What Makes Floating Candles Float?

Floating candles are a type of candle that appears to float on water. They are made from wax specially formulated to float, rather than sink like regular candles. The concept originated in Thailand, where floating candles were traditionally made from beeswax and lit during Loy Krathong, an annual festival where people float candles on small boats to honor the water spirits.

Today, floating candles come in many styles beyond the classic boat shape. Popular modern floating candle varieties include flowers, hearts, gems, and more. They are commonly made from paraffin or vegetable wax blends. Floating candles remain a populardecorative accent for centerpieces, occasions, and ambiance.

The key to floating candles is the chemistry behind the wax, wick, and container working together to create the floating effect.

How Floating Candles Work

Floating candles have the unique property of being able to float on water. This is due to some basic scientific principles. As the candle burns, the wax melts and forms a pool of liquid wax. This wax pool ends up having a lower density than water, which allows it to float on the surface (1). Essentially, the melted wax creates a ‘raft’ that the wick and unmelted wax can sit on top of. The wax pool is able to spread out over a large surface area as it floats, allowing for a stable base that keeps the candle from tipping over.

Additionally, floating candles are designed intentionally to be bottom-heavy, with a wide disc or bowl shape on bottom and a narrower top. This gives them a lower center of gravity and makes them more stable in the water (2). The wide bottom allows them to float stably rather than tipping over. The wick is designed to be relatively long to keep the flame always above the wax pool level.

(1) https://blog.simplyearth.com/floating-peaceful-patio-candle-with-essential-oils/

(2) https://gardentherapy.ca/summer-flowers-floating-candles/

Wax Types

The wax used in floating candles can significantly impact how well the candle floats and burns. The most common waxes used are:

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a mineral-based wax made from petroleum. It’s the most widely used candle wax due to its low cost and excellent burning properties. Paraffin wax has a high melting point which makes it ideal for container candles. It contracts as it cools, which enables floating candles to detach from their containers.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It’s a renewable and environmentally-friendly natural wax. Soy wax blends well with essential oils and has a lower melting point than paraffin, making it better suited for jar candles than floating candles. It also leaves less soot.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. It has a pleasant honey aroma and unique crystalline texture. Beeswax is compatible with essential oils and makes high-quality candles. However, it can be expensive and challenging to use alone in floating candles due to its high melting point.

Gel Wax

Gel wax contains mineral oil blended with a polymer resin. It has excellent clarity and surface adhesion properties ideal for container candles. Gel wax allows detailed designs since it shrinks very little as it cools. It’s commonly combined with paraffin in floating candle recipes.

Wicks

The wick is a crucial component of floating candles. Unlike regular candles, floating candles use a specialized wick that is designed to float on top of the wax rather than being submerged in it. There are a few different types of wicks used for floating candles:

Braided Cotton Wicks – These consist of several cotton threads braided together. The braiding helps the wick maintain its shape and stand upright. Cotton wicks tend to burn cooler than other materials.

Wooden or Bamboo Wicks – Wood and bamboo wicks burn longer and cleaner than cotton wicks. They don’t bend or fall over as easily. However, they can crackle more when burning.

Metal-Cored Wicks – These wicks have a cotton exterior braided around a thin metal core, usually zinc or tin. The metal helps the wick stand upright and also conducts heat to aid burning. Metal-cored wicks burn hotter and brighter.

The wick type impacts how evenly and strongly the candle burns. Cotton braided wicks are inexpensive and common, but other materials like wood or metal-cored wicks have advantages for floating candles. Testing different wicks can help achieve the desired flame height, brightness, and burn time.

Containers

Floating candles require a container to hold the wax and wick in place while allowing the candle to float. Three common materials used for floating candle containers are glass, metal, and ceramic.

Glass containers are popular for their classic elegant look. Glass also allows light to pass through, creating a bright glow. However, glass can break more easily. Quality glass containers with thick walls are recommended. Some options for glass floating candle containers can be found at https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Cheap-wedding-decoration-set-glass-floating_60738431967.html.

Metal containers like stainless steel or tin are durable and don’t break easily. They often have a more industrial modern look. However, metal prevents light from passing through. Metal also conducts heat from the candle flame faster, which can lead to tunnelling or wick issues. Metal floating candle containers can be purchased from vendors like https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/floating-candle-containers.html.

