Know Everything about Various Types of Wax Used for Candle Making

Candles are part of our lives since ages. From ancient times till date they have undergone a number of transformations (in terms of shape, style, manufacturing process etc.). From serving as a basic source of light to a medium  of home fragrance and decoration, candles have evolved in a whole new manner. A wide range of candles are available in the market, classified on the basis of difference in type of materials used in their preparation, price ranges, fragrance, burning time, colors, shapes etc.

But, the most important characterization of candles is done on the basis of wax from which it is made up of. Different types of candles are available in the market, but it is very difficult or nearly impossible to buy a perfect candle for a special occasion without knowing about the type of wax being used for making the candle. Here, we will let you know  some basic differences between various  kinds of waxes, so that next time it will be easy for you to choose the right product.

Candle waxes are broadly categorized into six different types. Some are considered toxic and some are non-toxic. So, let’s take a look at them one by one.

Paraffin Wax:

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Paraffin is the most common type of wax available in the market. Ordinary candles that cost less and which are used to  serve the purpose of producing light during electricity cuts are known as paraffin wax candles. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum, and considered as the least environmental friendly kind of wax available as it emits carbon vapors while burning. It can also be categorized into two different categories, low melting point and high melting point paraffin.

• Low melting point Paraffin - It is comparatively softer than high melting point paraffin. Its melting point is lower than 130 degree Fahrenheit. This paraffin is best suited for making container candles because it adheres well to the walls of a container.

• High melting point Paraffin – This kind of wax is comparatively harder. Its melting point is higher than 130 degree Fahrenheit. Difficult shapes of candles can be easily obtained with the use of Paraffin, and high melting point makes it ideal for candle making.

Paraffin is low in cost, it easily blends with all kinds of synthetic colors and fragrances. Beautiful decorative candles are prepared by using paraffin wax. If you want to try your hands  in candle making, Paraffin is the best to start with

Soy Wax:

  

                       

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Soy wax is safe, natural and free of toxics, it is a form of hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is safe for environment, it does not emit carbon while burning and the fact that it comes from a plant frees it from the fear of elimination of its source, as in the case of Paraffin wax. 

Though the wax is good for environment and free of toxins, but some disadvantages are also associated with it. It is very difficult to give a perfect shape to soy in its purest form. There is need to add any other type of wax  to the soy to give a boost to its shape.

Soy wax molecules do not easily take  hold of synthetic colors and fragrances. Few fragrances go well with soy but some do not, so it is a matter of experimentation and experience. Special coloring dyes are used to prepare soy candles, because it does not hold the color of all kinds of dyes.

Palm Wax:

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Palm wax is prepared from palm tree oil. It is a natural vegetable wax which is totally safe for environment, it does not emit any toxic item or carbon while burning. This type of wax is hard enough to give the desired shape in comparison to soy wax. 

It can be said that this wax is ideal for making candles, as it is safe for environment, blends easily with other waxes, and easily takes on any fragrance or color. This wax can be used to make container candles, pillar candles or any other shape of candles which you desire.

Beeswax:

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Beeswax is made by honeybees in their honeycomb. This wax is also totally safe and natural. Beeswax can further be categorized into three different types, which are  based on the ways of their preparation: 

• Yellow Beeswax – Yellow beeswax is the crude or purest form of wax obtained from honeycomb.

• White Beeswax – White beeswax is prepared by bleaching the yellow beeswax for adding a variety of color.

• Beeswax Absolute - Yellow beeswax is treated with alcohol to make Beeswax absolute.

Beeswax is greatly used in cosmetics, creams and medicines because it works as an antioxidant, it is a rich source of vitamin A and also having antiseptic properties.

Beeswax candles are also used for cleaning impurities from air. They are helpful in giving some great results in relaxation  and aroma therapy, and in relieving allergies. It burns with a sweet honey like fragrance and for longer duration. The wax is a bit expensive, but these qualities make it worth of its price.

Bayberry Wax:

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As the name suggests Bayberry wax is made from berries of Bayberry plant. A procedure is followed for making wax that includes boiling of berries in water. During this process, a layer of wax appears on the top of the water which is then recovered. The wax obtained is greenish-white in color with a pleasant fragrance. This wax is fairly hard, but it has a low melting point. 

This wax is even costlier than Beeswax because of its unique manufacturing process. Beeswax and Bayberry wax blend together very nicely resulting in giving a perfect stretch to Bayberry wax and enough toughness to Beeswax.

Cream and Gel Wax:  

 

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Now, it’s time to discuss about cream and gel waxes. Cream wax is a mixture of paraffin and oils. It is opaque and has  a cream like texture. Container candles can be very easily made with the use of cream wax.

Gel wax is different from all types of wax as it doesn’t look like wax. Gel wax is transparent, it is a mixture of resin and mineral oils. Colors blend very easily with gel wax, but a container is required while making gel candles to get a hold on shape. Gel does not blend with any kind of fragrance. So, they can be used as a great piece of art for decoration purposes, but if you are looking for fragrance, you may have to look for any other kind of candle. 

These were some of the most commonly used types of waxes in candle making. We hope that now you get an idea to differentiate among different types of candles. So, keep all this information in mind and choose the candle that suits best to your requirement.

Hopefully I feel, I have tried my best to educate the inquisitive readers or beginners who are new to the candle industry or who really want to venture into candle making process at home. Knowing the above mentioned basic details about wax types is really going to be beneficial to them. Till then happily try your hands on candle making. It’s really an easy process.