What Are The Main Ingredients In Candle Making?

Candle making involves combining various ingredients to create candles with the desired properties. The main ingredients used in candle making include wax, wicks, scents, colorants, additives, and containers. The wax provides the fuel source and holds everything together in a solid form. The wick is the component that allows the candle to burn. Scents and essential oils are added for fragrance. Colorants provide visual appeal. Additives like hardeners and vybar improve the performance. And containers give shape and hold the melted wax. By understanding the role each ingredient plays, you can customize your candles’ look, feel, and smell. The key is finding the right balance of ingredients to achieve your goals.

Wax

Wax is the main ingredient that makes a candle burn. The four most common types of candle wax are paraffin, soy, beeswax, and gel wax.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is the most widely used candle wax. It is inexpensive, burns cleanly, and can hold fragrance well (Source: https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide).

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is often touted as a natural alternative to paraffin wax since it comes from a renewable resource. Soy wax is biodegradable and burns slower than paraffin. However, it does not hold scent as well as paraffin (Source: https://shoparchipelago.com/blogs/blog/types-of-candle-wax).

Beeswax is made from honeycomb produced by honey bees. It has a natural honey aroma and is considered the cleanest burning wax. However, beeswax is expensive and can be tricky to work with (Source: https://shoparchipelago.com/blogs/blog/types-of-candle-wax).

Gel wax contains mineral oil so it has a thicker, gel-like consistency. It allows for more intricate designs and patterns in candles. However, gel wax can sweat or develop frosting on the outside of the candle (Source: https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide).

Wicks

The wick is a crucial component in candle making. Its purpose is to draw wax up through capillary action to fuel the flame as the candle burns. Wicks are typically made from thin strands of material that have been braided or twisted together. Some of the most common materials used for wicks include:

Cotton – Cotton is one of the most popular wick materials due to its natural flame-retardant properties. Cotton wicks burn steadily and leave little ash behind. They work well for container candles. Elements of a Candle: Wicks – Candle.org

Wood – Wooden wicks are made from natural hardwoods like bamboo. They make a light crackling sound as they burn, which some find pleasing. Wood wicks should only be used in container candles as they may pose a fire hazard in freestanding candles. What are Candle Wicks Made of? Everything You Need to Know – Smells Candle

Paper – Paper wicks are uncommon but can be made from thin cardboard or twisted paper. They tend to burn quickly and may leave more ash behind than other wick types.

Scents and Essential Oils

Aromatic oils and scents are another key ingredient in candle making, as they provide the fragrance and determine the overall scent profile. Candle makers can choose from two main options – natural essential oils or synthetic fragrance oils. Our Favorite Scented Candles

Essential oils are derived from plants and capture the natural smell of ingredients like flowers, fruits, herbs, spices, etc. Popular essential oils used in candles include lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree. While natural, essential oils can be more expensive and may not always offer the intensity or complexity of synthetic fragrance oils.

Synthetic fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab to mimic natural scents or produce unique aroma combinations. They allow candle makers to achieve stronger, longer lasting scents at a lower cost. Popular synthetic fragrance oils include vanilla, sandalwood, pine, citrus blends, and fruit punches. However, some synthetic fragrances can contain questionable ingredients.

Many artisanal candle makers try to strike a balance, often blending natural essential oils with synthetic fragrances. This allows them to create complex aromas with natural oil top-notes and long-lasting synthetic bases. Overall, the choice of fragrance oil impacts cost, intensity, longevity and naturalness of the candle scent.

Colorants

Candlemakers have two main options when it comes to adding color to their candles: liquid dyes and solid colorants. Liquid dyes are concentrated coloring agents that come in small bottles and can be added directly to melted wax. They allow for precise control over the shade and intensity of color. Some popular types of liquid candle dyes include alcohol-based dyes, non-bleeding liquid dyes, and solvent-based dyes.

Solid colorants come in chip, block, or powdered form and also dissolve into melted wax. They tend to produce bolder, more saturated colors compared to liquid dyes. Common types of solid candle colorants include crayon chips, color blocks, and dye chips. The intensity of the color depends on the amount used. Solid colorants need to be melted first before blending into wax, while liquid dyes can simply be dripped directly into melted wax.

