Candle Making Wax: The Inside Secrets To Getting The Right Wax

Finding the right candle making wax is one of the most important choices you make when getting ready to start the candle making process. There are a number of products available to choose from, and you should explore all different forms of candle making wax before making a decision.

The most popular candle making wax in the industry right now is soy wax. There are several reasons why soy wax is popular. The first is that because it is plant based, it is renewable. Unlike beeswax, it lacks a natural scent. This makes it perfect as a base for fragrance candles. On that same note, essential oils mix particularly well with soy, and should be considered for any type of aromatherapy candles. The wax throws fragrance as well or better than any of the other types. Finally, one of its big advantages is its relatively high smoke point, which allows the candle to burn without emitting soot nearly as much as the others. The biggest drawback to this candle making wax is that it tends to be more expensive and more difficult to find.

Paraffin as candle making wax has become sort of a pariah in the age of soy. Some people have even referred to it as, “the sludge at the bottom of a barrel of
oil that is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein.” There are, however, advantages to paraffin. Again, the wax throws fragrance well and the oils mix well since they are both petroleum based in most cases. Also, it is usually found in various colors if dying is not a possibility in your process. Lastly, it is extremely common, available in the canning section of most supermarkets, and therefore inexpensive. This makes it a good beginner’s wax.

Palm wax is candle making wax made from the oil in palm fruit, and may be the next step for candle manufacturing in the new “green” economy. This wax melts slowly due to its higher melting point, and creates a longer life for the candle. Environmentally friendly, this product is dripless and produces no smoke whatsoever. Another good fragrance thrower, this candle making wax is said to hold its fragrance much longer than a normal paraffin candle.

Gel wax is beautiful but dangerous. It should only be used by people who are entirely familiar with the attributes of wax. While it produces ornate designs and holds fragrance well, it can burn hotter and is more volatile than any of the other varieties of wax. It has been known to explode glass if it isn’t strong enough to hold it. Use this product with caution.

Finally, the last possibility is beeswax. As a candle making wax, beeswax has become another popular item. Most people are attracted to their long burn times and the fact that it’s much more affordable than soy. If soy is industry’s favorite, then beeswax is its younger sister. The fragrance throws are virtually equal, and beeswax is easier to find. The most unique part of beeswax is its signature white light.

Choosing the right wax is crucial for candle making success. If you choose wisely, you will be rewarded.

The Type Of Candle Making Wax You Choose Is Important

Making beautiful candles to give as gifts is very satisfying. Creating your own unique candles gives a personal touch and is very fulfilling. If you have never tried to make your own candles you may think it would be difficult and time consuming. In reality, it is really very easy and very enjoyable. If this is a hobby that you are interested in trying, here are some things for you to consider.

For the beginner the choice of candle making wax to use is very important. There are many to choose from but lets focus on the three types of waxes that are most common.

The most common is paraffin wax. It is your basic, plain wax and is the least expensive. Paraffin wax is commonly used for sealing homemade jams and jellies. Although it does not do well with fragrances, due to its white color it accepts color treatments very well. Because it is very oily it burns quickly.

Soy wax is also very common and very popular. Although a little more expensive than paraffin wax, it is less oily and, therefore, burns much longer. It also is great for holding scents. It is a little more difficult to work with because when melted it is extremely liquid, which causes it to take much longer to harden. Because of this taper or standing candles do not work well with this type of wax.

Last but not least is beeswax. Beeswax is probably the best candle making wax for holding scents and it burns very clean. It is also the most expensive. However, no wax burns longer than beeswax.

There are many different candle making waxes to choose from. These are the three most common and probably the best choice to start out with. It is probably best to start out with a wax that is simple to work with. Once you learn what you are doing and get comfortable, you can venture into experimenting with other types of waxes.