Types of Wax used for Candle Making

A key factor to consider when exploring the exciting world of candle making knows which wax is best for the type of candle you want to make. There are many different waxes on the market, from classic beeswax and widely available paraffin, to newer popular options like soy and coconut waxes. Each wax has its own properties and properties that make it ideal for making certain types of candles. Some are best suited for making pillar candles, while others work well in containers. Some waxes are colorless and odorless and are ideal for adding color and fragrance, while others have natural fragrance and color and require no additives. As more people become aware of the impact candles can have on the air quality in their homes, there has been debate over which wax burns the cleanest and greenest. Some are made from 100% natural and renewable resources, are biodegradable, do not release toxins into the air, and even purify the air! Others, however, release soot and chemicals into the air for less clean burning. No matter what type of candle you're making, our comprehensive guide to candle wax will help you make the right choice. Homemade candles make great gifts and home decorations, and candle making can be both a fun hobby and a real art.

Types of waxes:

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the most popular waxes for making candles. Candles and has been around for centuries. It is immediately recognizable by its subtle honey flavor and unique golden color. If you are looking for a natural wax to use, beeswax is a great option. It is best suited for Pillar and Taper Candles. Beeswax Candles also have the longest burn time and produce a warm, smokeless flame that is good for your home and the environment. You can use this wax with many types of candles, but it works especially well with cylindrical and taper candles because it doesn't drip too much, making it perfect for candle holders and seasonal garlands.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is one of the most popular waxes popular in the candle market today. It is a 100% natural wax made from soy, a naturally renewable resource and an eco-friendly choice. One of the best things about soy wax is that it burns soot-free. It's also a slow-burning wax, so while soy candles tend to be more expensive, they last longer. It is best suited for container candles Soy wax is usually in flake form for easy application. It burns at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and is best used as a container candle. Soy wax is a good choice if you're using jars, glass, or teacups to make candles. It is also an excellent scent carrier, using it for scented candles will give you a pure scented candle.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is the cheapest way to make candles. If you want to make scented candles with highly saturated colors, paraffin wax is the best choice because it retains color and fragrance well. This is a versatile wax that can be used for everything from container candles to taper and pillar candles.

Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product that releases soot when burned, raising questions about its impact on the environment. However, paraffin wax is still sold, as is the wax used to make candles.

Gel Wax

If you want to create very decorative candles, consider gel. It's not technically a wax, but a mixture of resin and mineral oil that creates the translucent look that gel candles are known for. This material is a good choice for clear candles because you can add various small objects to the container before pouring the gel, such as dried flowers, shells, or beads, and they will remain visible while the gel hardens.

They also burn very slowly, again they burn almost twice as long as regular candles, but like paraffin candles they release soot as they burn. Gel wax is usually used to make decorative candles and are popular for gifting something different than normal wax candles.

Palm Wax

In recent years, palm wax has become a popular choice for candle making because it burns cleanly and is an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Palm wax is quite expensive compared to other waxes, especially paraffin. However, it produces high quality candles that burn for a long time.

Palm wax is pleasantly scented, so it's a good choice if you're making scented candles. It is also a strong, sturdy and long-lasting wax, especially for pillar candles and other types of freestanding candles without a holder.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a vegan and wax-friendly option to make candles. It emits very little soot when burning; making it a safe choice for your home. It also has a slow and even burn. Coconut wax is best suited for container candles and scented candles.

Although you might think it should naturally smell like coconut, this colorless wax is actually odorless and fragrant, making it an excellent choice for making scented candles. It is often combined with soy wax and is best suited for jar candles.