Jessie Taylor
Adding colour to candles is a fun way to personalise your creations and make them stand out. There are several ways to add colour to candles, including using candle dye chips, blocks or liquid dyes. It's important to note that the type of colourant and the temperature of the wax can affect the final colour of your candle. For example, adding colourant to hot wax may cause the colour to not fully incorporate, while cold wax may not fully dissolve the colourant. Testing is always recommended to ensure you achieve your desired shade. Additionally, certain fragrance oils can cause colour changes, so it's important to use compatible products to avoid discolouration. Natural mica, while aesthetically pleasing, can clog wicks, so it's best used sparingly or avoided altogether. With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautifully coloured candles for any occasion.
Characteristics and their values for colouring candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of colourant | Candle dye chips, dye blocks, powder, liquid, mica, soy dye flakes, food colouring |
| Amount of colourant | One whole candle dye chip per pound of wax, 15ml of liquid dye per kg of wax, 2-3g of mica per 100g of wax, 185° F for soy dye flakes |
| When to add colourant | When the wax is at its hottest, ideally around 175°-185° F |
| Layering | Allow each layer to cool completely before pouring the next layer, at a temperature no higher than 140° F |
| Fragrance | Add fragrance after testing the colour to avoid discolouration |
| Storage | Store dyes away from direct sunlight to prevent fading |
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What You'll Learn
Using liquid dye
Adding colour to candles is a great way to make your candles unique and personalised. There are several ways to add colour to candles, one of the most popular methods being the use of liquid dye.
Liquid candle dye is a highly concentrated colourant that can be mixed with various types of wax, including soy wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, gel wax, and beeswax. This type of liquid dye is specifically designed to mix with oil-based materials, making it ideal for candle wax. It is composed of synthetic colourants suspended in a liquid, paraffin base. The amount of liquid dye you need will depend on the desired colour intensity and the type of wax used. For example, paraffin wax will result in bright, bold colours, while soy wax tends to produce more pastel shades.
When using liquid dye, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. It is recommended to begin with 1-2 drops of dye per pound of paraffin wax and adjust from there. You can add the liquid dye directly to your melted wax and stir it in. It is important to ensure that the dye is thoroughly mixed into the wax to achieve an even colour.
To test the colour, simply drip some of the coloured wax onto a white piece of paper and allow it to dry. This will give you an accurate representation of the final colour. If you are satisfied with the shade, proceed to pour the wax into your candle moulds.
It is worth noting that some liquid dyes may have a strong chemical smell, so it is recommended to choose a dye with a mild odour that will not affect the scent of your candles. Additionally, avoid adding too much dye as it can impact the burning of your candle and potentially clog the wick.
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Adding dye at the right temperature
The ideal temperature for adding dye to your wax blend is when the wax is fully melted. This usually occurs at around 175°-185° F (80°-85° C). At this temperature, the dye can fully incorporate into the wax, resulting in a uniform colour. It is recommended to add the dye when the wax is at its hottest to ensure it fully melts and blends properly.
If you are using a double boiler, you can add the dye flakes or blocks directly into the wax as it melts, ensuring they melt together thoroughly. The amount of dye needed will depend on the type of dye and the desired shade. For soy dye flakes, break them up with your fingers before measuring to ensure consistent portions. Candle dye chips, for instance, typically require one whole chip per pound of wax, while dye blocks can be shaved sparingly for lighter shades.
It is important to test your colour before adding any fragrance oils, as these can cause significant colour changes and discolouration. Additionally, always allow the wax to cool completely before pouring additional layers to prevent bleeding and ensure a clean, distinct separation of colours.
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Layering colours
Prepare your workspace and materials:
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including your chosen wax, dye flakes or blocks in your desired colours, a double boiler or melting pot, moulds, and a thermometer. Prepare your workspace by covering the surface with newspaper or a mat to catch any spills.
Melt the wax:
Completely melt your wax to ensure the best results when adding colour. The recommended temperature for adding colourant varies depending on the source, with suggestions of around 175°-185° F, or no lower than 140° F.
Add the colourant:
When your wax is fully melted, it's time to add your chosen colourant. If using dye blocks, shave off pieces to achieve your desired shade. One source suggests that a whole candle dye chip is enough to colour one pound of wax. You can also mix dye flake colours to create new shades. Always add a little at a time and mix well to ensure even distribution.
