Maddie James
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cozy atmosphere. If you're looking to elevate your candle-making game, you might be wondering how to change the colour of your candles. There are several ways to do this, including using candle dye flakes, food colouring, or even crayons. However, it's important to note that not all colourants are created equal, and some may affect the way your candle burns. For example, colourants like crayons are too dense and will clog the wick, causing your candle to burn out quickly. To avoid this, it's best to use candle dye flakes or UV inhibitors to maintain vivid colours over time. Additionally, certain fragrances may alter the finished colour, so it's important to test different combinations. With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautifully coloured candles that enhance your space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colourants | Micas, oxides, pigments, crayons, food colouring, candle dye flakes |
| Issues with colourants | Clogging the wick, change in texture and smell, UV light sensitivity |
| Ideal temperature for adding colourants | 185° F |
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What You'll Learn
Using crayons to colour candles
While crayons can be used to colour candles, they may not be the best option. There are a variety of dyes available that are specifically made for candle wax and will produce better results. These dyes come in liquid and chip form and can be easily found at most craft stores. Alternatively, you can infuse the wax with natural colours using herbs like comfrey, lavender, and rosehip.
If you do choose to use crayons, it is important to note that they are too dense and may quickly clog the wick, causing the candle to burn itself out before reaching a full melt pool. You will also likely notice a change in texture and smell while burning. To use crayons, you will need to melt them down and mix them with wax. This can be done in a glass measuring cup placed in a pot of medium-heat water or in a paper cup in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat the crayons and wax in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For a striped candle, melt each colour separately and wait for the first colour layer to set before adding the next.
To remove the wrappers from the crayons, fill a bowl with cold water and ice, then add the crayons and let them sit for about 5 minutes. The wrappers should then be easier to peel off. Choose crayons in colours that go well together, such as green and blue or orange and yellow. You will need about 10-15 crayons to make one candle.
Once the crayons and wax are melted, you can add fragrance using essential oils or candle fragrance. Be sure to pour the mixture into a non-stick container and let it set for about 5 minutes before adding the wick. Choosing the right wick size is important and can be challenging. It is recommended to follow general guidelines and test your candle creations to see what works best.
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Candle dye flakes
Dye flakes are suitable for pastel to medium colours, but can also be used to achieve deep shades. The recommended usage for a medium shade is 1/4 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax, and for a dark shade, 1/2 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax. The amount of dye may vary depending on the desired colour depth.
To use candle dye flakes, it is recommended to add them when the wax is at its hottest, at around 185° F, to ensure they fully melt. If using the double boiler method, you can add them with the wax and melt them together. The dye flakes vary in size, so it is best to break them up with your fingers before measuring to ensure consistent measurements.
You can also mix your dye flake colours to create new colours. It is recommended to keep a log of your measurements to be able to recreate them. When layering colours, it is important to allow each layer to cool completely before pouring the next layer. The recommended pouring temperature is no higher than 140° F to ensure the colours do not bleed.
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Food colouring
Liquid and gel food colourants are not suitable for dyeing candles as they contain water and other additives that do not adhere to or mix with candle wax. These additives can include propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, alcohol, high-fructose corn syrup, and agar gum. When using liquid food colouring, the dye and wax will separate, resulting in an uneven and splotchy appearance. Additionally, introducing water into a candle can be dangerous as it may cause the candle to pop or explode when burned.
Powdered food colouring can be used to dye candles successfully. When using powdered food colouring, it is important to follow the general candle-making process. First, melt the wax to a liquid state, being careful not to apply direct heat to the wax as this can alter its consistency. Then, add a small amount of dye to the melted wax, stirring continuously until the colour is evenly distributed. Finally, allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into a mould with a new wick and letting it harden.
It is worth noting that while food colouring can be used to dye candles, there are specifically formulated candle dyes available that may produce more consistent and vibrant results. These candle dyes are designed to bind with the wax and come in various forms, such as liquid, chips, blocks, and grains. When using any dye, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and curing instructions to ensure the desired colour and safety of the final product.
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Micas, oxides, and pigments
Oxides are powder colourants that can be added to wax to create a desired hue. However, oxides are insoluble and can clog the wick, causing the candle to burn out prematurely. As a result, oxides may be more suitable for projects without a wick, such as wax melts.
Pigments are another type of colourant that can be used to change the colour of candles. Powder pigments are often oil dispersible but not soluble, which can lead to issues with the colourant settling at the bottom of the candle or producing an uneven colour. Additionally, the large particle size of some pigments can clog the wick and cause the candle to struggle to stay lit or burn out prematurely. Therefore, it is important to consider the particle size and solubility of pigments when using them to colour candles.
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Essential oils and fragrance
When choosing essential oils, look for pure essential oils that are of high quality and have a high burning point. Some popular essential oils for candles include lavender oil, bergamot oil, eucalyptus oil, clary sage oil, and cinnamon oil. You can also use a blend of essential oils with top, middle, and base notes to create a multidimensional fragrance.
The amount of essential oil you use will depend on the potency of the oil, the size of your container, the number of oils you are using, and your personal preference. As a general rule, use 30-35 drops of oil for every 160 grams of soy wax flakes. If you are using a stronger or milder scent, you may want to adjust the amount of oil accordingly. If you are using multiple oils, don't double the amount! Add 15 drops of one oil and 16 drops of the other, for example.
To add essential oils to your candle, first light the candle and let it burn until there is a pool of melted wax about 1 inch deep around the wick. Then, blow out the candle and add 3-4 drops of essential oil to the melted wax. If you want a stronger scent, you can add more drops. Use an eye-dropper to add the oil, and then stir the wax and oil together with a toothpick or small spoon, starting with small circles close to the wick and working your way outwards. Allow the wax to cool and absorb the scent before lighting the candle again.
If you are using fragrance oils, the process is similar. However, fragrance oils typically have stronger scents, so a little goes a long way. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results, as each oil will vary in concentration. You can also use scented wax cubes, which can be placed in a warmer to melt and emit a strong scent.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use candle dye flakes, food colouring, crayons, or micas, oxides/pigments.
Yes, some colouring agents like crayons are too dense and might clog the wick.
Dyes are UV light sensitive. Avoid curing them in front of a bright window and keep them stored in a shaded area. Using a UV inhibitor will also help your colours stay vivid over time.
The ideal temperature to add the dye is around 185° F, when the wax is at its hottest.
Yes, fragrances with high amounts of vanillin can alter the finished colour of the candle.
