Maddie James
Candles are available in a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, metallics, and chromatic layers. The colour of a candle is the second most important factor (after fragrance) in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. There are several methods to colour candles at home, and the type and amount of colourant used will depend on the type of wax, wick, and fragrance used. Specially formulated pigments and dyes are used to colour candles, with dyes being more common as they are easily combustible and do not clog wicks. Common candle dyes include liquid dye, dye blocks or chips, and powder dye. Other substances such as crayons, food colouring, and micas can also be used to colour candles, although these may affect how the candle burns.
How are coloured candles made?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of wax used in candles | Paraffin, bayberry, soy, beeswax, coconut |
| Wax characteristics | Paraffin is naturally white, unscented, and inexpensive. Coconut wax is a soft wax, so it's not great for pillar candles but is good for container candles. |
| Types of candle dyes | Candle dye blocks, chips, liquid dye, solid dye |
| Dye characteristics | Dye blocks are non-staining and cost less than $20. Liquid dye is messy and will stain. Dye chips are non-toxic, vegan, skin-safe, and irritant-free. |
| Other colouring agents | Oil-based food colouring, crayons, mica, oxides/pigments, powder pigments |
| Colour testing | Test colours before making candles. Dip a strip of paper into melted wax and allow it to cool to see the true colour. |
| Fragrance | Fragrance is the most important factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Colour and fragrance are linked; for example, a cinnamon-scented candle is expected to be red-bronze. |
| Wick | Candle wicks are made from cotton and sometimes have a central core of zinc or paper for a more rigid shape. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right colourant
When it comes to choosing the right colourant for your candles, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you select the most suitable colourant:
Liquid Candle Dye
Liquid candle dye is specifically designed for colouring candles and can be purchased or made at home. It mixes effortlessly with melted candle wax, enabling you to create custom colours easily. This option is ideal if you want to achieve bright, bold colours similar to store-bought candles. Liquid dye also gives you a high degree of control over the shade. However, it can be messy and may stain surfaces and your hands, so it is recommended to wear gloves when using this type of dye.
Solid Candle Dye
Solid candle dye, also known as candle dye chips or blocks, is another popular choice. These dye forms are made of wax and highly pigmented colours, ensuring consistent results even in small-batch candle making. They are easy to use and provide fully saturated colours. Additionally, solid candle dyes are non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, skin-safe, and irritant-free, making them a safer option. With solid candle dyes, you can create intense colours or pastels by adjusting the number of chips or blocks used.
Powder Pigments
Powder pigments are commonly used in various cosmetic, beauty, and artistic applications. While they can add colour to candles, they may not fully incorporate or melt into the wax due to their oil-dispersible nature. This can lead to issues with the candle's flame, potentially causing it to struggle or self-extinguish. Therefore, powder pigments are more suitable for coating the outside of the candle rather than colouring it throughout.
Food Colouring
Standard food colouring, both liquid and powdered, can be used to colour candles at home. It is highly concentrated, cost-effective, and available in various hues. However, liquid and gel food colourants contain complex chemicals that may not adhere well to the wax. Oil-based food colouring, typically used for chocolate or candy making, can be used in a pinch, but it may affect the burning of the candle.
Crayons
Crayons are a popular choice for colouring candles due to their accessibility and wide range of colours. They are essentially made of paraffin wax and can contain powder colourants known as insoluble pigments or oxides. While crayons can be used to achieve any desired colour, they may not be the best option if you want a consistent, high-quality result.
Wax Type
The type of wax you use can also influence the colour of your candles. For instance, coconut wax and soy wax are solid white in colour, making them excellent bases for dyeing. Paraffin wax is naturally white, unscented, and inexpensive, making it a popular choice as it holds colour and scent well.
Remember, the choice of colourant depends on your specific needs and preferences. Always test your colours before adding fragrance to ensure the desired result, and be mindful of the potential issues associated with different colourants to make informed decisions.
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Using liquid dye
Candle wax is available in a wide range of colours, from ivory and pastels to metallics and chromatic layers. The colour of a candle is the second most important factor—after fragrance—in influencing consumer purchasing decisions.
Liquid candle dye is made especially for candles, so you won't run the risk of clogging the wick or smothering the flame. It's easy to create custom colours with liquid dye, and it mixes well with melted candle wax. It also gives you bright, bold colours.
- First, decide on the type and amount of colourant to use. This will depend on the type of wax, wick, and fragrance used in formulating the candle.
- Next, measure and melt your desired amount of candle wax.