Test the colour:
Before pouring your wax, it is recommended to test the colour to ensure it is what you want. You can do this by placing a couple of drops of wax on a white piece of paper. This will show you the colour the wax will be when cooled.
Layering:
Always allow each layer to cool completely and become fully opaque before pouring the next layer. This is crucial to ensure that the colours do not bleed. Pouring at a cooler temperature, no higher than 140° F, will also help prevent bleeding. Be mindful of the time between layers, as waiting too long may cause frosting effects or loss of glass adhesion.
Add fragrance:
If you wish to add a fragrance to your candle, it is recommended to add it after you have achieved your desired colour. Adding fragrance oil before the colourant can cause major colour changes and discolouration. Always ensure that the products you are using are compatible with each other.
Remember to keep a log of your measurements and the layering process so that you can recreate your unique candle or improve on it in the future!
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Using natural mica
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that can be ground into a fine powder and used to add colour and a luxurious shimmer to candles. It is non-toxic, skin-safe, and has an unparalleled glass-like sheen.
To use mica, you can either add it to your melted wax before pouring it into a mould or decorate the exterior of a solidified candle. When adding it to wax, use a pinch of mica for every 8 ounces of melted wax, or 1/14th of a teaspoon for every 14 liquid ounces of base. Be careful not to add too much, as it can clog the wick and result in a smaller flame. You can also mix mica powder with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to create a liquid dye that can be added to the wax for a more vibrant colour.
If you are using a mould, you can dust the inside of the mould with mica powder before pouring in the wax. Once the wax has cooled, the mica powder will stick to the surface of the candle. You can also sprinkle mica powder on top of the wax after it has cooled and gently spread it with your finger or a small utensil, creating a shiny top surface. Alternatively, you can mix the mica powder with alcohol to paint beautiful patterns on the outside of the candle.
The natural colour of the candle wax will affect the final colour of the candle after mica is added. For example, yellow bases like beeswax will retain their yellow tint, while white bases will result in more pastel hues. A little mica goes a long way, so start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired colour and effect.
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Dipping candles
Preparation
Firstly, gather your supplies. You will need: white taper candles, candle flakes, candle dye, disposable foam cups, a candle melting pot, large wooden craft sticks, and painter's tape. You will also need a board or a dowel for hanging your candles as they dry, and a seamless dipping can or melting pot that is at least 2 inches taller than the desired length of your finished candles.
Melting the Wax
Next, prepare the candles for dipping by wrapping the wicks in painter's tape. Set the wrapped candles aside. Melt the wax in the melting pot on the stove according to the package directions. Break up the candle dye pieces into smaller bits to make them easier to melt. Place each desired colour in its own disposable foam cup.
Mixing the Wax
Once the wax in the pot is completely liquid, pour a couple of inches of the wax into each of the cups with the dye prepared. Using a large wooden craft stick, stir the wax in each cup until the candle dye has dissolved completely. If you are using candle dye chips, add them when the wax is between 160°F and 180°F and stir for 2 to 3 minutes to evenly disperse the colour into the wax.
Dipping the Candles
Once the dye has dissolved, dip one end of a white taper candle in the first desired colour. If the colour is not as vibrant as you would like, dip it again until you reach your desired shade. Hold the candle over the wax until it is no longer dripping, then put it in a candlestick to let it dry, or set it against something that will keep it upright. Repeat this process with all of your desired colours, dipping each end of the candle.
Final Steps
Once all of the candles are dipped and set, remove the painter's tape and display your colourful creations! Hang your finished candles to completely cool, then store them flat in a cool, dry place.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use candle dye chips, dye blocks, liquid dye, or natural mica.
One whole candle dye chip will be enough to colour one pound of wax. For dye blocks, shaving off pieces will change the shade of the colour. On average, a dye block can colour 5-50 lbs. of wax per block.
Liquid dye is practical and intensifies the colour of your candle. The recommended ratio is 15 ml of dye for up to 1 kg of wax.
Natural mica can be used sparingly on the surface of a candle for decoration. However, it is not recommended to mix it with wax as it can clog the wick and cause uneven colour distribution.
