Container Wax Brands & Data

MANUFACTURER: The name (If Known) of the company that makes the wax. 

CONTAINS: A simple list of materials that the wax is made of. This could be things like Soy, Paraffin, Petroleum or Vegan additives, etc.

HARDNESS: The firmness or rigidity of a wax when it is in its solid state. It is an important characteristic to consider in candle making as it can affect various aspects of the final product, including burn time, burn stability, and surface appearance. This can also be a factor in wicking a candle due to the fact some waxes may be more difficult for the wick to draw up and use for fuel. 

Soft: The consistency of shortening to chilled butter. Will cut or scoop easily. 
Medium: Soft enough to cut with a butter knife but has a solid consistency. It feels firm in your hand but will soften almost immediately. 
Firm: Will cut with a blade but may fracture unevenly when cutting. Can be held in the hand a short time before softening.
Hard: Takes more effort to cut. Will snap or fracture when cutting. May take a long time to soften in the hand.

MAX FO %: The maximum load of fragrance and any additive oils before the wax may become oversaturated and dangerous to burn. This must include the fragrance and any other oils you add to soften the wax.

IDEAL FO %: The suggested % of fragrance to get the best hot throw. 

MELT POINT: The temperature that the wax must reach to begin the melting process. This is used for determining the wicks you may want to use as wicks have different optimal burn temperatures.

CONGEAL POINT: The temperature where the wax starts to crystalize and become gel-like. This is important because this can also help determine what wicks will work best for candles as this temperature can affect how evenly a candle burns, wick and flame stability, tunneling issues, and many other performance issues. 

ADD FO TEMP: The ideal temperature to add fragrance and dye to the wax before pouring. This is the temperature where the lipid molicules for this type of wax are most open and at the best state to accept fragrance and dye to become homogenous. This can solve issues with candles “sweating” fragrance and dye or fragrance pooling. Make sure to stir the fragrance and dye evenly and firmly without adding air bubbles, for 1-2 minutes so the lipid molecules can start to grab ahold of the fragrance.  

POUR TEMP: The optimal temperature range at which melted wax should be poured into candle molds or containers during the candle-making process. It signifies the point at which the wax is in its ideal state for pouring, ensuring that it flows smoothly and evenly, adhering properly to the container or mold, and minimizes issues such as tunneling, air bubbles, cracking, or frosting.

SCORCH TEMP: The temperature threshold at which the wax begins to degrade, discolor, or emit undesirable odors during the candle-making process. It is the point at which the wax is subjected to excessive heat, leading to thermal degradation and potential changes in its chemical composition. Monitoring scorch temperature is crucial for preventing issues such as burning or charring of the wax, which can affect the quality, appearance, and performance of the finished candles. Keep in mind that additives can alter this temperature up or down.

CURE TIME: The period of time required for the candle to fully crystallize and develop its desired characteristics, including scent throw, color stability, and burn performance. During this time, the lipid molecules within the wax matrix undergo a process of solidification, firmly encapsulating fragrance and dye molecules and allowing them to disperse effectively when the candle is burned. This process is essential for optimizing the candle’s performance and ensuring that it delivers the intended scent and color experience. Waiting for the candle to cure before testing or using it allows sufficient time for these molecular interactions to occur, resulting in a more consistent and satisfying candle experience for the end user.

SHRINKAGE: The reduction in size or volume of the candle as it cools and solidifies after pouring. This process can continue as the candle cures as well, so this is why fully curing a candle is essential. Shrinkage can lead to various issues such as uneven surfaces, cracking, or even separation from the container including “wet spots”. The scale for comparing shrinkage is:

Low: A minimal reduction in size or volume as they cool and solidify after pouring. This results in smooth surfaces, even burn characteristics and minimal risk of cracking or separation from the container. 
Medium: Medium shrinkage undergoes a moderate reduction in size or volume during the cooling process. While they may exhibit some minor imperfections such as slight surface irregularities or small gaps between the wax and container (“Wet Spots”), they generally maintain overall structural integrity and burn performance.
High: A significant reduction in size or volume as they cool and solidify, often resulting in noticeable surface imperfections, such as cracking, warping, or separation from the container. These candles may require additional care and attention during the pouring and cooling process to minimize defects and ensure satisfactory results.  Often these types of waxes are NOT for container candles, however may be optimal for Pillar candles and Tarts or wax melts.

