Jessie Taylor
Coloring candle oil is a great way to personalize your candles and make them aesthetically pleasing. Candle dye is a synthetic chemical specifically formulated for use in candle wax and is most commonly made from anilines, an oily chemical substrate. Candle dye can come in liquid, flake, or block form, with liquids being ideal for achieving high color saturation and blocks and flakes for pastel to medium shades. The process of adding colorant to your candle wax is simple, but it is important to ensure that the wax is fully melted before adding the dye to achieve the best results. Additionally, the type and amount of colorant added per pound of wax depend on the desired shade. It is also crucial to consider the original color of the candle, as it will affect the final hue. For instance, adding blue dye to a colorless candle will turn it blue, while adding the same dye to a yellow candle will result in a green color.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Candle dye, tea bags, crayons, food colouring |
| Type of dye | Liquid, block, flakes |
| When to add dye | When wax is fully melted, at 175-185°F |
| Dosage | 15ml of liquid dye = 1kg of wax |
| One candle dye chip | Colours 1lb of wax |
| Dye blocks | Can colour 5-50lbs of wax |
| Tea bags | Dipped in wax at 203°F for 20 minutes |
| Colour changes | Caused by fragrance oils, original candle colour |
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What You'll Learn
Candle dye chips
The next step is to melt your wax. Your wax should be fully melted to fully incorporate any colourant. Most waxes will have fully melted at around 175°-185° F. You want to add your colourant during this state to get the best results. Dye chips/blocks for candles melt smoothly around 160°-180° F, so test different temperatures within this range to find the best result.
Once your wax is at the right temperature, add your dye chips and stir until they dissolve completely. Ensure that the pigment is fully blended before pouring your candles, and check for any specks of colourant while stirring.
You can adjust the final colour of your candles by adding more dye chips. You can also create pastel colours by cutting the dye chips into smaller pieces. If you're using fragrance oils, add them first, as they can affect the chemical makeup of any colourant. It's also important to note that fragrance oils can be naturally darker in colour, which will affect the final colour of your candle.
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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. It is formulated to blend with oil-based materials, making it ideal for candle wax. The amount of liquid dye you need will depend on the type and quantity of wax you are using. For instance, paraffin wax requires less dye to achieve bright, vibrant colours compared to coconut wax.
To use liquid dye, simply add a few drops to your melted wax and stir gently with a spatula or whisk. Ensure that you stir along the sides and bottom of the container for even mixing. You can use a dropper to add the drops of liquid dye to the wax, and the number of drops can be adjusted based on the desired colour intensity. The dye is highly versatile and can also be used for gel candles, allowing the gel wax to retain its transparency.
It is important to note that liquid candle dye should be virtually free from insoluble materials. Some dyes may have a strong chemical smell, so choosing a dye with a mild odour is recommended to avoid affecting the scent of your candles. Additionally, consider the fragrance oil you are using, as some have natural colours that can impact the final shade of your candle.
Liquid candle dye offers benefits similar to granular dye. It can be stored for future use and allows for colour customisation by mixing different colours. With just 15 ml of liquid dye, you can colour up to 1 kg of wax. This dye is particularly suitable for paraffin and gel wax and does not compromise the combustion of your candle.
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Crayons
While it is possible to colour candle oil with crayons, it is not recommended. Crayons are made with various pigments, waxes, and additives that may not be compatible with the composition of candle wax. The different types of wax can cause the wick to clog, leading to safety issues. For example, the candle may burn unevenly, or the flame may be diminished. In some cases, the candle may be extinguished prematurely, or the clumps of crayon wax may ignite unexpectedly, leading to potential fire hazards.
If you do wish to use crayons to colour your candles, it is important to add regular candle wax to your mixture. Chop your crayons into small pieces and mix them with pellets of candle wax. Place the wax pieces in a heatproof cup and heat a pot of water on medium heat. Put the cup in the pot and stir the wax regularly until it is thoroughly melted. Remove the wax from the heat and add essential oil for fragrance. Then, carefully pour the melted wax into a glass candle holder.