- Turn off the heat source and add your liquid dye.
- Stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes at a melting temperature of at least 140°F.
- Before adding a candle fragrance, make sure to run a candle colour test. This way, it's easier to adjust, and you won't need to worry about burning off the fragrance.
- If you need to tweak the colour, add more dye for deeper shades or add a different colour entirely to make a warmer or cooler hue.
- Always remember to keep dyes in a shady spot away from direct sunlight, as they are UV light-sensitive.
It's important to note that liquid dye can be messy and will stain most things it comes into contact with, so be sure to wear gloves when making candles with this type of dye.
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Using solid dye
Solid candle dyes, also known as candle dye chips or blocks, are a great option for colouring candles. They are made of wax and highly pigmented colours, creating fully saturated coloured candles. The variety of colours available is endless, and you can create custom colours by mixing different dye chips or breaking them apart. They are also non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, skin-safe, and irritant-free, and they won't stain your skin or other surfaces.
To use solid candle dye, start by measuring and melting your desired amount of candle wax. Turn off the heat source and add the solid candle dye to the melted wax. Stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes at a melting temperature of at least 140°F. It is important to maintain this temperature to ensure the dye dissolves properly.
The amount of dye you use will depend on the desired colour saturation and the type of wax you are using. Less than half an ounce of candle pigment is typically needed to deeply colour a pound of wax. However, different types of wax may require different amounts of dye, so it is recommended to test the colour before making your candles. Add your melted wax and dye to strips of white paper and allow them to cool. This will show you the final colour of your candle.
If you are using solid candle dye blocks, it may be more difficult to get the right colour when making small batches of candles. In this case, you may need to experiment with different amounts of dye to achieve the desired colour.
Solid candle dyes are a great option for those who want to create custom-coloured candles without the mess of liquid dyes. They are easy to use and provide consistent results, even for small-batch homemade candles. With a wide range of colours to choose from, you can let your creativity flow and make beautifully coloured candles.
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Testing the colour
Prepare the Wax
Firstly, melt your chosen wax. The amount of wax you need to melt will depend on the number of colours you want to test. You can use a variety of waxes, such as paraffin, soy, coconut, or beeswax. Each type of wax has unique properties, so choose one that suits your needs.
Choose Your Colourant
Select a colourant that is suitable for candle-making. You can use candle dye blocks, chips, or liquid dye. These are designed specifically for candles and will provide consistent results. Food colouring, crayons, and pigments can also be used, but they may affect the way your candle burns.
Add the Colourant
Turn off the heat source and add your chosen colourant to the melted wax. Use a small amount of colourant first, as you can always add more to deepen the shade. Stir vigorously to ensure the colour is evenly distributed.
Test the Colour
Cut strips of white paper and dip them into the coloured wax. Set the strips aside to cool. The cooled wax on the paper will give you an accurate representation of the final candle colour.
Adjust as Needed
If the colour is not what you expected, you can adjust it by adding more dye or a different colour to create warmer or cooler hues. Stir the wax well and then dip a new paper strip to test the adjusted colour. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired shade.
Additional Tips
Remember that the type of wax, wick, and fragrance used in your candle can also impact the final colour. Always test the colour before adding a fragrance, as it will be easier to adjust. Keep in mind that some colours may have different psychological perceptions, especially when combined with scents, so choose your colours wisely.
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Adding fragrance
When adding fragrance to coloured candles, it is important to first test the colour of the candle before adding the fragrance. This way, you can easily adjust the colour without worrying about burning off the fragrance.
The type and amount of colourant used in a candle vary according to the type of wax, wick, and fragrance used. Reputable candle manufacturers work closely with colourant companies to develop colour formulations that match the burn characteristics of the candle and provide the exact desired shade.
Candle dye blocks or chips are a popular choice for colouring candles, as they are easy to use and provide consistent results, even for small-batch homemade candles. They are also non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, skin-safe, and irritant-free. However, if you are making candles in small batches, you may find it challenging to achieve the desired colour.
Liquid candle dye is another option that allows for easy custom colour creation and mixes well with melted candle wax. It also gives bright, bold colours. However, it can be messy and stain most things it comes in contact with.
Solid candle dye, or coloured dye chips, can be used to create intense bright colours or pastels, depending on the number of chips used. You can also create custom colours by mixing different dye chips.
Other off-label colourants that can be used to add fragrance to coloured candles include micas, oxides/pigments, crayons, and food colouring. However, these may not function optimally in the finished candle, especially with vegetable wax candles like soy and coconut.
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