Manufactures Notes
Kerawax 4600 requires no additives and has outstanding stability with no experienced
shelf life issues. Old or partial candles may be re melted and the wax reused. Waxes
should be stored in a cool dry location away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture.
Moulds
Moulds should be clean and at room temperature. Your moulds may need
“conditioning” before using Kerawax 4600. If your candle does not release well after
setting, clean the mould, re-melt the wax and re-pour. This will have “conditioned”
the mould.
Colour
Most dyes work with Kerawax 4600; powder, liquid, chips, blocks, etc. Pigments do
not dissolve in Kerawax 4600. When using powder dyes heat the wax to 80°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, color 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 color you are using.
Fragrance
Kerawax 4600 may be used with almost any fragrance at levels up to 10 -12%. Burn
pool size and depth greatly affect scent throw so correct wicking is paramount. Some
fragrances may react poorly with the wax causing bleed, objectionable surface finishes
or poor flame quality. In this case try a lower concentration, a different fragrance or
manufacturer to eliminate it.
Wicking
Kerawax 4600 may require larger wick sizes than traditional paraffin waxes. They tend
to burn more down than out allowing them to have longer burn periods. Scent, 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 tunneling 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
When using pre dispersed or no dye at all, heat the wax to 70°C. For powder dye use,
heat the wax to 90°C, add the dye and mix until dissolved. Undissolved powdered dyes
will be seen as dark specs on the bottom of the mixing container Temporary high
temperatures such as 90°C have no adverse effect as long as the wax is cool ed back
down quickly. Higher temperatures may cause the wax to discolor. 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 you want to achieve. Scent should be added and mixed right before
pouring or at higher temperatures if desired. If you experience difficulties with your
pour temperature try a lower or higher temperature in increments of 10°C. Consider
pouring into pre heated moulds for an extra glossy finish.
Double-Pour: When using Kerawax 4600 two pours are required with larger candles
such as 3 & 4 inch pillars. Do the first pour at 65°C by filling the mould to the top and
allowing the candle to cool until it’s still warm with a congealed center that has no
liquid. If the top of the Mould (bottom of the candle) has “skinned” over and left a
void inside, poke two holes into the candle near the wick and pour a second time at
60°C.
Making Votives: Make the first pour at 65°C by filling the mould to within an ⅛ inch
from the top. Allow the candle to cool until it’s still warm with a congealed center
that has no liquid. If the top of the candle ha s “skinned” over, create two holes near
the wick and pour a second time at 60°C to completely fill the votive mould.
Candle Cooling and Mould Release
Cool undisturbed candles at room temperature (about 25°C). The Moulds should be
about ¼ to ½ inch apart to allow air circulation for even cooling. Kerawax 4600 is self-releasing.
Spray silicone Mould release may be used in the unusual event of sticking. If
difficult Mould release is experienced, placing the Mould/candle in the refrigerator
for a few minutes will cause the candle to release. 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 Mould, wax, dye, fragrance
and wick must be tested for burn qualit