What Kind Of Wax Is Pillar Of Bliss?
What is Pillar of Bliss Wax?
Pillar of Bliss wax is a blend of paraffin wax and soy wax that was developed specifically for candle making. It contains over 50% soy wax along with paraffin for optimal performance. Pillar of Bliss gets its name from its ability to hold fragrance oil and produce candles with excellent scent throw. It has a high melting point of 130-135°F which makes it ideal for pillar candles that retain their shape and rigidity even when lit for long periods. The wax has a smooth, creamy texture that allows even pouring and cooling. It comes in a granulated form that melts evenly with minimal clumping. Pillar of Bliss is known for its excellent fragrance retention and both cold and hot scent throw in candles. It strikes the perfect balance between the natural benefits of soy wax and the performance advantages of paraffin.1
Origins and History
Pillar of Bliss wax was first developed in the early 1960s by the Brenntag company in Germany. It was designed to be an affordable wax for candle making that had a good scent throw and easy mold release properties.[1]
The exact formula and blend of waxes used in Pillar of Bliss is proprietary to the Brenntag company. However, it is known to be a blend of paraffin wax and soy wax, with paraffin making up over 50% of the blend.[2]
In the 1960s and 70s, Pillar of Bliss gained popularity among candle makers and crafters for its versatility in candle making applications. It was commonly used to make molded votive and pillar candles, as well as container candles. Its good scent throw made it ideal for scented candles.[3]
Manufacturing Process
Pillar of Bliss wax is manufactured by blending soy wax and paraffin wax together in specific ratios. The raw ingredients consist of:
- Soy wax – This is made from soybean oil and is a renewable, natural wax. It comes from soybean crops grown in the United States (1).
- Paraffin wax – This is a petroleum-based wax made from refining crude oil. It helps make the wax harder and aids in scent throw (2).
To make Pillar of Bliss wax, the soy wax and paraffin wax are first melted down separately. They are then blended together in a large mixing tank based on the proprietary formula. After blending, the liquid wax mixture is pumped into smaller molds or containers to cool and solidify. The finished blocks of wax are inspected for quality control before being packaged and shipped to customers (1, 2).
The blending process allows Pillar of Bliss to achieve certain desirable characteristics. The soy wax content ensures it is made of predominantly natural ingredients. The paraffin wax content allows the wax to achieve a smooth finish and makes it easier to release from molds. Together, these waxes create a hard wax blend that performs well for candle making (1, 2).
Uses in Candle Making
Pillar of Bliss wax is one of the most popular waxes used by professional and hobby candle makers. It offers several key benefits that make it well-suited for candle making:
It has a low melting point of 113–122°F, which makes it easy to melt and pour candles even without a double boiler. The wax also cools smoothly with minimal cracks and imperfections. Pillar of Bliss allows excellent fragrance throw in candles and holds scent oils very well. It’s hard enough to hold its shape but soft enough to release the fragrance. The wax burns slowly, cleanly, and evenly down to the end of the candle.1
To use Pillar of Bliss wax, heat it to 150–170°F to melt it fully. Add candle fragrance at around 185°F and stir well to incorporate. Carefully pour the wax into candle containers and allow to cool before trimming the wick and using. Pillar of Bliss works very well for container candles like jars and tins as well as freestanding pillar candles.
The smooth finish and excellent scent throw of Pillar of Bliss wax makes it a top choice for scented votive and pillar candles, especially candles with decorative finishes. It’s commonly used by hobbyists and professional candle makers alike. With proper wicking and an understanding of how to work with the wax, beautiful high-quality candles can be created.
Uses in Other Crafts
Pillar of Bliss wax is popular for use in crafting and melting projects beyond candle making. The wax has a low melting point of 130-145°F which makes it easy to melt down and pour into molds or melt with embeds. Here are some common craft uses for Pillar of Bliss wax:
Melting and Molding – Because it melts at a relatively low temperature, Pillar of Bliss is ideal for melting and pouring into silicone molds to make wax melts, wax tarts, and shaped wax crafts. The wax hardens smoothly with excellent mold release.
Embedding Objects – Craftspeople often embed decorative objects in Pillar of Bliss wax to make unique wax melts, ornaments, and decorative items. The wax can be colored before pouring, and items like dried flowers, seashells, and beads can be suspended in the poured and cooled wax.
