Candle making is a rewarding hobby, but selecting the appropriate wax can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. The type of candle wax significantly impacts the candle's burn quality, fragrance throw, color, texture, and overall aesthetic. This article explores the different types of candle waxes, their properties, and their suitability for various candle types.
Before diving into the specific types of wax, consider the following factors:
Soy wax is a 100% all-natural wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. This vegetable wax is made from harvested soybeans that have been cleaned, cracked, and rolled. Soybean oil is then extracted and hydrogenated to create soy wax. It is a popular choice for container candles due to its clean and slow burn. Soy wax is known to hold fragrances well, making it a good type of wax for scented candles. It is available in several forms, including soy wax flakes.
Beeswax is another 100% all-natural wax harvested from beehives, melted, and formed into blocks, sheets, and pastilles. Also known as honeycomb, beeswax is harvested from beehives, melted, and then fit into blocks, sheets, and pastilles. It has a natural honey-like aroma and a beautiful golden color. Beeswax can be used to make all types of candles, including pillars, tapers, votives, and containers. While beeswax is not vegan friendly, it is natural and versatile, working well to create homemade candles. It is considered one of the best candle waxes on the market.
Palm wax is produced by hydrogenating palm oils. Similar to soy wax, this wax is made and processed from palm. It is a hard wax, making it good for pillar candles and votive candles. Palm waxes allow you to create candles with unique textures, since, in most cases, there is a crystallizing pattern (on pillars or containers) or feathering pattern (available on pillars) that forms on the candle’s surface. Once dry, this wax creates unique crystal-like patterns on the surface. However, the production of this wax has been said to produce big environmental issues, due to the deforestation of palm trees to create palm oil and wax.
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Coconut wax is made from hydrogenated coconuts and is a relatively new wax. This wax, when melted, creates a creamy and soft texture, similar to coconut oil. The use of coconut wax has become increasingly popular, due to its scent throw, even burn and eco-friendliness. It’s often blended with other waxes, like soy or paraffin, to enhance its performance. Coconut wax is perfect for those who want to create luxury candles with a professional finish.
Coming from the plant itself, rapeseed wax is able to retain fragrances and has a long burn time. As intensive farming techniques are not used to produce this wax, it is a sustainable, biodegradable, and more eco-friendly alternative to other waxes.
Paraffin is one of the most common and widely used candle wax. Paraffin wax, also known as straight wax, is wax that doesn’t have any additives in it. This wax is synthetic, made with petroleum, coal, or shade oil. This type of wax is affordable and easy to use. It’s known for its versatility and ability to hold vibrant colors and strong fragrances. Paraffin is a go-to wax for anyone looking to create candles with bright colors and strong scents. However, paraffin wax is not the healthiest and eco-friendliest wax out there.
These blends combine the benefits of both paraffin and natural waxes. Alternatively, try blending various candle waxes for your candle. Combining various blends can give you the best of both worlds. Using Candlewic’s Custom Blend Waxes eliminates the need to test blends and additives on your own and allows you to create better candles faster.
The following table summarizes the product recommendations based on wax type and intended use:
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| Product | Use | Form | Max Fragrance | Rec. Wicks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax | Container Candles | CD Wick, ECO Wick | ||
| Golden Brands 444 Soy Wax | Container Candles (especially in warm weather) | CD Wick, ECO Wick | ||
| Golden Wax 415 Soy Wax | Blending with other waxes | CD Wick, ECO Wick | ||
| Blended Waxes® Pillar Soy Wax (BW-921) | Pillars, Tarts, Votives, Wax Melts | Pastilles | 1.6oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| EcoSoya PB Pillar Soy Wax | Pillars, Tarts, Votives, Wax Melts | Pastilles | 1oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| EcoSoya CB-Advanced Soy Wax | Containers, Tealights | Pastilles | 1.6oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| IGI 6006 Paraffin/Soy Blend Wax | Containers, Tealights | Soft Slab | 1.6oz./lb. | ECO Wick |
| IGI 6046 Coconut/Paraffin Blend Wax | Containers, Tealights | Very Soft Block | 1.6oz./lb. | CD Wick |
| IGI 6028 Paraffin/Soy Pillar Blend Wax | Pillars, Tarts, Votives, Wax Melts | Hard Slab | 1.5oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| Blended Waxes® Paraffin/Soy Wax (BW-910) | Containers, Tealights | Soft Slab | 1.6oz./lb. | LX Wick, CD Wick |
| IGI 4630 Harmony Blend Wax | Containers, Tealights | Soft Slab | 1.6oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| IGI 4627 Comfort Blend Wax | Containers, Tealights | Very Soft Block | 2oz./lb. | LX Wick |
| IGI 1239 A Paraffin Wax | Pillars, Votives, Wax Melts, Tarts | Hard Slab | 0.5oz./lb. | LX Wick |
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