Candle Wax

Candles, regardless of the type, are one of the most inexpensive and interesting luxury items nowadays. They provide great lighting effect and are wonderful decorative pieces as well.

Even though technology has come up with better and more convenient methods of creating candles, most people still prefer to make them using the timeless technique which involves embedding a wick into the melted wax, after which it is molded, extruded, dipped, pressed, or rolled into certain size and shape.

Paraffin wax is the most well-known and highly-used among all candle waxes. They can be bought from any craft store and are very affordable, costing only about $1.50 for every pound. Paraffin waxes have varied melting points and come in different grades. Since paraffin wax is petroleum-based, it is not recommended for those who want a healthier alternative. This wax type can either be in powder or chunk form. You can also choose to buy the pre-colored ones or you can opt to color the wax yourself.

Beeswax candles are made from the all-natural wax type called beeswax. This candle making wax is also widely available but is way more expensive than the paraffin wax. This produces quality candles and is preferred by most since candles made from pure beeswax burn longer, drips less, and emit lesser smoke. Furthermore, beeswax candles have natural honey scent.

Among all the natural wax candles available, those made from soy wax are probably the most practical choice. Natural soy wax candles are clean-burning, producing little or no soot at all. Some soy wax candles are made from pure soy, or are sometimes created from a mixture of soy and botanical oils. Since these candles are non toxic, they are a healthier option as well.

Bayberry wax is not something that is commonly used because it is rather expensive and rare. This is sometimes referred to as Candle berry or Myrtle Wax and is produced from boiled berries. The wax-like berry coatings when boiled, float on top and are then collected. This type of wax is brittle but possesses a naturally pleasant scent.

You know that the candles are using gel wax when bubbles are seen in the wax. This type of wax is derived from a mixture of gelling agent and mineral oil. Since it’s gel-like, gel wax candles have rubber-like texture and are translucent.

Paraffin wax almost always makes up the wax crystals. However, this does not require heating like the traditional paraffin wax. This is the usual candle making wax for children. This can easily be purchased and can be premixed with hardeners and colors.

There are a lot more type of wax although the above-mentioned are the ones that most people commonly use when making candles. Also, one of the reasons why candle making remains to be an inexpensive hobby is because you can actually do recycling. Recycled wax can still produce pretty candles. Old pillar and taper candle stubs, or those pieces of melted wax can be re-melted and used to make into a new batch of candles. You can also choose to create chunk candles from the recycled way by adding clear melted paraffin over the small pieces of old wax.

When you’re shopping for candle supplies, make sure you know the exact things that you’re supposed to buy. Candle wax has several variants and each one has a different melting point. Choosing which type depends on what you will be using the candles for. Make sure that you have understood what each type of wax requires. For example, there are waxes that require certain types of wick or fragrances. So it is ideal to choose supplies that are compatible. Otherwise, you won’t be able to produce the kind of candles that you want to.