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Making Candles | Candle Making Wax – Some Of The Different Types

Candles are made from several different types of candle making wax and it depends on what kind of candle you want to make as to the wax used. Paraffin is one type of wax that can be used and another is natural wax right out of the beehive. Natural wax come from other places as well and one popular wax used today is soy wax. There are some waxes that are a combination of different waxes.

Paraffin is the most common wax used in making candles. This is a product made of petroleum and has been refined. The refining process allows the wax to be solid when it is at room temperature. Paraffin wax has no color or scent so these are basically the only things that need to be added.

Paraffin is easy to use when making candles because the melt point range is only 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It also makes it a bit dangerous because it can start a fire easily. The temperature the wax obtains is what distinguishes it for specific types of candles. The lower melting point is used for candles within containers like jars or molds where as the higher melting point is used to make tapers.

Bees wax comes in yellow and white and is probably what the first candles were made of. Other natural waxes include vegetable base wax and palm base wax. Soy wax is also a choice when making candles. The word natural when pertaining to wax means wax that comes from a renewable resource. Wax from bees certainly fits as does wax from bayberry and palm since they are plants. Natural waxes also come from animals but the animal is not killed to get it. A good example of natural animal wax is Lanolin that comes from wool grease.

The most popular bees wax is the yellow variety and it is really easy to use as well as being very consistent. Bees wax candles don’t really need to be scented because they already have that honey aroma. Bees wax tends to be a bit pricey but is worth the money when you look at the ease of working with the wax.

Soy waxes have been very popular these days. Soy wax pours much differently that paraffin so be sure to read directions when using it. It also burns much longer. Once the wax is poured it takes much longer to cool than paraffin. Scents added to soy wax are usually very vibrant and have staying power. Soy wax can be used in jars and for pillars or votive candles. The finished product has a glossy appearance that is quite beautiful.

There is also gel wax that has made candles very popular. Gel wax comes from mineral oils mixed with a resin to make a stiff gel that is clear. You get gel wax in 3 densities with the higher of the three needing a higher temperature to melt. Make sure to read directions that come with gel wax and follow them closely. Gel wax has a tendency to explode and will get all over everything and everyone and burn.

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