Are Polymer Gypsum Candle Containers: How to prevent wax leakage?

Creating candle containers: Which plaster to choose for casting - HandiCast polymer plaster (65MPa), SnowCast plaster (Lastryko) or A-STONE plaster?

Let's start by saying that all converted gypsum is suitable for moulding candle containers, but the final choice depends on the desired end result. In this article, we will answer 2 frequently asked questions:

- Which plaster will work better for candle casts?
- How to protect the product from wax absorption?

HandiCast polymer gypsum (65MPa):

Characteristics:
HandiCast Polymer Gypsum (65MPa) is a ready-to-use gypsum mix characterised by exceptional hardness (~65MPa) and high mechanical strength.

- Fast curing time (60-70 minutes)
- Excellent casting precision
- Colour: light grey

The choice of HandiCast Polymer Gypsum (65MPa) is justified when you want a candle container with a uniform colour. It can be easily coloured with a dry iron oxide-based pigment. This gypsum is easy to use and contains no harmful substances. It is ideal for casting without the need for a vibrating table.

SnowCast polymer gypsum (Lastryko):

Characteristics:

SnowCast gypsum (Lastryko)Lastryko is a ready-mixed gypsum compound developed specifically for casting in Terrazzo-Lastryko or Marble. Although it can be successfully used for solid-coloured casts, its real advantage is that it can be coloured with liquid pigments, opening up unlimited colour possibilities.

- Fast curing time (50-70 minutes)
- Excellent fluidity
- Smooth casting surface
- Excellent reproduction of fine details
- Colour: snow white
The main difference between these gypsums is your expectations from the end result, as well as the colour of the gypsum and how it is coloured. Remember that when colouring gypsum with dry pigment, you need to add it to the dry gypsum and mix it thoroughly, while liquid pigments are added to the already mixed mixture, keeping to the proportions recommended for the specific gypsum.

A-STONE polymer gypsum:

Characteristics:

- an innovative product combining high-strength gypsum with acrylic resin.
- green
- flame-retardant

A major advantage of A-STONE polymer gypsum - is that it is possible to obtain strong parts with low weight, using the lamination technique. Colouring this gypsum is very easy, as a saturated colour can be obtained - by just adding 2% of pigment to the mix. A great advantage is the available colour palette - up to 17 colours, which of course you can mix with each other - creating unique colours and shades. The demoulding time depends on the size of the cast, but is usually between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours. With A-STONE polymer gypsum you can do all casting techniques, i.e. terrazzo/terrazzo, marble, or obtain casts in a saturated solid colour.

The surface of an A-STONE casting adapts to the surface of the mould, meaning that if the mould is glossy, the casting will also be glossy, whereas a matt mould translates into a matt appearance for the casting.

However, each of the listed gypsums needs protection against wax or water absorption.

Polymer gypsum manufacturer E-CUPSTONE offers a varnish for such protection.

Make sure the product is dry before applying the varnish. You can dry it by the radiator for about 12 hours or 48 hours at 23°C. You can find the technique for applying the varnish in the video below.

Semi-gloss transparent lacquer for surface protection of E-CUPSTONE polymer plaster candle wrappers:

- Semi-matt, transparent lacquer
- Wear-resistant
- Excellent resistance to absorption of water, wax and dirt
- Doesn't dry out on application and almost no streaking from brushes
- Coating drying time: 2 hours

Remember to protect the inside of the container from absorbing the wax, apply 2-3 coats of varnish and let it dry for 2 hours after each coat. One coat of varnish is sufficient on the exterior. Apply it so that the brush goes over the surface only once, paying attention to the technique shown in the video above.

In summary, all the polymer gypsums converted are suitable for casting candle containers, the priority criterion for selection is the desired end result. HandiCast Polymer Gypsum (65MPa) will work well if you want a uniform colour, while SnowCast Gypsum (Lastryko) will work best for the Terrazzo-Lastryko or marble technique. A-STONE plaster, on the other hand, is suitable for any of the above-calculated techniques. In addition to A-STONE gypsum, there is a wider choice of colours for colouring it.

Properly protecting the product with varnish, is key to protecting the casting from wax absorption, thus affecting the durability and aesthetics of the final product. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask in the comments and we will be happy to answer them!!! 🙂