Ben Carter
Black candles are used in various spiritual and magical practices and traditions. They are believed to provide protection, absorb negative energy, and promote healing. In candle magic, black candles are used to manifest intentions and desires, and they are also linked to self-reflection and transformation. To make a black candle, you will need candle wax, a wick, liquid candle dye or dye chips, stearic acid, and a piece of white paper to test the colour. The key challenge is determining the right amount of dye to achieve a truly black candle without clogging the wick. Paraffin wax is recommended as it absorbs colour better than soy wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Decoration, spiritual rituals, protection spells, transformation, banishing negative energy, grounding, removing obstacles, healing |
| Ingredients | Candle wax, candle wick, liquid candle dye or powder dye, stearic acid, charcoal powder |
| Tools | Wick sticker, wick bar, melting pitcher, spatula, mould |
| Tips | Use paraffin wax for better colour absorption, test colour before pouring wax into mould, avoid excess dye to prevent wick clogging, store in a dry and dark place |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for black candles due to its superior ability to absorb colour. It typically takes on dye better than soy or beeswax, resulting in a deeper black shade. If you want to achieve a true black colour, paraffin wax is the ideal option. However, it's worth noting that paraffin wax may not be as environmentally friendly as other wax types.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is a common choice for container candles. It has a softer consistency compared to paraffin wax. If you opt for soy wax, be prepared to use a more significant amount of dye to achieve a darker shade. A blend of soy and paraffin wax can be used, but ensure that the blend contains more paraffin wax for a better colour absorption.
Beeswax is another option, providing a harder consistency necessary for candles that stand on their own without a container. It can be challenging to work with, so some candle makers prefer to blend it with a small amount of soy wax to make it easier to handle.
Additionally, consider using stearic acid as an additive to improve the opacity of your black candle. Stearic acid can enhance the burn time and hardness of your candle while also aiding in achieving a true black colour. It is recommended to use around 10% of the wax weight as stearic acid.
When choosing the right wax for your black candle, consider the purpose of the candle, the desired colour intensity, and the ease of handling the wax. By selecting the appropriate wax and following the right techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional black candle.
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Adding stearic acid
Stearic acid is a common additive in candle-making. It is a mixture of fatty acids derived from animal or vegetable fats and oils. In the 19th century, a chemist named Michel-Eugène Chevreul discovered that animal tallow, a common candle-making material at the time, was a compound of two fatty acids: stearic acid and oleic acid.
When making black candles, stearic acid is added to improve the opacity of the colour. It is especially important when using soy wax, which tends to turn out grey without stearic acid. The recommended amount of stearic acid to use is 10% of the wax weight. For example, if you are using 6 ounces of candle wax, you should add 0.6 ounces of stearic acid.
To incorporate stearic acid into your candle-making process, follow these steps:
- Melt the stearic acid in a double boiler on the stove or in a wax melting pot.
- Mix in your chosen dye gradually.
- Test the colour by dripping drops of the mixture onto a plate and allowing it to set.
- Once you are happy with the colour, add the paraffin wax to the stearic acid mixture.
- Heat the mixture up to the required pouring temperature, stirring occasionally.
It is important to note that stearic acid is not suitable for latex moulds as it rots rubber. Additionally, be cautious not to use too much dye, as it can clog the wick and affect the candle's burning ability.
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Testing the colour
To test the colour, start by melting your wax in a melting pitcher. Once the wax is melted, add your dye. It is recommended to begin with less dye than you think you need and gradually add more, as too much dye can be detrimental to the final product. The type of wax you use will also impact the final colour; paraffin wax generally takes colour better than soy wax, so consider this when choosing your wax. If you are using a blend of waxes, ensure that the blend contains more paraffin than soy to achieve a darker shade.
After adding your dye, use a spatula to place a small amount of the melted wax onto a piece of white paper. Allow the wax to dry for a minute or two, and then observe the shade. If the wax has dried to your desired shade of black, you can proceed to the next steps of making your candle. If the wax is not black enough, add more dye and repeat the testing process until you achieve the desired colour.
It is important to note that the true colour of the wax may not be accurately judged by simply looking into the melting pitcher, so always test the colour on paper before pouring your wax into a mould. This testing process is crucial to ensuring that your black candle turns out as desired.
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Using black dye
When using black dye to make a black candle, it is important to get the right shade of black. If you use too little dye, the candle will be grey, and if you use too much, the wick will get clogged, and the candle won't burn properly. The type of wax you use will also affect the colour. Paraffin wax takes colour better than soy wax, so if you want to use a blend, make sure it has more paraffin than soy.
Liquid dye will give you a more intense colour than dye chips. You can also use charcoal powder or black dye flakes. If you want to use dye chips, stearic acid will improve the opacity of the colour. Add 10% of the wax weight in stearic acid—for example, if you're using 6 ounces of wax, add 0.6 ounces of stearic acid.
To test the colour, put a drop of wax on a piece of white paper and wait about a minute to see what shade it dries to. Keep adding dye and testing until you get the desired colour.
When you're happy with the colour, pour the wax into your mould. To prevent dips or sinkholes from forming, let the wax cool down to around 155°F (68.3°C) before pouring it.
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Storing your candle
Keep it Cool and Dry
Avoid storing your candle in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The ideal storage temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cooler side being better. Aim to keep your candle below 27 degrees Celsius to prevent overheating and scent degradation. A basement storage room with low humidity, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet are all good options.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Other Heat Sources
Direct sunlight and bright indoor lights can cause oxidation and degradation of fragrance oils, leading to a faster loss of scent. It can also cause colours to fade, diminishing the visual appeal of your candle. Keep your candle away from windows, heaters, and other sources of heat.
Store Upright in a Container
If your candle is in a glass jar, store it upright. Otherwise, store it flat to prevent warping. You can use a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf it's stored on. Glass jars, small tins, or galvanized boxes are also great options for storing your candles.
Cover Your Candle
Cover your candle when not in use to preserve its fragrance and keep dust and other airborne particles out. Use the glass lid or dust cover that came with your candle, or invest in a bell cloche to display it while keeping the fragrance from escaping.
Keep Away from Flammable Items
Safety should always come first when storing candles. Keep them away from children, pets, and anything that can catch fire easily.
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