Wax To The Max Crafting Your Own Unique Candle

From finish to fragrance, when it comes to the candle making process, there is certainly more than meets the eye. As you may know, wax is a key ingredient in candle making and the foundation of a candle itself. Therefore, its vital that you select the right wax for your candle’s purpose. Whether it’s the type of candle you’re making or how you want your candle to burn, there will be a wax to suit your needs. It's just a case of narrowing down your search. Let’s take a closer look at how wax works and how you can make it work for you.

What the wick?

In a candle, wax holds the same properties as fuel, and without it, your candle simply won’t burn bright. When a candles wick is lit and the wax begins to melt, the liquid wax is absorbed by the string running through the candle and consequently fuels the fire. Since the wax acts as a fuel to the candle’s fire, it’s important to note which waxes you can use, and the properties each holds to reach the best outcome of your final product. Different waxes all have a range of benefits and outcomes that can be used to create a whole plethora of candles and candle products.

Something to buzz about

As we know, there are many different types of waxes that are used to make candles, but knowing exactly what each type of wax is made from will help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your finished product. The most common, and most established wax option, is beeswax. A natural wax that is produced by honey bees, that has been the go-to for candle making for thousands of years. However, other options such as coconut and petroleum-based waxes are just as popular in modern day candle making. Each type of wax has a whole bunch of positives and negatives surrounding its properties, and with so many options readily available it can be difficult to select the most appropriate wax for your needs. Take a look below to find simple solutions to your sticking points.

More bang for your buck

If you’re looking for a long burn, soy-based waxes will become your best friend. Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, this wax has a much lower melting point than other waxes, which means it melts at a much cooler temperature and therefore doesn't burn as fast. Another great wax to use if you’re looking for a long burn is beeswax, but it’s worth bearing in mind that although it burns for longer, it is much more difficult to work with because it has an extremely high melting point.

Wake up and smell the wax

If you’re looking for a wax that will ensure your candle gives off the best and most long-lasting scent, paraffin is your best option. Although paraffin-based candles are subject to controversy over their expense, damage to the environment and poor burn, when made correctly, they won’t produce much soot at all and will also ensure you have the best scent throw. If you’re not a fan of using a paraffin-based wax, there’s no need to sweat, candle waxes are constantly being improved, which means other options on the market such as coconut and rapeseed based waxes can have just as much scent throw. 

Looking after mother nature

When it comes to crafting candles, some people like to consider how organic the ingredients are. Opting for natural waxes such as beeswax, soy, rapeseed and coconut wax will ensure that your candle burns clearly with absolutely no worry of air pollution. This however, doesn’t rule out all waxes. Some waxes do give off small amounts of chemicals when burnt. These are nothing to worry about, but there are plenty of alternative options for you to choose from if you’re looking for something more natural.

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make suitable wax selections, you can begin to delve deeper into the realms of candle creation. Whether its fragranced oils or candle dyes you're interested in, explore or archive of exciting blogs to discover more about the candle making process and make it your own. Visit our FAQ page to start your journey into the world of candle making.