Olive wax for pillar candles, ecoolive PillarBlend

How to Use EcoOlive PillarBlend Wax

EcoOlive PillarBlend is a natural wax blend developed specifically for making pillar and moulded candles. For the best results, follow the instructions below.

1. Prepare the Mould

Make sure the mould is clean and free from contaminants. The mould should be at least at room temperature. Pre-heating the mould to approximately 45–50°C can help improve mould release.

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 containing copper or zinc, as these metals may accelerate wax discolouration.

3. Add Colour

EcoOlive 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 or colour blocks: 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 wax to cool towards the desired pouring temperature, add the fragrance and mix thoroughly. Where practical, add and mix the fragrance shortly before pouring.

Please note that some fragrance oils, particularly those developed specifically for paraffin wax, 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 diameter and shape of the candle as well as the fragrance and colour used.

A wick that is too large may cause sooting, accelerated burning and guttering. 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 to determine the best option for your candle.

6. Pour the Wax

The recommended pouring temperature is approximately 65°C. Pouring at around this temperature can also help improve release from the mould.

The ideal pouring temperature may vary depending on the mould size and shape, fragrance, colour and desired candle finish. If necessary, adjust the pouring temperature in increments of approximately 5–10°C and test again.

7. Single Pour and Top-Up

EcoOlive 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.

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, wick behaviour and any mushrooming or sooting.

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 should be individually tested before producing candles for regular use or sale.

Quick Reference

• Melting temperature: approx. 75°C
• Recommended pouring temperature: approx. 65°C
• Mould pre-heating: optional, approx. 45–50°C
• Fragrance load: 5–12%
• Curing time: minimum 48 hours
• Wick trimming: approx. 6 mm (¼ inch)