What Are Dw Candles Made From?
What are DW Candles?
DW candles are a type of candle made from a proprietary wax blend developed by the DW Candle Company. The name “DW” stands for the initials of the company’s founder, David Williams. DW Candle Company first started selling candles in the early 1990s and patented their special wax formula in 1995.
The key characteristics of DW candles are that they are made from a blend of paraffin, soy, and other waxes. This proprietary blend allows DW candles to burn longer and cleaner than standard paraffin candles. DW waxes are designed to hold fragrances well so that DW candles are strongly scented. The wax also allows DW candles to emit less soot and smoke when burning compared to regular paraffin candles.
Over the past 25+ years, DW Candle Company has grown to become one of the most recognized candle brands on the market. They offer a wide selection of candle styles, shapes, colors, and scents. DW aims to make quality, long burning, great smelling candles affordable for all budgets. Their candles are sold via online and in retail stores across the United States and Canada.
DW Candle Wax
DW candles are handcrafted using high-quality waxes to ensure excellent performance and fragrance throw. The primary waxes used in DW candles include:
Paraffin Wax – A highly refined petroleum-based wax, paraffin wax is odorless, colorless, and burns cleanly. It’s an affordable option that allows for excellent fragrance dispersion and burn time. However, some avoid paraffin for not being an eco-friendly natural wax.
Soy Wax – Made from hydrogenated American-grown soybean oil, soy wax is a renewable and sustainable natural wax. It has a lower melting point than paraffin, so soy candles tend to burn slower and cooler. Soy wax has a smooth finish and requires essential oil fragrance.
Beeswax – A premium natural wax made by honey bees, beeswax has a pleasant honey scent. Beeswax burns brighter and longer than other waxes, with excellent fragrance throw. It can be blended with other waxes, adding structure, hardness and viscosity to the candle.
Palm Wax – Derived from the fruit of palm trees, palm wax is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin. It burns cleanly and holds scent well. Palm wax blended with soy and beeswax makes an excellent candle wax.
DW carefully selects waxes to suit the design and purpose of each candle. These quality waxes ensure an eco-friendly, safe and aromatic candle every time.
DW Candle Wicks
DW candles use high-quality wicks that are essential for proper candle burning. The wick is the component that draws wax up through capillary action and brings it close to the flame so it can melt and release its fragrance. DW wicks are made from pure cotton or paper-based materials.
Cotton wicks are most commonly used in DW candles. Cotton burns cleanly without releasing chemicals, provides a bright flame, and bends as it burns to remain centered in the wax pool. The cotton is twisted or braided to the optimal thickness for the candle’s width and wax type.
Paper and wood wicks are also used in some DW candle varieties. Paper wicks emulate a fireplace ambience with their crackling sound and flickering flames. Wooden wicks are made from natural soft woods and release a pleasant scent when burned. All DW wicks are lead-free and meet safety standards. The material is carefully chosen to pair well with the type of wax and fragrance in each candle.
DW Candle Scents
DW candles come in a wide variety of scents to suit any mood or occasion. Some of the most popular scents for DW candles include:
Fruity scents like apple, strawberry, peach, mango, and citrus are bright and uplifting. They smell fresh and vibrant.
Floral scents like lavender, rose, jasmine, and lilac provide a delicate and romantic aroma. These floral scents are soothing and pleasant.
Herbal scents like chamomile, eucalyptus, mint, and sage have an earthy yet relaxing quality. They create a calm, meditative ambiance.
Spice scents like cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg are cozy and warm. They give off a comforting, homey feeling.
Vanilla scents are sweet and indulgent. The rich, decadent aroma of vanilla fills any space with a soothing sweetness.
From fruity and floral to spicy and herbal, DW candles offer a scent for every preference and mood. Their wide selection allows customers to choose a fragrance that provides the perfect sensory experience for their needs.
DW Candle Colors
DW candles come in a wide range of beautiful and inviting colors. Some of the most popular DW candle colors include:
- White – Clean, pure, and elegant, white candles pair well with any decor.
- Ivory – A warm off-white that provides a soothing glow.
- Cream – Richer than white, cream candles create a welcoming ambiance.
- Beige – An earthy neutral that complements natural decor.
- Black – Striking and sophisticated, black candles look sharp.
- Red – Energetic and passionate, red candles make a bold statement.
- Pink – Gentle and romantic, pink candles set the mood for love.
- Purple – Mystical and royal, purple candles encourage reflection.
- Blue – Cool and calming, blue candles are peaceful.
- Green – Crisp and renewing, green candles represent growth.
With diverse color options, DW candles can match any style. Their rich dyes and pigments fill rooms with an inviting ambiance.
DW Candle Shapes and Sizes
DW candles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit any decor or purpose. From traditional cylindrical pillars to intricate sculptural designs, DW offers candles for every style and setting.
Some of the most popular DW candle shapes include:
- Pillars – Tall, thin candles perfect for candleholders. Pillars come in diameters like 3″, 4″, 6″.
- Jars – Shorter, wider candles housed in glass jars. Jar candles range from 4 oz to over 40 oz.
