Maddie James
Candles are available in a wide range of colours, from luminous ivory and pastel shades to rich jewel tones, metallics, and chromatic layers. Candle manufacturers introduce new colours each year, reflecting emerging trends in interior design and fashion. While colour is the second most important factor (after fragrance) in influencing consumer purchasing decisions, colour and fragrance are closely linked. Consumers expect the colour of a scented candle to mirror their psychological perception of the fragrance. For example, a cinnamon-scented candle is expected to be in the red-bronze palette, while mountain breeze is expected to be in pale blue or green shades.
There are several ways to colour candles, including using candle dye chips, liquid dye, crayons, and mica powder. Candle dye chips are made of wax and highly pigmented colour, and they are easy to use, providing consistent results. Liquid dye is also practical and can be stored for future use. Mica powder can be used as a finishing touch, but it may not fully incorporate into the wax and can sink to the bottom or produce uneven colour. It is important to note that the addition of colourants will not cause a properly formulated candle to soot, and that dyes can be affected by heat, light, fragrance, and other agents in a candle.
Characteristics and methods of colouring candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Endless palette of colours, from ivory and pastels to jewel tones, metallics, and chromatic layers |
| Colour customisation | Custom colours can be created by mixing different dyes or using unique blends |
| Colour intensity | The amount of dye used determines the intensity of the colour; more dye results in bolder, more vibrant shades |
| Types of dye | Candle dye chips, liquid dye, mica powder, soy dye flakes, candle dye blocks, crayons, food colouring |
| Dye application | Dye is added to melted wax, stirred, and then allowed to cool before being poured into a mould |
| Drying time | Wax takes up to an hour to solidify completely |
| Wick trimming | The wick should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the surface of the wax |
| Storage | Dyes are UV light-sensitive and should be stored in a shaded area to prevent fading or discolouration |
| Safety | The addition of colourants does not affect the candle's burn properties or safety |
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Using candle dye chips
Candle dye chips are used to add colour to candles. The amount of dye chips you need depends on the final colour you want, as well as the type of wax you are using. For example, paraffin wax usually requires one dye chip per pound of wax, while soy wax often takes up to five chips per pound of wax.
Different colours of dye chips have different intensities, so you may need to adjust the amount of dye chips depending on the desired shade. If you want a pastel colour, you can cut the chips into smaller pieces and add a tiny amount. For a more intense colour, you can add two or more chips per pound of wax.
When added to wax, dye chips dissolve and their pigment mixes with the wax. It's important to stir constantly while pouring in the pigment to ensure an even colour distribution. You can also use both mica and dye chips to give your candle a shimmery effect. However, mica doesn't usually provide an intense colour on its own once the wax hardens, but it will show through when the wax melts.
Candle dye chips are available in a wide range of colours, including fluorescent options that glow under black light. It's important to note that candle dyes can be affected by heat, light, fragrance, and other agents in a candle, causing slight colour alterations over time. However, these changes will not affect the candle's burn properties or safety.
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Liquid colouring
Candles are available in a wide range of colours, and consumers often expect the colour of a scented candle to reflect their psychological perception of its fragrance. For example, a cinnamon-scented candle is expected to be in the red-bronze family, while "mountain breeze" scents are expected to be in pale blue or green shades.
To use liquid colouring, start by melting an old candle or paraffin wax on a stovetop in a double boiler. Add a small amount of liquid candle dye, stirring in more gradually until the desired shade is achieved. Candle-making expert Jun Draper recommends this method. Ensure the dye is thoroughly mixed into the wax before pouring it into a mould. The wax should be cooled to 135-140 °F (57-60 °C) before pouring.
To test the colour of the candle wax, perform a "wax dip test" by dipping a small spoon or wick into the melted, coloured wax and letting it cool and harden. This will indicate the final colour. Using too much dye can clog the wick, causing a smaller flame and more soot, so it is important to stick to the recommended amount.
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Crayons
Although it is possible to use crayons to colour candles, it is not recommended due to the potential burning issues that may arise. Crayons are made of wax and insoluble pigments/oxides, which are powder colourants added to the wax. When crayons are used to colour candle wax, the pigments do not dissolve in the wax but are dispersed throughout, floating in it. As a result, the pigments may settle and concentrate at the bottom of the melted wax, and the candle will burn with sooty smoke until the wick gets clogged and stops burning altogether.
