UV Additive for Candlemaking

Candlemaking is a fun and creative hobby that allows you to customize your own candles with different colors, scents, and shapes. However, if you want your candles to last longer and retain their original appearance, you may need to use some additives to protect them from fading or yellowing due to exposure to light. One of these additives is UV inhibitor, also known as UV protectant, UV absorbent, or UV stabilizer. In this article, we will explain what UV additive is, why you may need it, how it works, what are some drawbacks, and how to use it properly.

What is UV Additive?

UV additive is a chemical compound that helps prevent the premature fading of colored candles exposed to ultraviolet or “UV” light. UV light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that has enough energy to break down the molecular bonds of some substances, such as dyes and fragrances. This causes them to lose their color or scent over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent lights. UV additive can also protect white candles from yellowing after prolonged exposure to light, which is often caused by the oxidation of vanillin, a common ingredient in many fragrance oils.

UV additive works by either absorbing the UV light and converting it into heat, or by slowing down the oxidation process of the candle ingredients. There are different types of UV additives, such as UV absorbers, antioxidants, and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS). Some of them may target both the UV light and the oxidation, while others may focus on one or the other. Depending on the type of wax, dye, and fragrance you use, you may need to choose the right UV additive for your candles.

Why Use UV Additive?

You may wonder why you need to use UV additive if you are not planning to expose your candles to direct sunlight or fluorescent lights. The truth is, even if you store your candles in a dark and cool place, they may still be affected by ambient light or heat. For example, if you display your candles on a shelf or a table, they may still receive some light from a window or a lamp. If you light your candles, they may also generate some heat that can affect the color or scent of the wax. Over time, these factors can cause your candles to fade or change color, which may ruin their aesthetic appeal or their intended mood.

Using UV additive can help you preserve the original color and scent of your candles for a longer time. This can be especially important if you are making candles for selling or gifting, as you want to ensure that your customers or recipients receive the best quality product. Using UV additive can also help you create a consistent product line, as you can avoid variations in color or scent due to different batches or storage conditions.

How to Use UV Additive?

Using UV additive is relatively easy and straightforward. You just need to add a small amount of it to your melted wax before adding the dye and fragrance. The typical usage rate is 1/4 to 1/2 percent per pound of wax, which means 1 gram or 1/2 teaspoon for every 16 ounces of wax. You can use a digital scale or a measuring spoon to measure the UV additive accurately. You should add the UV additive to the wax at around 185°F and stir well to dissolve it completely. Then you can proceed to add the dye and fragrance as usual and pour the wax into your molds or containers.

You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when using UV additive, as different products may have different specifications or limitations. You should also test your candles before selling or gifting them, as some UV additives may affect the burning performance or the appearance of the candles. For example, some UV additives may cause the wax to become cloudy or opaque, or may alter the color or scent of the candles. You should also be aware that UV additive is not a magic solution that can prevent all fading or yellowing of your candles. It can only delay or reduce the effects of light and heat, but not eliminate them completely. Therefore, you should still store and handle your candles with care and avoid exposing them to excessive or direct light or heat.

What are the Drawbacks of Using UV Additive?

Using UV additive can have some drawbacks or disadvantages, depending on your preferences and expectations. Some of the possible drawbacks are:

• Cost: UV additive is an additional expense that you need to consider when making your candles. Depending on the type and quality of the UV additive, it can range from a few cents to a few dollars per ounce. If you are making candles for personal use or as a hobby, you may not want to spend extra money on UV additive. If you are making candles for selling or gifting, you may need to factor in the cost of UV additive into your pricing or budget.
• Availability: UV additive may not be readily available in your local craft store or online retailer. You may need to do some research and comparison shopping to find the right UV additive for your candles. You may also need to order it online and wait for it to be delivered, which can add some time and hassle to your candlemaking process.
• Effectiveness: UV additive may not work as well as you expect or hope. As mentioned earlier, UV additive can only slow down or reduce the fading or yellowing of your candles, but not stop it completely. Some factors, such as the type and quality of the wax, dye, and fragrance, the amount and duration of light and heat exposure, and the environmental conditions, can affect the effectiveness of the UV additive. You may still notice some changes in the color or scent of your candles over time, even if you use UV additive.
• Compatibility: UV additive may not be compatible with all types of wax, dye, and fragrance. Some UV additives may work better with certain waxes, such as soy wax or paraffin wax, than others, such as beeswax or palm wax. Some UV additives may also react with certain dyes or fragrances, causing unwanted effects, such as cloudiness, discoloration, or odor. You should always test your UV additive with your wax, dye, and fragrance before making a large batch of candles, to ensure that they work well together and produce the desired results.

In a nutshell

UV additive is a useful and beneficial additive that can help you protect your candles from fading or yellowing due to exposure to light and heat. It can help you preserve the original color and scent of your candles for a longer time, and create a consistent and high-quality product line. However, UV additive is not a necessity or a requirement for candlemaking. You can still make beautiful and fragrant candles without using UV additive, as long as you store and handle them properly and avoid excessive or direct light and heat. You should also consider the cost, availability, effectiveness, and compatibility of UV additive before deciding to use it or not. Ultimately, the choice is yours, depending on your preferences and expectations. We hope this article has given you some helpful information and insights about UV additive for candlemaking. Happy candlemaking!

Interested in learning more about candle additives? Check out our recent article on Metazene, the miracle chemical that traps and eliminates foul odors on a molecular level.

Want to get a grasp on all the most common wax types? Check out our article explaining the differences between Paraffin, Soy, Coconut, Beeswax, and more!

 

Sources:

Simple Guide to UV Inhibitors • Armatage Candle Company

UV Inhibitor - CandleScience

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild (soapguild.org)

Learn about Candle Waxes and Additives - Candle Making Help (lonestarcandlesupply.com)