Stearin (Stearic Acid, Stearic Powder)

Stearin is the most commonly used candle making additive. It is almost always used in paraffin candles. The correct proportions depend on the type of candle you are making. As a general rule begin with 1 ½ teaspoon stearin per one pound of wax. You can move up to 3 teaspoons per one pound of wax, if needed.

The benefits are using stearin as an additive:

• Hardens the candle
• Reduces the temperature needed to melt the wax, giving it a longer burn time
• Shrinks the wax, making it easier to remove from a mold
• Enhances color, glossiness, and decreases translucence
• Can promote mottling (snowflake effect)

Do not use stearin with a flexible mold, it will rot the mold.

Do not use stearin in a container candle, because it will shrink away from the sides.

General rules for working with candle additives: always measure as accurately as possible, always thoroughly mix the additive into the wax, always use the smallest amount possible and see what effect that has before deciding to use more, always keep a record in your candle making notebook of how much additive you used.