If you want to use crayons to make candles, you can grate the crayons into the smallest possible pieces and mix them with white candle wax. Then, melt the wax, pour it into a votive, and light your candle safely. Alternatively, you can chop the crayons into small pieces, mix them with pellets of regular candle wax, and place them in a heatproof cup. Next, melt the wax by heating a pot of water on medium heat, placing the cup in the pot, and stirring the wax regularly. Once the wax melts, remove it from the heat, add essential oil for fragrance, and pour the wax into a glass candle holder.
There are several other options for colouring candles, including candle dye blocks and liquid candle dye, which will add vivid shades of colour to any wax. Dye blocks are ideal for dark or rich hues, while liquid dye is perfect for creating custom colours. Additionally, natural colours can be infused into the wax using herbs like comfrey, lavender, and rosehip.
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Natural mica
Mica is typically not recommended for colouring candles because it is a mineral powder that does not dissolve perfectly into the wax. The fine particles can clog the wick, resulting in a smaller flame. However, if you are okay with a smaller flame and the look of your wax changing colour after each melt cycle, mica can be a fun way to customise your candles.
To use mica powder in candle-making, start by melting your candle base and mixing until it is entirely liquid. If you are using candle dye, add it at this stage and mix until it is thoroughly combined. Then, add your chosen colour of mica powder. A small amount of mica powder will produce a light pastel colour. Use 1/14 of a teaspoon for every 14 liquid ounces of base, but you can add more or less as desired. Finish by mixing in any added scented fragrances or other candle decorations before pouring your candle.
When wax is fully melted, mica powders eventually fall to the bottom of the melt pool. The wax above the fallen mica returns to its original colour as it cools. The pouring temperature affects the way mica powder is distributed and settles in the wax. The natural colour of the base also affects the final colour after mica is added. For example, yellow bases like beeswax will retain their yellow tint, while white bases will result in more pastel hues.
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Dosage and type of dye
The dosage and type of dye used to colour a candle are important considerations when crafting your own. Candle dyes come in three main types: water-soluble liquid dyes, dye blocks or chips, and powder dyes. The amount of dye you add will depend on the desired colour intensity and the weight of the wax. A general rule of thumb is to multiply the total batch size by 0.05% to estimate the amount of dye required. For example, to colour 450 grams of wax, you would need approximately 0.227 grams of dye.
Liquid dyes are practical and ensure colour longevity. They can be easily stored and used multiple times. A ratio of 15 ml of liquid dye to 1 kg of wax is recommended, but this may vary depending on the desired colour intensity. Liquid dyes can be applied with a pipette, allowing for precise measurements and the creation of unique colour blends.
Dye blocks or chips are made of wax and highly pigmented colours. They are easy to use, providing consistent results even for small batches. These chips come in a variety of colours and can be mixed to create custom shades. It is important to measure the chips accurately using a digital scale to ensure reproducibility. The recommended temperature for adding these chips is between 160°F and 180°F, with stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even distribution.
Powder dyes, such as soy dye flakes, are generally recommended for pastel to medium colours, but can also achieve deep shades. These flakes vary in size, so it is best to break them up with your fingers before measuring. The recommended temperature for adding powder dyes is around 185°F, or they can be melted with the wax using the double boiler method.
While not recommended as the primary colourant, mica powder can be used sparingly as a finishing touch. Mica powder can clog the wick and cause uneven burning. The suggested dosage is no more than 2-3 grams of mica per 100 grams of wax.
It is important to note that candle dyes are sensitive to UV light, so they should be stored in a shaded area and kept away from direct sunlight to maintain their vivid colours. Additionally, certain essential oils, such as sweet orange oil, can alter the finished hue of the candle over time.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to colour candles, including using candle dye chips, liquid dye, mica powder, crayons, and food colouring.
Candle dye chips are formulated specifically for candle-making and are considered the best option for colouring candles. They are easy to use, mess-free, and provide consistent results.
First, melt your candle wax and turn off the heat source. Then, add the desired amount of candle dye chips when the wax is between 160°F and 180°F. Stir the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to evenly disperse the colour. Finally, pour the coloured wax into a mould and allow it to harden.
