KeraSoy Container 4130, candle wax, 1 kg

KeraSoy container 4130 soy wax is a plant-based soy wax blend developed for pouring container candles, that is, candles that burn directly in glass or another vessel. When poured close to the setting point, it adheres to the vessel wall and in most standard containers a single pour is sufficient without topping up. No additional additives are required; only a fragrance blend and, if needed, a colorant are added to the melted wax.

It accepts fragrance oils at loadings of up to 10 – 12 %, making it possible to produce strongly scented candles. The result is tuned with three variables: fragrance, colorant and wick.

Suitable for

• Container candles – the wax is formulated for adhesion to vessel walls; at the correct pouring temperature, topping up is not required in most containers.
• Scented candles – accepts high fragrance oil loadings; best results are achieved with fragrances developed for natural waxes.
• Coloured candles – compatible with most oil-soluble colorants: powder, liquid, blocks and flakes.
• Re-melting – remnants of old or failed candles can be remelted and the wax reused, provided it is not overheated for extended periods.

This wax is developed for container candles. It is not intended for free-standing candles made in moulds.

Processing instructions

Melt the wax with constant stirring, preferably in a stainless steel vessel. Ordinary steel is acceptable, but copper and zinc accelerate discolouration of the wax and should be avoided. Brief heating to 90 °C does no harm if the wax is cooled promptly. Holding above 85 °C for extended periods leads to darkening. Monitor temperature with a digital probe thermometer; a glass thermometer in hot wax is less safe.

Powder colorant is added to wax heated to approximately 75 °C and stirred until fully dissolved. It can also be pre-dissolved in fragrance oil and added together with it, but the colorant must be completely dissolved. For liquid colorants, blocks and flakes, 70 °C is sufficient. A richer, darker shade is achieved by adding a small amount of black colorant to the chosen colour.

Fragrance oil is added only after the wax has cooled to pouring temperature, just before pouring, and mixed thoroughly. Fragrances developed for paraffin candles may perform poorly with this wax: the fragrance oil may sweat to the surface, the candle surface may be uneven, or the flame may be weak. Choose blends formulated for natural waxes.

Large containers may require a top-up pour after setting to level the surface. Top up with a small amount of wax slightly warmer than the first pour temperature, before the candle has fully cooled. Topping up a completely cold candle reduces adhesion to the vessel. Allow candles to cool undisturbed at room temperature, around 25 °C, and leave them to cure for 48 hours before a test burn.

Wick and test burn

Natural waxes generally require a thicker wick than paraffin. The correct size is influenced by the fragrance, colorant, and the diameter and shape of the container. A wick that is too thick causes sooting, fast burn and wax running along the candle wall. A wick that is too thin leads to tunnelling and a small flame. Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 6 mm. If the flame is weak or unstable, try a different wick type.

During a test burn, monitor the diameter of the melt pool and the formation of a mushroom at the wick tip. The mushroom is a build-up of carbon and other deposits that impairs burning, causes soot and an unpleasant odour. Test wicks until you achieve the desired melt pool diameter and a clean, steady flame.

Good to know

• Oil-soluble colorants only – wax is oil-soluble and water-insoluble; water-dispersible colorants will not dissolve in it.
• Indicative temperatures – the melting point is around 45 °C and the setting point around 34 °C. These are typical values; a specific batch may vary slightly.
• Clean containers – pouring vessels must be free of contaminants and at least at room temperature; pre-warming to 45 – 50 °C improves adhesion.

Frequently asked questions