In general, liquid dyes offer more flexibility and control over the final color, while solid colorants create more vivid, opaque colors. Candlemakers often use both types in combination to achieve their desired shade and vibrancy.

Additives

Candle makers can add various additives to wax to modify texture, finish, and burn properties. Some common additives include:

Stearic Acid – Adds hardness and sheen. According to thecandlemakersstore.com, it increases melting point and makes the wax easier to release from molds.

Vybar – Polymers that increase the hardness and opacity of wax. Thecandlemakersstore.com states Vybar 103 is excellent for container candles.

Paraffin Wax – Blended with other waxes like soy, paraffin improves burn time and makes candles harder. Lonestarcandlesupply.com recommends a 10-15% paraffin blend.

Microcrystalline Wax – Made from petroleum, this wax crystallizes tiny wax structures that lend strength. Candlemakingsupplies.net says it’s often combined with paraffin.

Petrolatum – Softens the wax for better glass adhesion and shine, as per thecandlemakersstore.com. Useful for container candles.

Beeswax – Natural wax that raises melting point for better scent throw and burn time. Adds brightness. Lonestarcandlesupply.com suggests 5-10% beeswax.

Containers

Some of the most common candle containers are made of glass, metal, or ceramic. Glass containers like mason jars and other glass jars are widely available and inexpensive, making them a popular choice among beginner candle makers. Many candle supply stores sell wholesale glass jars in various shapes and sizes. Glass allows the candle color and design to be seen clearly. However, glass conducts heat and can get hot to the touch when the candle is burning.

Tin containers are metal cans or tins that hold candle wax. They provide a rustic, vintage look and are durable and reusable. However, the metal conducts heat easily. Tins should be lined with a heat-resistant coating before being filled with wax. Pots and pans can also be repurposed as candle containers.

Ceramic containers like jars, bowls, and mugs work well for candles too. Ceramics retain heat while providing a unique, decorative look. However, they are more fragile than glass and metal options. Care should be taken not to expose ceramic candle containers to drastic temperature changes.

Equipment

Making candles requires some basic equipment. Here are some of the key pieces of equipment needed:

Thermometers – Accurately measuring the temperature of the wax is crucial for candle making. You’ll need a thermometer that can measure up to at least 200°F/95°C. Candy thermometers or digital thermometers work well.

Double boilers – Double boilers allow you to gently melt wax at the right temperature. You can buy one made for candle making or improvise your own with a pot of water and a clean can or bowl that fits snugly on top.

Molds – The candles need to be formed into a specific shape as they harden. You can use silicone molds, aluminum molds, or even repurposed containers like glass jars or tin cans. Pick molds that match the type and size of candle you want to make.

Safety

Candlemaking comes with some potential safety hazards that you should always take proper precautions against. Make sure you are making candles in a well-ventilated workspace with no flammable materials nearby. Never leave burning candles unattended, as they can quickly start fires (https://northwoodcandlesupply.com/blogs/news/5-candle-making-safety-tips-everyone-should-follow).

Always keep candles out of reach from children and pets who may knock them over. It’s also important to keep the wax at the proper temperature – too hot and it can splatter, too cold and you may have issues with adhesion (https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/). Use candlemaking thermometers and double boilers to maintain the ideal wax temperature.

Your workspace should be organized, clean, and safe. Avoid clutter that could catch fire and have baking soda on hand to extinguish flames if needed (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/candle-making-safety-tips/). Take proper precautions and never leave a burning candle unattended to safely enjoy candlemaking as a hobby.

Conclusion

Making candles requires just a few main ingredients – wax, wicks, scents, colorants, and a container. The wax acts as the base, providing the fuel for the candle. Paraffin wax is commonly used, but vegetable waxes like soy, coconut, and beeswax are popular options too. Wicks draw the melted wax up while burning to sustain the flame. Cotton and paper fiber wicks are standard. Scents and essential oils add fragrance, while colorants like liquid dyes or powdered pigments provide color. Containers hold the candle and come in different styles like jars, tins, and pillars. While simple in concept, varying the ingredients and execution can produce candles with diverse appearances, scents, and properties. But all quality candles need the right formulation of sturdy, safe wax, effective wicks, and properly added fragrances and colors. With the right ingredients and care in preparation, candle making can produce beautiful, aromatic works of art.