To create a rainbow or striped candle, pour only a small amount of wax into your candle mould and let it cool before adding the next layer. You can put the mould in the fridge after 10 minutes to speed up the process. Repeat this process for each layer of colour, ensuring you give each layer time to cool down.
It is important to note that the colour of molten wax can vary dramatically as it cools, so it is recommended to test the colour by applying a small amount of wax to a piece of paper. If the colour is too light, add more dye, and if it is too dark, dilute the dye by adding more wax. You can also combine multiple dyes to create new hues.
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Tea bags
Tea-scented candles are a great way to bring your favourite beverage into your home decor or to create a unique, customised gift for the tea lovers in your life.
To make tea-scented candles, you can use tea bags to infuse the oil that will be added to the wax. First, heat around 100ml of oil in a non-stick pan on low heat. Then, add two tea bags of your chosen flavour and let them infuse in the oil until they start to break open. You can also add a few drops of a complementary flavour, such as essential oil. Remove the tea bags once the oil smells infused.
Next, fill the pan with wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, and melt it slowly on low heat. Ensure the wax is very hot, around 203°F, so that it can "soak up" the colour of the tea. Dip two or more tea bags into the wax and leave them for at least 20 minutes, moving them up and down to release more colour. The wax will take on a yellowish-green shade.
After removing the tea bags, attach a wick to the centre of your chosen mould using a hot glue gun or wick putty. Hold the wick upright by attaching it to a small wooden dowel or pencil laid across the mould. Then, carefully pour the melted wax into the mould. Allow the mould to cool and harden for at least 24 hours.
As the wax cools, the colour will become lighter, resulting in a creamy, natural shade. You can add a small amount of soy wax or vegetable shortening to enhance the creamy hue. Finally, trim the wick, and your tea-infused candle is ready!
Note: Some sources advise against adding tea bags directly to the wax, as they may burn unpredictably and be unsafe. Instead, they recommend using tea-scented fragrance oils designed for candle-making or essential oils.
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Food colouring
However, some people have had success using oil-based food colouring. Soybean oil-based liquid food colouring drops have been shown to mix well with soy-based pre-bought wax. It is important to note that gel-based food colouring may clump up when added to wax.
If you want to use food colouring to dye your candles, it is recommended to use powdered food colouring. Powdered pigments can be dispersed in oil-based products like candle wax. However, it is important to note that even with powdered food colouring, the colour may not be evenly distributed, and the combustion of the candle may be altered.
The recommended dosage for experimenting with natural mica powder is no more than 2-3 grams per 100 grams of wax. Adding mica to the surface of a candle in a container can create a beautiful glittery effect without compromising the candle's function.
Overall, while it is possible to use food colouring to dye candle wax, it is not the most effective method, and there are specific candle dyes that are formulated to blend evenly with wax and burn safely.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle dye is a synthetic chemical specifically formulated for use in candle wax. It often comes in liquid, flake, or block form. Liquids are great for achieving high colour saturation, while blocks and dye flakes work best for medium and pastel shades.
First, melt your wax. Candle-making expert Jun Draper recommends that you add the dye when the wax is at its hottest to ensure it fully melts. The recommended temperature to add the dye is around 185° F. Mix the dye into the wax thoroughly so the colour is even. Once you're satisfied with the colour, allow the wax to cool to 135–140 °F, then pour it into a mould.
Yes, you can use natural dyes such as mica. However, it is not recommended to use natural mica to colour your candle, as it can clog your wick when burning.
Yes, you can add fragrance to your candle oil. However, adding fragrance oil after the colourant can cause major colour changes and will result in the wax undergoing discoloration. To avoid this, use products that are compatible with each other. For example, a fragrance oil with a flashpoint between 130°-180° F can be compatible with any candle colourant.
