Grow with Confidence
Working with Dye Chips & UV Stabiliser
Two small additives that change how your candle looks and lasts. Here's exactly how much to use, when to add them, and what to watch for.
Welcome
The Two Additives Every Maker Should Know
Dye chips and UV stabiliser are the two most common additives in container candle making. Use them right and they transform your candle - colour-coded for retail, protected from yellowing, and looking great months later. Use them wrong and you can throw out a whole batch.
This guide covers both, with the ratios that actually work and the timing that makes the difference.
Additive one
Dye Chips
Wax-soluble colour blocks that add true colour to your candle. One small chip is enough for half a kilogram of wax.
Colour for your candles
How to use dye chips
Dye chips are pre-measured wax-based colour blocks designed to dissolve cleanly into melted wax. We stock 30+ shades from classic neutrals to fluro brights to seasonal tones like Pumpkin Spice and Mulled Wine.
How much
1g : 500g
One gram of dye per 500 grams of wax for true colour intensity. Want a softer pastel? Half a chip. Want intense saturation? Go up to 1.5g per 500g, but don't exceed 2g - too much dye affects burn quality.
When to add
At the hottest point of your wax temperature, before adding fragrance. This is when the wax is fully liquid and ready to absorb the dye evenly.
For Pure100 Soy: add at ~70°C. For PB75 Gel: add at 100°C+. Check the wax PDP for the exact heating range.
Step-by-step
Additive two
UV Stabiliser
A small amount of UV stabiliser keeps your candle wax whiter and cleaner under fluorescent or sunlight. Essential for retail-ready candles or anything stored long-term.
Protection for your candles
How to use UV Stabiliser
UV Stabiliser is a fine powder that disperses through melted wax and protects it from yellowing caused by light exposure. Especially useful for candles sold in retail (under fluorescent lighting), gift candles given as keepsakes, or any candle made with high-vanillin fragrances (which discolour faster).
How much
0.2-0.5%
0.2% to 0.5% per wax weight, depending on protection level needed. We recommend starting at 0.3% for everyday container candles.
When to add
At the hottest temperature of your wax, so it dissolves fully. Add it before your dye chips and before fragrance.
Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved - undissolved powder will leave grainy spots in the finished candle.
Quick math
| Wax Weight | UV at 0.2% | UV at 0.3% (recommended) | UV at 0.5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250g | 0.5g | 0.75g | 1.25g |
| 500g | 1g | 1.5g | 2.5g |
| 1kg | 2g | 3g | 5g |
| 5kg | 10g | 15g | 25g |
| 20kg | 40g | 60g | 100g |
Step-by-step
When things go sideways
Troubleshooting
The most common additive issues and how to fix them.
My dyed candle looks streaky or patchy
What's happening: dye wasn't fully dissolved before you poured, or the wax cooled too fast.
Fix: stir for a full 2 minutes after adding the dye, and make sure your wax stays at heating temperature during this time (not cooling already). Use a thermometer to confirm the wax is hot enough to fully accept the dye.
The colour is much lighter than I expected
What's happening: not enough dye for the wax volume, or the dye was added at too low a temperature.
Fix: aim for 1g dye per 500g wax for true colour. For pastels, half a chip is right; for deep saturation, try 1.5g per 500g. Always add at the wax's hottest temperature.
My candle has grainy spots in it
What's happening: UV Stabiliser wasn't fully dissolved before pouring.
Fix: add UV Stabiliser at peak wax temperature and stir for at least 2-3 minutes until no powder remains visible. The wax should look completely smooth before you move on to dye or fragrance.
I used UV Stabiliser and my candle yellowed anyway
What's happening: either you used too little (try 0.4-0.5% instead of 0.3%), the candle is in direct sunlight, or the fragrance vanillin content is very high.
Fix: for high-vanillin fragrances, go to 0.5% UV. Store candles out of direct sunlight (a windowsill is the worst spot). Even with UV, very high-vanillin fragrances will eventually shift over months.
Can I use dye and UV Stabiliser together?
Yes, and you should for retail candles. Add UV Stabiliser first (it's a powder, dissolves cleanest in the hottest wax), then dye chips, then fragrance once cooled. They work independently and don't affect each other.
Can I colour a wax that's already cooled?
No. Both dye and UV Stabiliser need the wax at its peak heating temperature to dissolve properly. If you forgot to add it, reheat the wax to its melt temperature, add the additive, stir to combine, and re-cool to pour temperature.
Still stuck?
Send us a photo and tell us your wax + fragrance + additive amount + the issue. We've helped a lot of makers troubleshoot colour and yellowing issues.
Email hello@purecandlesupplies.com.au or call 03 9730 2213.
Keep going
What's Next?
Other guides that pair well with this one.
Ready to add colour or protection?
Grab dye chips for your next batch, or UV Stabiliser for retail-ready candles. Or both.
Shop Dye Chips Shop UV Stabiliser