There are numerous types of waxes on the market for candle making. So much so that it can become a little overwhelming. Trying to figure out what wax to use for the type of candle you want to make can be time consuming and costly. But there are general rules of thumb for every type of wax available today that can help you determine what each wax works best for without you having to buy every kind to find out yourself.
Paraffin is probably the most common type of wax sold today. The wide array of things you can do with paraffin is incredible. You can make everything from votives and tapers, hurricanes and pillars with the same type of paraffin wax. The only downfall of this type of wax is that it is derived from petroleum. Even though it is a byproduct, it has a damaging effect on the planet and does not burn very cleanly. From environmental aspect, this is the most impacted type of wax you can use.
Beeswax has always been a very popular choice for candle makers. The wax is derived from honeycombs where it is filtered and processed. It burns ninety percent cleaner than paraffin and is naturally sustainable. The drawback to beeswax is the higher cost. Of the waxes this is one of the most expensive. However, beeswax has a wide variety of uses thanks to various additives that can be added to make the wax harder. That makes it possible to pour beeswax into votives, tapers, molds, jars and pillars.
Soy wax has become almost trendy recently. Derived from soy bean oil it burns very cleanly and is a sustainable product. It is also very affordable and has a wide cast of uses. Typically you see soy wax in jars and tins, but it can be used to make pillars and votives as well with added hardeners.
There are numerous types of waxes on the market for candle making. So much so that it can become a little overwhelming. Trying to figure out what wax to use for the type of candle you want to make can be time consuming and costly. But there are general rules of thumb for every type of wax available today that can help you determine what each wax works best for without you having to buy every kind to find out yourself.
Paraffin is probably the most common type of wax sold today. The wide array of things you can do with paraffin is incredible. You can make everything from votives and tapers, hurricanes and pillars with the same type of paraffin wax. The only downfall of this type of wax is that it is derived from petroleum. Even though it is a byproduct, it has a damaging effect on the planet and does not burn very cleanly. From environmental aspect, this is the most impacted type of wax you can use.
Beeswax has always been a very popular choice for candle makers. The wax is derived from honeycombs where it is filtered and processed. It burns ninety percent cleaner than paraffin and is naturally sustainable. The drawback to beeswax is the higher cost. Of the waxes this is one of the most expensive. However, beeswax has a wide variety of uses thanks to various additives that can be added to make the wax harder. That makes it possible to pour beeswax into votives, tapers, molds, jars and pillars.
Soy wax has become almost trendy recently. Derived from soy bean oil it burns very cleanly and is a sustainable product. It is also very affordable and has a wide cast of uses. Typically you see soy wax in jars and tins, but it can be used to make pillars and votives as well with added hardeners.
There are lesser known waxes also on the market. Like palm wax, bayberry wax, calendula wax and carnauba wax. These are all derived from plants and are very soft waxes. They are sustainable products and a great option for those looking to reduce the amount of impact their candle making has. The drawback is the cost of them (with the exception of palm wax). Because they are made by far less suppliers, find them is a little bit more difficult and costly. They are perfect to use for jars and tins, with palm and bayberry wax being harder and suited to pillars and votives.
Besides these options there are numerous blends available to candle making. They vary widely in use and application depending on the manufacturer. Most blends are mixed with paraffin wax to make them more affordable but again, it depends. I always recommend sticking with waxes that are not blended for the ease of use. Blends tend to be very specific in what they were made for. So unless you are only going to be making one type of candle, I would try to stay away from blends.
My suggestion is to play with one type of wax to begin with. Get a feel for its characteristics before trying another wax for your candle making. Above all, experiment and have fun!
Besides these options there are numerous blends available to candle making. They vary widely in use and application depending on the manufacturer. Most blends are mixed with paraffin wax to make them more affordable but again, it depends. I always recommend sticking with waxes that are not blended for the ease of use. Blends tend to be very specific in what they were made for. So unless you are only going to be making one type of candle, I would try to stay away from blends.
My suggestion is to play with one type of wax to begin with. Get a feel for its characteristics before trying another wax for your candle making. Above all, experiment and have fun!
Author Resource:
We teach people how to make gorgeous candles in their homes from beginners to pros. Candle making can be easy with the right guide and tools! For more information on how to make candles strategies and tips simply visit our website at www.howtomakecandlestoday.com
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