Candle making is a popular hobby and small business venture. One of the most important decisions when making candles is choosing the right wax. Different types of wax have different properties and can affect the final product in various ways. In this article, we will explore the different types of wax available for candle making and the pros and cons of each.
- Soy wax
- Coconut wax
- Paraffin wax
- Beeswax
- Palm wax
Factors to Consider in Wax Selection
When choosing the ideal wax for your candle-making project, several aspects must be taken into account, such as the type of candles you aim to create, your preferred wax variety (e.g., whether you prioritize all-natural waxes), the desired scent intensity, the challenge level you’re looking for in the project, and even the specific finish you want on your candles. Thoroughly evaluating these factors will help you determine the most suitable wax for your unique needs.
Candle Varieties
What kind of candles do you envision creating? Highland Candle Company can assist you in crafting:
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are freestanding candles that don’t require a container. The optimal waxes for crafting pillar candles include paraffin, beeswax, and palm wax, although you can also utilize wax blends for this purpose.
Container Candles
These candles are designed to be placed within a glass jar (with or without a lid), metal tin, or other containers. Since they don’t need to be self-supporting, you can choose from a wide range of waxes for container candles, such as soy wax, soy/paraffin blends, paraffin, palm wax, and beeswax.
Votive Candles
Votives are petite candles, approximately 2 ½” tall, intended for placement in small glass holders. They don’t need to be freestanding, so you can use various waxes, including softer, natural waxes like soy and palm, as well as beeswax, wax blends, and paraffin.
Tealight Candles
Tealights are tiny candles, measuring around 1 ½” in diameter and ¾” tall, designed for placement in small, cylindrical metal or clear plastic holders. Most waxes can be used to create tealights, such as soy, palm, beeswax, paraffin, and soy/paraffin blends.
Taper Candles
These are elongated, slender candles that rest in candlesticks. The most suitable waxes for crafting taper candles are paraffin and beeswax.
Wax Tarts
You can create wickless candles known as wax tarts or wax melts. When melted in a potpourri or tart burner, they offer an alternative way to enjoy the fragrance of candles. Both paraffin and natural waxes like soy wax can be used to create tarts.
Gel Candles
Gel candles have a soft, jelly-like consistency and are crafted inside a container. They are made from a mineral oil-based gel instead of traditional wax.
Does it make a difference which wax to choose?
Yes, it does. Different types of wax have different melting points, fragrance retention, and burn times. Choosing the right wax can affect the final product’s appearance, scent, and overall quality.
Soy Wax:
Soy wax is popular among candle makers due to its natural origins and eco-friendly properties. It is made from soybeans and is biodegradable. Soy wax has a lower melting point than other types of wax, which can make it easier to work with. However, it has a shorter burn time and may also not retain fragrance. We use a blend of Soy and Coconut in our candles.
Coconut Wax:
Coconut wax is another natural option that is derived from the meat of coconuts. It has a higher melting point than soy wax, which can make it more difficult to work with. However, it has a longer burn time and better fragrance retention. Coconut wax also produces less soot than other types of wax, making it a cleaner burning option.
Paraffin Wax:
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based wax that is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It has a high melting point, which may make it more difficult to work with than Soy, but it also has a longer burn time and good fragrance retention. However, it produces more soot than natural wax options and is not considered eco-friendly.
Beeswax:
Beeswax is a natural wax that is derived from the honeycomb of bees. It has a higher melting point than other types of wax and can be more difficult to work with compared to some. However, it has a long burn time and excellent fragrance retention. Beeswax is also considered eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Palm Wax:
Palm wax is a natural wax that is derived from the oil of the fruit of the oil palm tree. It has a high melting point, which can make it more difficult to work with than some others, but it also has a long burn time and excellent fragrance retention. Palm wax also has a unique crystalline pattern that can add visual interest to candles.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing the best wax for making candles, there are several options available. Soy wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, and palm wax each have their unique properties and can affect the final product in different ways. Consider the desired properties of your candle and choose the wax that best suits your needs. To see more about making candles, check out our candle-making guide.
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