ADHESION: The ability of the melted wax to adhere or bond to various surfaces, such as the walls of a container or the surface of a mold, during the pouring and cooling process. It is an important characteristic to consider as it influences the overall quality and appearance of the finished candles. The scale for comparing adhesion is:

Poor: May struggle to bond adequately to the container or mold, resulting in uneven surfaces, air pockets, or difficulty in removing the candle from the mold. This can lead to aesthetic imperfections and potential performance issues during burning.
Fair: Moderate bonding to the container or mold, providing some degree of surface contact but may still experience occasional issues such as minor surface irregularities or challenges in mold release. 
Good: Satisfactory bonding to the container or mold, ensuring consistent and uniform surface contact. This results in smooth finishes with minimal imperfections and reliable performance during burning. 
Excellent: Exhibits superior bonding to the container or mold, resulting in flawless finishes with no visible imperfections. These candles adhere securely to the surface, providing optimal performance and aesthetic appeal. 

COLORFASTNESS: The ability of the candle wax to take color dyes, and also retain its color over time, resisting fading or discoloration when exposed to various factors such as light, heat, or air. It is an important characteristic to consider as it ensures that candles maintain their intended appearance and aesthetic appeal throughout their lifespan. The scale for comparing colorfastness is:

Poor: May absorb dye inefficiently, requiring a significant amount of dye to achieve desired vibrancy. Despite this, the color may still fade or change over time, diminishing the overall appearance of the candles.
Fair: Absorbs dye moderately well, requiring a moderate amount of dye to achieve satisfactory vibrancy. While the color may remain relatively stable over time, some fading or alteration may occur with extended exposure to environmental factors.
Good: Absorbs dye efficiently, requiring a relatively low to moderate amount of dye to achieve vibrant colors. The color remains stable over time, with minimal fading or alteration under normal conditions.
Excellent: Absorbs dye exceptionally well, requiring a minimal amount of dye to achieve vibrant, long-lasting colors. The color remains exceptionally stable over time, maintaining its vibrancy and visual appeal with minimal fading or alteration, even under prolonged exposure to environmental factors.

HOT THROW: The strength and intensity of fragrance emitted by a candle when it is burning. Specifically, the ability of the candle to release its fragrance into the surrounding environment as the wax melts and evaporates, producing a noticeable scent that fills the room. While wax quality plays a role in hot throw, it is important to note that other factors such as wick selection and a balanced fragrance load (Not too much FO) also contribute to a strong hot throw. The scale to compare hot throw is:

Poor: Limited fragrance diffusion when burned, resulting in a weak or barely perceptible scent in the surrounding area. This can lead to disappointment for users expecting a more pronounced fragrance experience.
Fair: A moderate level of fragrance diffusion when burned, offering a noticeable scent within the immediate vicinity. While the fragrance may be detectable, it may not fully fill larger spaces or provide a strong aroma.
Good: A strong and consistent fragrance diffusion when burned, filling the room with a pleasant and noticeable scent. The fragrance remains distinct and enjoyable throughout the burning process, providing a satisfying olfactory experience for users.
Excellent: An exceptional level of fragrance diffusion when burned, dispersing a powerful and long-lasting scent that fills the room with intensity. The fragrance is robust and maintains its strength throughout the entire burning duration.

REC WICK TYPES: Specific wicks that are suggested or advised by candle-making experts or manufacturers for use with a particular type of wax, container, or candle size. These recommendations are based on extensive testing and experience to help achieve optimal burn performance, including factors such as flame size, wax consumption, and evenness of burn.
Using the recommended wick type can help ensure that the candle burns safely and efficiently, with minimal issues such as tunneling, smoking, or uneven melting. 

PROP 65: Officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law designed to protect consumers from exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Under Prop 65, businesses are required to provide clear and reasonable warnings on products, facilities, or establishments that may expose consumers to these chemicals above specified levels. The law also prohibits companies from knowingly discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.
Compliance with Prop 65 regulations is essential for businesses operating in or selling products to California, as failure to provide required warnings can result in significant penalties and legal liabilities. To ensure compliance, businesses must stay informed about updates to the list of chemicals covered by Prop 65 and take appropriate measures to provide warnings or reformulate products as needed.

APPLICATIONS: The various uses or purposes for which candles are designed or intended. This encompasses a range of candle types and forms, each tailored to specific functions or preferences. Common applications include:

Containers: These candles are designed to be poured into containers such as jars or tins, where they are then burned.
Pillars: Freestanding candles that are molded or hand-poured into pillar-shaped molds. These can include votives and tapers in regards to this webpage.
Melts: Wax melts, also known as wax tarts or wax cubes, are small pieces of scented wax that are melted in a wax warmer or melter to release fragrance into the air.