Wax Melts – Pillar of Bliss is commonly used to make wax melts which are cubes of scented wax that are melted to scent a room. The wax can hold fragrance oils very well. Simply melt, add fragrance, and pour into melt molds for easy wax melts.[1]
Advantages Over Other Waxes
Pillar of Bliss wax has some key advantages compared to other popular candle waxes like paraffin, soy, coconut, and palm waxes:
Compared to paraffin wax, Pillar of Bliss has a lower melting point which makes it easier to work with for crafting and candle making. It also contains vegetable-based waxes like soy, which are more environmentally friendly than pure paraffin (source).
Since it contains a blend of waxes, Pillar of Bliss is harder than pure soy wax, so it can hold fragrance better. Soy wax candles can have issues with fragrance throw and stability that Pillar of Bliss improves upon (source).
Pillar of Bliss has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it easy to color and scent compared to palm wax, which can develop grainy crystals. The soy wax content also gives it a more natural, less greasy feel than pure paraffin (source).
The key advantages of Pillar of Bliss are its versatility, fragrance retention, and creamy texture. It’s a good choice for beginner and advanced candle makers looking for an easy-to-use blended wax.
Disadvantages and Limitations
While Pillar of Bliss wax offers many benefits for candle making and other crafts, it does come with some disadvantages and limitations to be aware of.
One potential drawback is the higher cost compared to some other waxes like paraffin. According to Nature’s Garden, Pillar of Bliss can cost $1-2 more per pound than basic paraffin wax. This is because it contains a higher percentage of natural soy wax. The higher price point may make it less accessible for some crafters and candle makers.
Proper storage requirements are also important for maintaining the quality and performance of the wax. According to manufacturer guidelines, Pillar of Bliss should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Failing to follow storage recommendations could cause the wax to lose its viscosity, texture, and burn properties.
While no significant hazards have been reported when used properly, Pillar of Bliss wax can pose burn risks if spilled or handled improperly when in molten form, like any hot liquid. Proper precautions should be taken during melting and pouring.
Buying Guide
Pillar of Bliss wax can be purchased from various online retailers that specialize in candle making supplies. Some popular places to buy it include:
Nature’s Garden Candles – They sell Pillar of Bliss wax in 1 lb, 2 lb, and 20 lb quantities. Prices range from $5/lb for 1 lb up to $3.75/lb for 20 lbs. Nature’s Garden is a leading supplier of candle waxes and other supplies.
You can also find it on Amazon, sold by various merchants in quantities from 1 lb to 25 lbs. Prices tend to range from $5-$8 per pound.
When buying, look for signs of high quality wax. It should be a smooth pure white color and easy to cut and mold without crumbling. Reputable candle supply retailers like Nature’s Garden are a safer bet for getting high quality pillar of bliss wax.
Storing and Handling Pillar of Bliss Wax
Properly storing and handling Pillar of Bliss wax is important for safety and maintaining wax quality. Here are some tips:
For storage, keep wax in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideal storage temperature is below 75°F. Stored properly, Pillar of Bliss wax can last 1-2 years before quality deterioration.
When melting wax, use a double boiler method and heat slowly to the proper pouring temperature of 180-185°F. Heating too fast or too high can scorch the wax. Always melt in a well-ventilated area.
Pour wax slowly and carefully into molds or containers. Allow spilled wax to fully harden before attempting clean up. Use a plastic scraper to chip off hardened wax.
Clean equipment with hot, soapy water. Avoid washing wax down the drain as it can clog pipes when cooled. Let all equipment fully dry before storing away.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Pillar of Bliss wax:
What is the wax blend ratio?
Pillar of Bliss is a proprietary blend of over 50% soy wax and paraffin wax. The exact ratio is not disclosed by the manufacturer.
Does it contain any additives?
No, Pillar of Bliss wax does not contain any added fragrances, dyes, or other additives. It is a clean wax blend.
How well does it hold fragrance oils?
The soy wax component allows Pillar of Bliss to hold and release fragrance oils better than pure paraffin. It has good fragrance retention for candles and wax melts.
Does it need to cure before use?
No curing time is required. Pillar of Bliss can be used right away after pouring candles or making wax melts.
Can it be used for container candles?
Yes, Pillar of Bliss can be used for container candles, but it is optimized for pillar candles and wax melts. Other waxes may be better suited for containers.
Is it safe to use?
Properly wicked and burned, Pillar of Bliss does not release any toxic fumes or chemicals. It meets all FDA requirements for candle wax.
