Manufacturers Notes
KeraSoy Massage – Container Grade does not require additives, other than fragrance
and colour required by the Candle maker. Old or partial candles may be remelted and
the wax reused although it is advisable not to heat the wax above 85°C or heating for
extended lengths of time. Waxes should be stored in a cool, dry location away from
direct heat, sunlight and moisture.
Containers
Containers should be clean and free of contaminants. Containers should be at least at
room temperature, although pre-heating the containers to approx. 45 – 50°C can be
beneficial.
Colour
Most dyes work with KeraSoy Massage – Container Grade; powder, liquid, chips, blocks,
etc. When using powder dyes, heat the wax to approx. 75°C, add the dye and mix until
dissolved. Powder dyes may also be dissolved in fragrance and then added to the melted
wax, be sure the dye has dissolved completely before adding. When using powder dyes
dissolved in fragrance, liquid dyes, colour blocks, chips or no dye heat the wax to 70°C.
If you wish to make your candle darker or “richer” , add a little black dye to the colour
you are using.
Fragrance
KeraSoy Massage – Container Grade may be used with fragrance at levels up to 10-12%,
however fragrance which is specifically developed for use with natural waxes is highly
recommended. Burn pool size and depth greatly affect fragrance throw so correct
wicking is paramount. Some fragrances may react poorly with the wax causing bleeding,
objectionable surface finishes or poor flame quality. This has been found to be
exaggerated when using fragrances specifically designed for use in Paraffin wax candles.
Wicking
Natural waxes tend to require larger wick sizes than traditional paraffin waxes.
Fragrance, colour and candle configuration have a great impact on the best wick choice.
Too large of a wick may cause sooting, accelerated burn times and guttering (wax
leaking through the side of the candle). Too small a wick will cause tunnelling and
produce a smaller flame. Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch. If you experience poor flame
quality or stability, try a different type of wick. Test burning should be done after the
candle has had a chance to sit for 48 hours after pouring.
Melting
Temporary high temperatures (up to 90°C) have no adverse effect as long as the wax is
cooled back down quickly. Higher temperatures may cause the wax to discolour. Allow
the wax to cool to your desired pour temperature, add the fragrance and mix well. Be
sure to stir/mix the wax while melting. Avoid using containers containing copper and
zinc as this may accelerate discolouration. Stainless Steel is the material of choice
although mild steel is acceptable. Digital temperature probes are readily available and
are a safer choice than the traditional Mercury in glass type.
Pouring
Pour temperatures may vary according to mould type & size, fragrance & dye used and
the effects the candle maker wishes to achieve. Greater adhesion to containers can be
achieved by pouring at temperature close to congealing point ( approximately 45 – 55°C).
Fragrance should be added and mixed immediately prior to pouring where practical. If
you experience difficulties with your pour temperature, try a lower or higher
temperature in increments of 5 – 10°C. Consider pouring into pre heated moulds for
better adhesion to glass containers.
Double-Pour
KeraSoy Massage – Container Grade is formulated to require only a single pour in most
containers however, for some large containers; a top-up is required to achieve the best
candle surface. A small amount of wax at a slightly warmer temperature than the candle
was poured at can be used to top-up the candle before the candle is fully cool (pouring
the top-up once the candle is completely cool may result in a reduction of adhesion to
the container).
Candle Cooling
Cool undisturbed candles at room temperature (about 25°C). Candles should be
allowed to sit undisturbed for 48 hours before test burning.
Test Burn:
Check wicking. Test burn the candle for burn pool diameter and “mushrooming” after it
has cooled for 48 hours. Mushrooming is when carbon and/or other substances build
up on the end of the wick interfering with combustion. Mushrooming can cause sooting
and poor odours. Try different wicks until you have your desired burn pool diameter
and a good clean flame.
Every combination of container, wax, dye, fragrance and wick must be tested for burn
quality