Coconut wax for pillar candles, ecococo PillarBlend

How to Use EcoCoco PillarBlend Wax

EcoCoco PillarBlend is a natural wax blend developed specifically for making pillar candles, moulded candles and wax melts. It is predominantly based on coconut wax and provides a bright white colour, smooth surface finish and excellent hot and cold scent throw. For the best results, follow the instructions below.

1. Prepare the Mould

Make sure the mould is clean and free from dust, wax residues or other contaminants. The mould should be at least at room temperature. Pre-heating the mould to approximately 45–50°C can improve mould release and help achieve a better finished appearance.

2. Melt the Wax

Heat the wax to approximately 75°C, stirring gently while it melts. Temporary heating up to 90°C will not normally damage the wax if it is cooled down quickly. Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, as this may cause discolouration.

Stainless steel melting equipment is recommended. Avoid containers or equipment containing copper or zinc, as these metals may accelerate wax discolouration.

3. Add Colour

EcoCoco PillarBlend is suitable for oil-soluble candle dyes.

Powder dyes: heat the wax to approximately 75°C, add the dye and mix until completely dissolved. Powder dyes may also be dissolved in fragrance oil before being added to the melted wax.

Liquid dyes, colour blocks or powder dyes pre-dissolved in fragrance: heat the wax to approximately 70°C before adding the colour. Mix thoroughly to achieve an even colour.

4. Add Fragrance

The recommended fragrance load is 5–12%. Fragrance oils specifically developed for use with natural waxes are highly recommended.

Allow the melted wax to cool towards the desired pouring temperature, add the fragrance and mix thoroughly. Where practical, add and mix the fragrance immediately before pouring.

Please note that some fragrance oils, particularly those developed specifically for paraffin candles, may cause bleeding, an undesirable surface finish or poor flame quality.

5. Choose the Wick

Natural waxes generally require larger wick sizes than traditional paraffin waxes. The correct wick depends on the candle diameter and shape, fragrance load, colour and overall candle configuration.

A wick that is too large may cause sooting, accelerated burning and guttering, where melted wax leaks through the side of the candle. A wick that is too small may cause tunnelling and produce a smaller flame.

Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 6 mm (¼ inch). Always test different wick sizes and types to determine the best option for your candle.

6. Pour the Wax

The manufacturer's recommended pouring temperature is approximately 65°C. Pouring at around this temperature may also improve release from the mould.

The ideal pouring temperature may vary depending on the mould type and size, fragrance, colour and desired surface finish. If the result is not satisfactory, adjust the pouring temperature in increments of approximately 5–10°C and test again.

Pre-heating the mould to approximately 45–50°C may also help improve mould release.

7. Single Pour and Top-Up

EcoCoco PillarBlend is formulated to normally require only one pour. However, some larger pillar candles may require a small top-up to achieve the best surface finish.

If a top-up is required, use a small amount of wax at a slightly higher temperature than the original pouring temperature and add it before the candle has completely cooled. Adding the top-up after the candle is fully cool may result in poorer adhesion between the wax layers.

8. Cooling and Curing

Allow the candle to cool undisturbed at room temperature, ideally around 25°C.

Allow the finished candle to cure for at least 48 hours before test burning.

9. Test Burn

After the candle has cured for at least 48 hours, perform a test burn. Check the flame, melt pool diameter, wick behaviour, sooting and any mushrooming on the wick.

If the flame is too large, the candle burns too quickly or produces soot, try a smaller wick. If the candle tunnels or produces a weak flame, try a larger wick or a different wick type.

Important: Every combination of candle size, mould, wax, fragrance, colour and wick must be individually tested to ensure satisfactory and safe burning performance.

Using EcoCoco PillarBlend for Wax Melts

EcoCoco PillarBlend is also specifically designed for making wax melts. Fragrance oils developed for use with natural waxes are recommended, with a fragrance load of 5–12%. The ideal fragrance level and pouring temperature may vary depending on the fragrance, colour, mould size and desired finished appearance, so testing is recommended.

Quick Reference

• Suitable for: pillar candles, moulded candles and wax melts
• Wax heating temperature: approx. 75°C
• Recommended pouring temperature: approx. 65°C
• Mould pre-heating: optional, approx. 45–50°C
• Fragrance load: 5–12%
• Curing time before test burning: minimum 48 hours
• Wick trimming: approx. 6 mm (¼ inch)