Different Candle Making Wax Options

Candle making wax comes in different varieties, textures and origins. Trying different types of candle wax than you are used to using can really change your candle making experience. Different waxes can also change the finished appearance and burning times of your candles.

There are quite a few candle making waxes that are regularly used for candles, and each one is a little different to work with. Some people have a preference for one or two, but you won't know which waxes you like if you don't try working with them at some point.

Paraffin Candle Wax

Most candles are made from paraffin wax with an additional 10 per cent Stearin. You can buy the Stearin either already mixed with the wax or separate.

Paraffin is a petroleum by-product, and it is very easy to get a hold of for candle making projects. For a long time this was the choice for people making candles at home since it was so inexpensive. Now it isn't the only thing available, but it is still one of the favorites.

If you are just starting out with candle making, paraffin candle making wax is a good choice because if you mess up it is easy to get more. Something that should be kept in mind is that this candle wax isn't considered to be as natural or burn as cleanly as beeswax and soy, so if you are going to have a lot of candles around, you may need to have a combination of them.

Beeswax

Beeswax has become a favorite candle making wax amongst enthusiasts. For a long time it was expensive and difficult to get a hold of, but now anyone can get it. What many people really like about this variety of candle wax is that it is completely natural.

Some things to consider are that beeswax is more expensive than paraffin, and that it can be a little more difficult to work with. But you can add beeswax to paraffin with the help of an agent such as Stearin in order to make the candle look nicer and burn brighter.

It's possible to buy beeswax in sheets from craft stores. This is usually very soft and doesn't need to be melted in order to create simple, effective candles, which can be great for letting the kids make candles.

Beeswax candles can be a little more difficult to get out of molds, so you need to be prepared to deal with this.

Gel Candle Wax

Many people who participate in candle making have decided that gel candle making wax is the best medium to show off their craft. Gel candles are different from any other type because of how they look. The wax in gel candles is transparent, and when the candle is lit the whole thing glows. You can also add in little decorative items so you can see them sitting in the candle.

While this is a fun wax to work with, one of the biggest complaints people have is that it is easy to get a lot of air bubbles in the candles. Also, every step of this process has to be done quickly and while the wax is very hot. Working with gel wax might not be the best option for beginners or those doing candle making projects with small children.

As you can see, there are many types of candle making wax that you can use, and they all have their pros and cons. Experiment with different types of wax to give you creative end-results.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a popular candle making wax with many enthusiasts, its eco-friendly, burns for longer and can be melted in a microwave oven. You'll also find it's easy to get great results from a single pour, as this wax won't shrink when it's cooling. Soy wax also holds any fragrance you may have added really well, so you can make some wonderful smelling scented candles with this wax.

Coloring soy wax is also a little different to paraffin or beeswax, as pigments won't dissolve in soy. In order to get colors through this type of wax, you may need to use powder or liquid dyes.

We would love to hear what you think about your candle making experiences. As you try different types of candle making wax, please Share photos of your homemade candles here and tell us what you learned and what your preferences are.