candles

Processing

1. Weigh out the stearin: about 10 % of the total amount of wax, about 15 % for large pillar candles.
2. Melt the stearin together with the paraffin indirectly in a bain-marie with a controllable heat source.
3. Stir until homogeneous and cast or dip the candles as usual.
4. Test one candle first, especially if you also add dye or fragrance, and match the wick accordingly.

Points to note

• ✓ Molten wax is hot and can cause burns. Never heat it directly over a flame and do not leave the wax unattended.
• ✓ Colour rendering depends on the raw material: the same candle dye looks different in a stearin candle than in pure paraffin.
• ✓ Store the wax dry, cool and sealed.

Professional support

Not sure how much stearin your recipe needs? Email us at info@siliconesandmore.com and we will be happy to help.