Maddie James
Gold-leaf candles are a popular DIY craft and can be used for decorative purposes, gifts, or even sold at local boutiques. Gold foil and gold flakes are different, as gold foil can cause black soot when burning, whereas gold flakes will not ignite. When making candles, it is important to be conscious of the materials used, as some traditional products can be harmful to the environment. Bioglitter, for example, is a good alternative to traditional glitter as it is biodegradable and does not add to the flammability of a candle. To make gold-leaf candles, ensure the candle surface is clean, tape off the section where you want the gold leaf to stick, apply gilding adhesive, and then lay the gold leaf sheet over the adhesive.
Characteristics and values of adding gold flakes to candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Gold foil is non-flammable because it is a form of metal. However, it can cause a lot of black soot when burning. |
| Gold foil vs gold flakes | Gold foil and real gold flakes are different. Gold foil can be used on the outside of a hurricane candle so it won't get near the flame. |
| Gold leaf foil sheets | Gold leaf foil sheets are available in gold, copper, or silver. |
| Gold leaf foil sheets application | Brush a light coat of gilding adhesive where you want the gold leaf foil to stick. |
| Bioglitter | Bioglitter does not add to the flammability of a candle. It uses a unique plant cellulose core derived from eucalyptus, which turns to ash when it comes into contact with an open flame. |
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What You'll Learn
Gold leaf vs gold flakes
Gold leaf and gold flakes are both used to decorate a variety of items, including food and candles. Gold leaf is gold that has been beaten into a thin sheet, whereas gold flakes are small fragments of gold leaf. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:
Gold Leaf vs. Gold Flakes
Gold Leaf
Gold leaf has been used for thousands of years to decorate items such as picture frames, furniture, and even food. It is created through a meticulous process called goldbeating, where gold is melted, cast into bars or strips, and then rolled into thin ribbons. These ribbons are cut into squares, placed between layers of special paper, and hammered until they reach the desired thinness. The thin sheets of gold leaf are then packaged and sold for decorative purposes. Gold leaf comes in a variety of karat values, with 24k gold being 99.9% gold and 12k being 50% gold, often mixed with silver. Pure gold leaf (24k) will not tarnish or change colour, while lower karat values may darken over time if not sealed properly. Gold leaf is delicate and needs to be handled carefully, as it can easily tear or wrinkle.
Gold Flakes
Gold flakes are small fragments of gold leaf and are commonly used to decorate desserts, candies, and cocktails, adding a glamorous and shiny appearance. Gold flakes are typically packaged in jar-like containers and range from 100 milligrams to 1 gram in weight. When adding gold flakes to candles, it is important to use cosmetically safe and biodegradable flakes, such as Bioglitter, to ensure they do not pose any environmental or safety hazards. Gold flakes can be added to candle wax and poured into glass jars to create glittery candles perfect for various occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and holiday gifts.
Both gold leaf and gold flakes offer a luxurious and decorative touch to various items. Gold leaf is ideal for larger surface areas, such as picture frames or furniture, providing a warm golden glow. On the other hand, gold flakes are perfect for adding a glimmer and sparkle to smaller items, like desserts or candles. When choosing between the two, consider the size and nature of the item being decorated, as well as the desired level of glamour and shine. Additionally, always prioritise high-quality gold products to ensure purity, durability, and, in the case of candles, safety.
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Choosing the right gold
When choosing the right gold for your candles, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to differentiate between gold foil and real gold flakes. Gold foil can cause a lot of black soot when burning, so it is recommended to keep it outside the candle, such as on the outer surface of a hurricane candle. Real gold, on the other hand, will not ignite due to its high melting point, making it a safer option for embedding within the candle.
The type of gold you choose will depend on the desired effect and your budget. If you want a more affordable option and don't mind the gold being on the outer surface, gold foil sheets are a good choice. They come in various colours, such as gold, copper, or silver, and can be easily applied using gilding adhesive. If you want to create a distressed or marbled look, gold foil sheets are a perfect choice.
However, if you want to embed the gold within the candle, you should opt for real gold flakes. These are more expensive, but they will not ignite or release harmful chemicals when burned. The standard for gold flake is 22k gold, which has a melting point of almost 2000°F, ensuring that it remains stable within the candle. When purchasing gold flakes, prioritize quality and purity to ensure the best results and avoid potential safety hazards.
To ensure the safety of your gold-flaked candles, consider using cosmetically safe gold flakes. Additionally, perform a burn test in a controlled environment, such as outdoors, with a fire extinguisher nearby. Take the necessary precautions, such as wearing respiratory and eye protection, to safeguard yourself from any potential hazards.
If you're concerned about the environmental impact of your candles, consider using Bioglitter instead of traditional glitter or gold foil. Bioglitter is made with a unique plant cellulose core derived from eucalyptus, which burns into ash instead of contributing to microplastic pollution. It is also biodegradable in natural water sources and breaks down faster than other eco-glitter products, making it a more eco-friendly option.
