KERASOY PILLAR BLEND

Description 

KeraSoy Pillar Blend is a 100% natural easy-to-use wax.

Ideal for pillars, votives, tarts, wax melts, and novelty candles as it is formulated to contract from the mold to enable easy release.

An exclusive blend of soy wax and natural additives to enhance performance, it does not require additional ingredients, other than the fragrance and color required by the candle maker. Dermatologically tested.

Recommendation

KeraSoy Pillar is a blend specifically developed for the production of Pillar and Votive candles. It is suitable for further blending with fragrances and oil-soluble dyes. Kerasoy Pillar blend is biodegradable and vegan-friendly. No animal products are used and no animal testing has been carried out in its manufacture.

 Physical Properties 

Manufacturers Notes: KeraSoy Pillar does not require additives, other than fragrance and color required by the Candlemaker. Old or partial candles may be remelted and the wax reused but it is advisable not to heat the wax above 85°C or heat for extended lengths of time. Waxes should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture. 

Molds: Moulds should be clean and free of contaminants. They should be at least at room temperature, although pre-heating to approx. 45 - 50°C can be beneficial. 

Color: Most dyes work with KeraSoy Pillar; 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 that the dye has dissolved completely before adding. When using powder dyes dissolved in fragrance, liquid dyes, or color blocks 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: KeraSoy Pillar has been designed for fragrance at levels between 5 - 10%. A fragrance that 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, color, 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 0.6 cm in. 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 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 Pillars 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 mold type & size, fragrance & dye used, and the effects the candle maker wishes to achieve. Greater release from the molds may be achieved by pouring at a temperature of around 55 - 65°C, although this will be dependent upon the size and shape of the candle being produced. 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 molds for enhanced release properties

Double-Pour: KeraSoy Pillar is formulated to require only a single pour, however for some large Pillars; 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 Pillar).

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 to wick. Test burn the candle for burn pool diameter and “mushrooming” after it has cooled for 48 hours. Mushrooming is when the carbon and/or other substances build up on the end of the wick interfering with combustion. Mushrooming can cause sooting and poor odors. Try different wicks until you have your desired burn pool diameter and a good clean flame. 

Melting point: 60°C

Pour temperature: 55°C

Max fragrance load: 10%

Supplied: Please be advised that this wax may arrive in either pellet or flake form – easy to measure, handle, and use

How to take the vegetal mold of the silicon mold 

Taking vegetable wax molds out of silicone molds can be a delicate process to prevent breakage or damage. Here's a step-by-step guide with some tips and tricks to make it easier:

1. Prepare Your Work Area:

   • Ensure your workspace is clean and dry.
   • Make sure the silicone mold and the vegetable wax are at room temperature.

2. Use a Release Agent:

   • Apply a mold release agent to the inside of the silicone mold before pouring in the vegetable wax. This can be a silicone-based spray or a specialized mold-release product.
   • Allow the release agent to dry or set as per its instructions.

3. Pour the Wax Carefully:

   • When pouring the melted vegetable wax into the silicone mold, do it slowly and steadily to minimize air bubbles and ensure it fills all the details of the mold.

4. Cooling and Setting:

   • Allow the wax to cool and set completely. This may take several hours or overnight depending on the size and thickness of the wax mold.

5. Gently Flex the Mold:

   • Before attempting to remove the wax from the mold, gently flex the silicone mold by pressing on the sides. This can help loosen the wax from the mold's surface.

6. Start at the Edges:

   • Begin removing the wax mold from the silicone by carefully peeling back the edges. Use your fingers to create a gap between the wax and the mold.

7. Avoid Force:

   • Do not force the wax out of the mold. If it feels stuck, gently flex the mold a bit more and try again.

8. Use a Soft Tool:

   • If necessary, use a soft, non-abrasive tool like a silicone spatula or a plastic spoon to help ease the wax out of the mold. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the wax.

9. Warm the Mold Slightly:

   • If the wax is particularly stubborn, you can warm the silicone mold slightly with a hair dryer or a heat gun on low heat. This can help loosen the wax without melting it.

10. Patience is Key:

    • Take your time and work slowly. Rushing the process can lead to breakage.

11. Inspect for Breaks:

    • Once you've successfully removed the wax mold, inspect it carefully for any cracks or breakage. If you find any, you might need to re-melt the wax and make a new mold.

12. Clean and Store:

    • Clean the silicone mold after use, and store it properly to maintain its condition for future use.

Remember that practice makes perfect. It may take a few tries to get the hang of removing wax molds from silicone molds without breaking them. Additionally, the quality of your silicone mold and the type of wax you use can also influence the ease of removal. High-quality molds and proper techniques will typically yield better results.

Silicone molds are known for their non-stick properties, and in many cases, they do not require a release agent. However, whether you need a release agent for silicone molds can depend on several factors:

1. Type of Silicone Mold: Most silicone molds designed for crafting, baking, or soap-making are naturally non-stick, and you can often use them without a release agent.

2. The complexity of the Mold: If you're using a silicone mold with intricate details, deep crevices, or undercuts, it may be a good idea to use a release agent to ensure easy removal of the molded item.

3. Type of Material Being Molded: Some materials may have a tendency to stick to silicone more than others. For example, certain types of wax, resin, or clay may require a release agent, while others may not.

4. Personal Preference: Some individuals prefer to use a release agent as an added precaution to ensure that their molded items come out easily and without any risk of damage.

5. Reuse of the Mold: Using a release agent can also prolong the life of your silicone mold by preventing any build-up or residue from repeated use.

In many cases, you can start by trying to use your silicone mold without a release agent. If you find that the material sticks or has difficulty coming out of the mold, then consider using a suitable release agent. Common release agents include silicone mold release sprays, vegetable oil, or even a light dusting of cornstarch for certain applications.

Ultimately, the decision to use a release agent with your silicone mold should be based on your specific project and the materials you're working with. Experimentation may be necessary to determine the best approach for your particular situation.