Can You Get White Wax?
What is Wax?
Wax is a substance made from lipids that is solid at room temperature but melts at fairly low temperatures. There are several different types of waxes that come from various sources.
Some common types of wax include:
- Beeswax – Produced by honey bees to build honeycomb cells
- Paraffin Wax – Derived from petroleum
- Soy Wax – Made from soybean oil
- Palm Wax – Derived from palm oil
- Carnauba Wax – Derived from leaves of a palm tree
Wax has a wide variety of uses including:
- Candles – Wax is commonly used to make candles
- Cosmetics – Waxes are used in lip balms, creams, polishes
- Polishes – Car wax, shoe polish, and furniture polish contain wax
- Crayons – Wax crayons are made from paraffin wax
- Cheese Coating – Wax coatings protect cheese
- Surfboards – Surfboard wax helps grip the board
Different Colors of Wax
Wax comes in a variety of colors, with some of the most common being white, yellow, pink, blue, and green. However, almost any color can be achieved through dyeing the wax or adding pigments.
The color of the wax can impact some of its properties. For example:
- White wax tends to have a higher melting point than colored wax.
- Darker colored waxes, like black and red, absorb heat more readily so melt faster.
- Natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax have a light yellowish hue.
- Dyeing wax very dark colors can sometimes alter the texture.
- Wax made from synthetic materials like paraffin can achieve virtually any color.
So in summary, while wax can come in many colors, the specific hue can affect certain qualities. But most colored wax performs similarly to white wax in candle making or other crafts.
Why Use White Wax?
White wax has some unique properties and benefits compared to other colored waxes that make it a popular choice for manycandle making and craft projects.
Some key advantages of using white wax include:
- Versatility – White wax can be easily dyed to any color. This allows for more creativity and customization in candle making and other crafts.
- Neutral color – The white color is neutral and clean looking. It allows for fragrance and dyes to show up nicely.
- Soft glow – When used in candles, white wax gives off a soft, gentle glow as it melts. The light from white candles can be soothing.
- Natural material – Most white waxes are natural products such as beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. They burn cleanly.
- Hardness – White wax tends to be fairly firm and hardy. This makes it easier to work with without damaging candles or crafts.
- Affordability – White wax is usually very affordable, especially paraffin or soy varieties. This makes it accessible for crafters.
- Aesthetic appeal – White wax simply looks clean, timeless, and elegant. It suits any décor or project.
With benefits like versatility, brightness, and aesthetic appeal, it’s easy to see why white wax is a favorite for candle making, wax crafts, and more!
Where to Buy White Wax
There are a few options for purchasing white wax for candle making and other craft projects:
Candle Making Suppliers
Specialized candle making suppliers will have the best selection of high-quality white wax. They carry different wax types like paraffin, soy, and beeswax in a range of colors. Popular candle supply retailers include CandleScience, Lone Star Candle Supply, and The Flaming Candle.
Online Stores
Large online retailers like Amazon and eBay sell white paraffin and soy wax. The selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated candle supplier but ordering online can be more convenient. Make sure to verify the wax specifications before purchasing.
Brick and Mortar Shops
Some arts and craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby sell white candle wax in smaller quantities for hobbyists. The quality may not be as high as wax from a specialty supplier. Hardware stores may also carry paraffin wax for basic candle making.
How to Make White Wax
There are a few techniques you can use to make regular colored wax into white wax at home.
One method is bleaching. You can bleach beeswax or paraffin wax using hydrogen peroxide. Simply melt the wax, then stir in the peroxide a little at a time until you achieve the desired whiteness. Be careful not to add too much peroxide as this can degrade the wax. Bleaching works best on lighter colored waxes.
Another approach is to add titanium dioxide powder, which is white pigment. Titanium dioxide is commonly used to color paints, plastics, paper, toothpaste and many other materials white. Simply melt your wax, then mix in a small amount of titanium dioxide a bit at a time until the wax becomes bright white. Use just enough to reach the desired shade of white without adding excess.
You can also filter colored wax through a bleaching earth or clay to remove impurities and lighten the color. Melt the wax first, then pour through a filter made of fuller’s earth or bentonite clay. The clay will absorb some of the pigments. You may need to filter multiple times to get a pure white color.
Making homemade white wax takes some trial and error to find the right process and get the perfect white tint. But with a little experimenting, you can transform colored wax into clean white wax for any project.
Using White Wax for Candles
White wax offers several benefits for candle making. The light color allows for dyes and pigments to show up vividly, making it easy to create candles in any hue. The white base provides a clean canvas for adding fragrance as well. Since pure white wax has no scent of its own, the aromas of essential oils and fragrances can really shine through.
White wax also helps create a bright, pure look. Beeswax and other natural waxes often have a yellowish tint. But white wax gives off a fresh, crisp appearance. This works great for candles meant to evoke feelings of cleanliness, clarity, tranquility, and spirituality.