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Safe alternatives to gold flakes
While it is possible to put gold flakes in candles, there are some concerns about the safety of doing so. The melting point of 22k gold (the standard for gold flake) is almost 2000°F, so if your candle is hot enough to melt the gold, you likely have more pressing problems. Further, the gold you buy may not be of sufficient quality or purity, and may release dangerous chemicals when burned.
If you want to add gold-coloured glitter to your candles, Bioglitter is a popular alternative to gold flakes. Bioglitter is free of microplastics, which are harmful to both the environment and your health. It is also biodegradable, so you don't have to worry about rinsing it down the drain when you're done with your candle. Bioglitter comes in different types, with Bioglitter Deco being great for candles, and Bioglitter Pure and Bioglitter Sparkle being suitable for cosmetics.
Another option is to use gold shimmery mica powder. You can pour a thin layer of the powder onto a pan lined with silicone or wax paper, and cut it into pieces when it hardens. You can also try making "flakes" by mixing mica powder with something harder, like beeswax, to create harder lines that hold at your pour temperature.
If you want to avoid the gold leaf or gold flake look altogether, you can try making a hurricane candle, where the gold foil stays on the outside and won't get near the flame.
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How to apply gold leaf
Gold leaf is a thin foil made by beating real gold into thin sheets. It can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, ceramics, metal, glass, canvas, and fabric.
- Prepare your surface: Clean the surface thoroughly and paint it if desired. You can also tape off the area where you'll be applying the gold leaf to minimize mess and allow for more precision.
- Apply adhesive: The first step is to apply an adhesive, such as gold size (a type of glue), to the entire surface where you'll be applying the gold leaf. Wait for the adhesive to dry down to optimal stickiness. This usually takes around 15 minutes.
- Apply gold leaf: Once the adhesive is ready, pick up your gold leaf. If you have dry hands, you can do this directly. If your hands are oily, hold the tissue paper the leaf is affixed to. Gently lay the gold leaf over the adhesive, using a dabbing motion to push it against the adhesive. Be firm to ensure you cover every crevice.
- Remove excess: Tear off any excess gold leaf that isn't touching the adhesive. If done neatly, you can reuse these spare pieces on another section.
- Clean up: Use a shop vacuum to clean up any scraps and leftover pieces once your project is complete.
When applying gold leaf, it's important to work in small sections at a time and ensure there isn't too much airflow in your workspace, as gold leaf is very light and can blow around.
Now that we've covered the basics of applying gold leaf, let's discuss how you can apply this process to creating candles with gold flakes.
It is possible to put gold flakes or gold leaf into candles to create a glittery effect. However, it is important to consider the type of gold flakes or leaf you are using. Traditional glitter can add to the flammability of a candle and release harmful chemicals when burned. Instead, consider using Bioglitter, which has a plant cellulose core derived from eucalyptus. This type of glitter turns to ash when it comes into contact with an open flame, making it a safer option.
If you are concerned about flammability, you can also create a hurricane candle, where the gold decoration stays on the outside and doesn't come into contact with the flame. Alternatively, you can use gold shimmery mica powder to create a gold flake look without using actual gold flakes.
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Eco-friendly glitter
Adding gold flakes to candles can be a great way to add some glamour and sparkle to your creations. However, it is important to be mindful of the materials used, as some traditional products can be harmful to the environment. Regular glitter, for example, is made of plastic and can release toxic fumes when burned.
An eco-friendly alternative to traditional glitter is Bioglitter, which has the OK Biodegradable Water certification, recognised globally as the highest third-party certification for biodegradability. Bioglitter is made with a unique plant cellulose core derived from eucalyptus, which means it turns to ash when it comes into contact with an open flame, rather than increasing the flammability of the candle. This makes it safer for you and the environment, as it does not release toxic smoke or dangerous chemicals.
Another option is to use gold shimmery mica powder, which can be poured onto a pan lined with silicone or wax paper, cut up, and added to the candle to imitate the gold flake look without the worry of using actual gold flakes. You could also try creating "flakes" using mica and something harder like beeswax, which would have a similar density to candle wax, so they would remain suspended in the wax rather than sinking or floating to the top.
Large Eco Glitters are another eco-friendly glitter option, crafted from biodegradable materials, perfect for candle-making, cosmetics, crafts, and decorations. These glitters add a touch of elegance and sparkle to any project.
When using Bioglitter, simply pour your desired amount into your containers while the wax is still warm. The glitter will remain atop the surface and blend well, creating a nice, shiny layer with a foiled effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to add gold flakes to candles. However, gold foil can cause a lot of black soot when burning. Gold leaf foil sheets are non-flammable because they are a form of metal.
It is recommended to use gold flakes that are cosmetically safe. Bioglitter is also a good option as it is biodegradable and does not add to the flammability of a candle.
First, make sure the surface of the candle is clean. Tape off the section of the candle where you want the gold leaf. Then, use a natural bristle brush to paint a thin layer of gilding adhesive to the candle and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Next, lay the gold leaf foil sheet across the surface of the candle, pressing down firmly. Once the foil has transferred, remove the tape and brush away any excess foil.
You will need a candle, gold leaf foil sheets, gilding adhesive, a natural bristle brush, and tape.