- Votives – Small, compact candles in containers meant for tealights. Votives are ideal for votive holders.
- Tapers – Long, slim candles designed for use in candelabras. Tapers are typically 6″-12″ tall with a 0.5″-1″ diameter.
- Tealights – Tiny candles in metal cups measuring about 1″ tall and 1″ wide.
- Floating Candles – Candles designed to float on water, like in vases or pools.
- Wax Melts – Meltable wax without a wick, meant for aroma only.
In addition to standard shapes, DW also offers uniquely shaped candles like numbers, flowers, globes, cars, animals, holiday themes, and more. The sculptural designs showcase DW’s artisanal handmade process.
DW candles range in height from just an inch or two for tealights, up to over 3 feet for large sculptural pillars. Candle diameters span from less than an inch for tapers, to over 6 inches for extra wide jars and pillars.
With this immense variety, DW ensures a candle shape and size for every space and decorative need.
DW Candle Making Process
DW candles are handmade in small batches using a meticulous multi-step process to create their signature clean-burning candles. Here is an overview of how DW candles are manufactured:
1. Melting the Wax – DW uses top-quality paraffin wax, carefully melting large blocks of this wax in industrial melters. The wax must be heated to a precise temperature to maintain proper viscosity for pouring.
2. Adding Fragrance – Once the paraffin wax is melted, concentrated fragrance oils are blended in based on the specific candle fragrance being produced. DW uses premium phthalate-free fragrances.
3. Preparing the Wicks – DW wicks are made from braided cotton that has been primed to control burning rate and sustain aroma. Wicks are cut to size and centered in each candle vessel.
4. Pouring the Candles – The melted wax-fragrance blend is carefully poured into each vessel, leaving a small headspace for expansion as the candles cure. Skilled workers pour batches by hand.
5. Cooling and Curing – Poured candles are left to fully harden and cure for a minimum of 24 hours before final finishing and inspection.
6. Final Touches – Once cured, any seams or imperfections are fixed by hand. Candles are trimmed, labeled, and packaged, ready for customers to enjoy clean high-quality burns.
DW Candle Quality
DW candles are known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. Here are some of the key factors that make up a quality DW candle:
Highly Refined Wax – DW uses a proprietary blend of food-grade waxes, like soy, palm, and coconut. The wax is refined to be very pure, resulting in an even, smooth burn and reduced soot.
Excellent Fragrance Oils – Only premium phthalate-free fragrances are used. The scents are strong, true to life, and evenly distributed throughout each candle.
Braided Cotton Wicks – The wicks are carefully braided by hand from thin layers of cotton for a tight weave. This provides excellent capillary action for an even wax pool and clean burn.
Reusable Vessels – DW candles come in a range of beautiful reusable glass vessels. The thick glass holds in heat and provides a safe burning environment.
Hand Pours – Each candle is hand poured in small batches, which allows for careful monitoring of quality. This personal touch ensures consistency.
Safety Testing – DW conducts extensive safety testing on all candles, checking factors like burn time, flame height, and wax pooling. This guarantees safety.
With premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and rigorous testing, DW is committed to creating the highest quality candle experience possible.
DW Candle Safety
When burning DW candles, it’s important to follow safe practices to prevent fires, injuries, and damage to your home. Here are some tips for safely enjoying your DW candles:
- Always trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning.
- Keep burning candles away from flammable materials like curtains, books, and decorations.
- Don’t burn candles near pets or small children who may knock them over.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep while a candle burns.
- Extinguish candles if the flame gets too close to the holder or container.
- Always use a heat-resistant holder that is non-flammable.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room and avoid drafts that can cause rapid, uneven burning.
- Allow the wax pool to completely melt before relighting to avoid clogged wicks.
- Make sure candles are fully extinguished and cooled before moving them.
- Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch each time before relighting.
By following basic safety guidelines, you can safely enjoy the light, scent, and ambiance of DW candles. Take precautions and exercise good judgment when burning.
Popular DW Candle Uses
DW candles are versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are some of the most popular uses for these high-quality candles:
Aromatherapy – DW candles are often used for their aromatherapeutic benefits. The candles are made from natural soy wax and scented with essential oils. When burned, DW candles release fragrant aromas into the air which can help promote relaxation, improve mood, and create a soothing ambiance.
Home Decor – With their clean-burning soy wax and beautiful vessels, DW candles make lovely additions to any home’s decor. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to complement any style. DW candles add a touch of warmth and coziness to living spaces.
Gifts – DW candles make wonderful gifts for birthdays, holidays, hostess gifts, and more. Their natural soy wax and essential oil scents appeal to a wide range of gift recipients. DW candles are available in gift sets that allow you to customize a scented candle collection for a loved one.
Ambiance Setting – Use DW candles to set the mood for dinners, parties, romantic evenings, spa nights, and more. Light a few candles in your preferred scents to create an inviting ambiance for any occasion or everyday relaxation.
Scent Marketing – Many businesses use DW candles to scent their retail stores, hotel lobbies, spas, and other commercial spaces. The candles help evoke certain moods and responses in customers through aromatherapy scent marketing.