Ceramic containers provide an attractive natural look and feel. Like glass, ceramic allows light to pass through. Ceramic is durable but can chip or crack if dropped. High-fired ceramic with thicker walls is best for floating candles. Glazed ceramic interiors help prevent wax adhesion. Ceramic floating candle containers are available from artisan candle suppliers and specialty retailers.

The choice between glass, metal, or ceramic depends on the aesthetic look you want and considerations around durability, heat conduction, and light transmission for your specific floating candle design.

Scents & Dyes

Scents and dyes are key components that enhance the ambience and aesthetic of floating candles. They are added during the candle making process before the wax cools and hardens.

The most common way to scent floating candles is by adding fragrance oils, which are concentrated oil-based aroma compounds. Popular fragrance oils used in floating candles include floral scents like jasmine and lavender, fruity scents like peach and strawberry, and soothing scents like vanilla and sandalwood. The fragrance oils are diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil before being blended into the melted wax to ensure even dispersal. 1

Dyes are also diluted and mixed into the wax when making colored floating candles. Common dyes used include liquid candle dyes, blocks, chips, or powders. Vibrant dyes like vivid red, azure blue, and sunflower yellow are popular for creating colorful floating candles. More subtle earthy dyes like tan, light green, and terra cotta are also used. 1

Making Floating Candles

Making floating candles is a fun and easy candle making project. Here is an overview of the basic process:

First, melt wax in a double boiler to the proper temperature according to the type of wax you are using. Paraffin wax should be heated to 150-165°F, while soy wax only needs to reach 115-120°F. As the wax melts, add color and fragrance if desired.

Prepare the wick by cutting it to size and attaching it to the bottom of the container so it stands upright. Metal sustainer tabs can help hold the wick in place.

Once wax is fully melted, remove from heat. Carefully pour the wax into the container with the wick, filling to about 1/2 inch from the top. Allow candles to fully cool and harden overnight before moving them.

That covers the basics for making simple floating candles! Adjust wick height, wax amount, fragrance, and colors to customize your floating candles.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes floating candles don’t turn out perfectly, but there are a few troubleshooting tips to help fix common issues:

If the candle sinks, try using less wax. The more wax used, the heavier the candle will be. Aim for just enough wax to create the desired shape but still allow floating. Using the right wax type also helps – soy wax is lighter than paraffin.

Tunneling happens when the wax around the wick melts faster than the rest of the candle. To prevent tunneling, make sure the wick is trimmed to the proper length for the candle diameter. Longer wicks should be used for larger candles. Wick size also matters – opt for a larger wick on wider candles.

For better scent throw, try adding more fragrance oil, up to the manufacturer’s recommended limit. Using hotter wax helps the fragrance oil bind better. Make sure any dyes used are concentrated and formulated for candle making. Essential oils also give stronger scents than synthetic fragrances.

Test different wick types, adjust wick lengths, and tweak wax and fragrance amounts when troubleshooting. Making a few test candles first helps work out any issues before pouring your final floating candles.

Safety

Floating candles can be beautiful, but they also pose some safety risks that you should be aware of. Here are some key tips for safely enjoying floating candles:

Fire safety is critical with any open flame. Keep floating candles away from flammable materials like curtains or dry leaves. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles before going to sleep or leaving your home.

Keep floating candles out of reach of children and pets. The wax and flames can burn skin. Supervise children around candles at all times.

Properly dispose of floating candles to prevent waste and fires. Allow wax and wicks to fully cool before throwing away. Recycle metal tins when possible. Never put hot or wet candles in the trash.

With proper precautions, you can safely enjoy the ambiance of floating candles. But always be vigilant about fire risks and keep flames away from kids and pets.

Popular Uses

Floating candles have become popular for use in many settings due to their unique water filled design and gentle flickering flame. Some of the most common uses for floating candles include:

Weddings – Floating candles make for beautiful decor at weddings, especially for ceremonies near water. They can be floated in vessels on tables or placed in pools, fountains or other water features. Their soft glow creates a romantic ambiance.

Meditation – The tranquil flicker of a floating candle flame can promote relaxation during meditation. Focusing on the gentle light helps calm the mind.

Ambience – Floating candles lend a special ambiance whether placed in the bathroom, bedroom or living room. Their warm glow sets a serene mood.

Gifts – Handmade floating candles make unique gifts for any occasion. Create scented candles or customize designs to give a heartfelt gift.

Water features – Outdoor ponds, fountains and pools come alive at night when accented with floating candles. Their reflection creates a magical atmosphere.