Making white candles is straightforward:
- Purchase white wax in pellets, flakes or blocks
- Melt the wax to a temperature of 150 to 165°F
- Add candle dye if desired for pastel colors
- Mix in essential oils or fragrances
- Pour the wax into pre-wicked containers or molds
- Allow candles to fully set and cure before burning
With quality white wax and the proper wick, beautiful white candles can be created for home use or gifting.
Using White Wax for Other Crafts
In addition to candle making, white wax can be used for a variety of other crafts and projects:
Wax Melts
Wax melts are a popular craft using white wax. To make wax melts, white wax is melted and poured into silicone molds. Once cooled and hardened, the wax melts can be removed from the molds and placed in wax warmers to fill a room with fragrance. White wax is commonly used for wax melts because it has very little scent of its own, allowing the fragrances and essential oils to shine through. The pure white color also allows for colorants and glitters to show up vividly.
Wax Painting/Art
White wax is also a great medium for creating wax art and paintings. The wax can be melted and combined with oil paint pigments to create a creamy, spreadable wax paint. Artists apply the wax paint to surfaces in thin layers, blending and scraping to create texture. White wax provides a neutral base color for the paints and allows the pigments to really pop. Wax paintings have a luminous, glossy finish. The wax art can be used to create abstract paintings, landscapes, geometric patterns and more on canvas, wood, glass and other surfaces.
Storing White Wax
Properly storing white wax is important for maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. Here are some tips for proper storage:
Keep it cool and dry – White wax should be stored in a cool, dry area away from excess heat and moisture. Ideal storage temperatures are between 50-70°F. High heat can cause wax to melt or lose its shape. Moisture can cause wax to sweat or become sticky.
Store in airtight containers – Keep white wax in airtight plastic, glass or metal containers with tight lids. This prevents wax from absorbing moisture, odors and dust from the air. Dark containers help prevent light exposure.
Limit light exposure – Exposure to UV light can degrade wax over time. Store wax away from direct sunlight or other intense light sources. If storing clear containers, keep them in boxes or wrap in dark bags.
Organize by type – Store different types of waxes separately so they don’t mix together. This also makes it easier to identify and access what you need.
Check frequently for quality – Periodically inspect wax for changes in appearance, texture or scent that may indicate it is aging. If deterioration is noticed, replace the wax.
With proper storage, the shelf life of high quality white wax is generally 1-2 years. Lower quality waxes may start to lose quality within 6-12 months. Storing wax correctly helps preserve its intended use and characteristics.
Safety Precautions When Using White Wax
When working with white wax, it’s important to take proper safety precautions to avoid burns or other injuries. Here are some tips for handling white wax safely:
Proper Handling
White wax can get extremely hot during the melting process. Always use heat-resistant containers, tools, molds, and surfaces when melting or pouring wax. Wear heat-resistant gloves and long sleeves when handling hot wax. Do not overheat wax as this can cause fumes or even fire. Allow wax to fully cool and harden before handling.
Ventilation
Always work in a well-ventilated area when melting wax. Open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air. Melting wax can produce fumes, so avoid breathing in vapors directly. Take projects outside if strong odors develop. Molten wax releases moisture, so ventilation prevents excess humidity indoors.
First Aid
Have a first aid kit on hand in case of burns. Immediately run cool water over skin if molten wax makes contact. Do not attempt to peel solidified wax off skin as this can cause further injury. Seek medical attention for severe burns. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case melted wax ignites. If eye contact occurs, flush eyes with cool water for 15 minutes.
Following basic safety measures allows you to work with white wax while avoiding accidents. Use caution, common sense, and proper protective gear when melting, pouring, and handling white wax in any form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about white wax:
Why does my white wax look yellowish?
Pure white wax can develop a yellowish tinge over time, especially if exposed to heat or sunlight. Storing your wax properly in an airtight container out of direct light can help prevent discoloration.
My white candles have spots or streaks on them. Why?
Spots, streaks, or discoloration on finished white candles can be caused by impurities in the wax, or from getting overheated during the pouring process. Make sure to use high quality wax and maintain proper pouring temperatures to avoid this issue.
How can I get a brighter white color?
Adding a trace amount of titanium dioxide or liquid candle dye to the wax can help produce a brighter, purer white color. Too much dye may cause streaking, so add conservatively until you achieve the desired shade.
Why is my white wax cracking or frosting?
Cracking or frosting on the surface of white wax is typically caused by cooling the wax too quickly after pouring. Allow the wax to cool slowly at room temperature to avoid surface imperfections.
Should I add fragrance to white wax?
White wax can hold fragrance oils nicely. Use lighter, floral, or clean scents at a 6-8% concentration. Darker fragrances may discolor the wax or reduce brightness.
