Maddie James
There are many ways to add a pop of colour to a plain white candle. You can melt an old candle on a stovetop or in a double boiler, or use a block of paraffin wax to make a new candle from scratch. Candle wax can be coloured using candle dye blocks, liquid candle dye, crayons, or food colouring. However, it is important to note that not all colouring agents are created equal. For example, while crayons can be used to dye candle wax, they contain powder colourants that can clog the candle wick, causing the candle to burn inefficiently. Similarly, while food colouring is a popular choice, it does not blend well with the wax and can bead up and sink to the bottom. Candle-making expert Jun Draper recommends using liquid wax dye, which can be purchased from many candle companies. When using liquid wax dye, simply melt your wax, add the dye while it is still liquid, and stir until the colour is even. Once you are satisfied with the colour, allow the wax to cool before pouring it into a mould.
Characteristics and Values table for colouring a white candle:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Old, light-coloured candles are best |
| Wax type | Beeswax, Soy wax, Paraffin wax |
| Dye type | Liquid dye, Powder dye, Candle dye blocks, Food colouring |
| Tools | Double boiler, Stovetop, Slow cooker, Paper towels, Moulds, Wicks |
| Process | Melt wax, add dye, stir, dip candle, dry, cool, pour into mould |
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What You'll Learn
Using candle wax dye
Candle wax can be coloured using candle dye, which comes in liquid, flake, or block form. Candle dye is a synthetic chemical specifically formulated for use in candle wax. It is made from anilines, an oily chemical substrate that is water-soluble and provides optimal colour and function in candles.
To use candle wax dye, start by melting an old candle or wax on a stovetop in a double boiler. Alternatively, you can use a block of paraffin wax or beeswax to make your own candles from scratch. Paraffin wax is a common ingredient in crayons, but it is not recommended for candle-making as it can clog the wick. Beeswax, on the other hand, holds colour well and melts slowly, resulting in longer-lasting candles. However, it has a yellow hue, which will give your colours a warm, aged tint. If you prefer a less tinted colour, opt for white beeswax. Coconut wax is another alternative, as it is solid white and works well for container candles or wax blends.
Once your wax is melted, add a small amount of powdered or liquid candle dye. Stir in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. If using powdered colourants, do not use more than 1 teaspoon per pound of wax. You can test the colour by dipping a strip of paper into the wax and allowing it to cool. This will show you the final colour of your candle. If you need to adjust the colour, add more dye for deeper shades or add white for pastel hues.
Once you are satisfied with the colour, allow the wax to cool to 135–160 °F (57–60 °C). The recommended temperature for adding dye is around 185 °F. Then, pour the wax into a mould with a new wick and let it harden. You can also dip a pre-made candle into the dyed wax for 5 to 10 seconds and let it dry.
It is important to note that dyes are UV light-sensitive, so they should be cured away from direct sunlight and stored in a shaded area. Using a UV inhibitor will help maintain vivid colours over time and prevent fading or discolouration.
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Melting old candles
Once your wax is melted, you can pour it into a mold or container of your choice. If you are using a new wick, prepare your container by cleaning it and placing the wick in the middle or adding two or three wicks if you are using a wider container. You can use double-sided tape or stickers to secure the wicks in place. If you are using a jar, you can use a wick tab and thread the wick through it before tying the free end around a wooden skewer. Dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the jar. Pour the melted wax into the jar, stopping about half an inch from the rim. Let the wax set for about an hour.
If you want to add colour to your new candle, you can use candle liquid dye, candle dye blocks, or even slices of a coloured candle. Add your chosen colourant to the melted wax and stir until you achieve the desired shade. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into your prepared container. You can also add essential oils and dried flowers to create scented candles.
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Adding crayons
Although it is possible to use crayons to colour a white candle, the results may not be ideal. This is because crayons are coloured with pigments that do not dissolve in wax. Instead, they are dispersed throughout the wax, floating in it. This can cause the wick to become blocked, which will prevent the candle from staying lit.
If you decide to use crayons to colour your candle, you will need to grate the crayons into the smallest possible pieces. You will need around six crayons per cup of wax. You can then mix the crayon pieces with white candle wax and melt the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl or a glass measuring cup. If you are using the microwave, melt the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. If you are using a stove, fill a big cooking pot with water and heat it. Then, lay a bowl with the wax inside the pot, and heat until the wax is fully melted.
Once the wax is melted, you can add in a few drops of candle fragrance or essential oil. Prepare your candle mould or container by placing a wick in the middle and securing it with hot wax, super glue, double-sided tape, or a piece of cardboard or a skewer and tape. You can also use a tabbed candle wick, which may be self-adhesive. To hold the wick steady, lay two sticks, such as pencils or popsicle sticks, across the mould or container.
Finally, carefully pour the melted wax into your mould or container. Allow the candle to cool and set completely before using it. This will take several hours. Once set, trim the wick to 1/4 inch above the candle's surface.
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Using food colouring
Food colouring can be used to dye candles, but it is not recommended. While it is possible to use food colouring to dye candles, it is not the best option as it does not mix well with candle wax. The standard food colouring used for tinting desserts is highly concentrated and comes in a variety of colours, but it is typically water-based and will not mix with the oils in the wax. This can cause the candle to become unsightly and splotchy.
If you do decide to use food colouring to dye your candles, it is important to choose the right type of food colouring and wax. Gel food colouring is more concentrated, so you can use less and still achieve good results. It has a strong colour and doesn't change when mixed with other ingredients. However, it may not be suitable if you want to make clear candles. Liquid or powdered food colouring can also be used, but it is important to use enough to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
To use food colouring to dye a candle, start by melting an old white candle or paraffin wax in a double boiler. Then, add your desired amount of concentrated food colouring and stir well until it is thoroughly mixed. If using liquid or powdered food colouring, add 1/2 teaspoon per pound of wax. For gel-based formulas, use 1/4 teaspoon per pound. Finally, pour the mixture into a mould and let it cool.
It is important to note that not all food colouring is suitable for use in candles. Avoid using colours like blue or red, as they may contain harmful chemicals or discolour your candle. Make sure the food colouring you choose is approved for consumption and does not contain lead, as it is toxic. Additionally, be careful when handling hot wax and avoid touching it directly, as it can cause imperfections in the final product.
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Creating layers and designs
One method for creating layers and designs is to use different colours of wax and pour them into a mould at different temperatures. This can create a marbled or swirled effect. However, this method can be tricky to get right, and pouring the wax at too high a temperature or using wax at different temperatures can result in a splotchy-looking candle.
Another method is to use a pipette to drizzle coloured wax around the edge of a glass and let it cool completely before pouring in the white wax. This can create a unique design, but it's important to get the consistency of the wax just right to avoid a splotchy finish.
You can also build up layers of coloured wax by dripping coloured pieces into your candle to create unique designs. This method allows you to experiment with different colours and get creative with your designs.
When creating layers and designs, it's important to avoid applying heat directly to the wax, as this can alter its natural consistency. It's also crucial to protect your work area with a plastic cover and have paper towels on hand to avoid any spills.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use candle liquid dye, candle dye blocks, crayons, food colouring, or candle colouring dye.
Start by melting an old candle on a stovetop in a double boiler or use a block of paraffin wax. Add a small amount of powdered or liquid candle dye, stirring in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Once the wax is the right colour, pour it into a mould with a new wick and allow it to harden.
While it is possible to use food colouring to dye a candle, it is not recommended. Food colouring contains complex chemicals that will not adhere to the wax.
It is possible to use crayons to dye a candle, but it is not recommended. Crayons contain powder colourants known as insoluble pigments/oxides that will quickly block the wick of the candle.
