Tyler Brooks
There are several ways to colour candles at home, but choosing a high-quality colourant is important. While crayons, food colouring, and natural ingredients like turmeric, mica, flower petals, pink clay, and beetroot powder can be used to add colour to candles, they may clog the wick and cause the flame to go out. Liquid candle dye is a good option for colouring candles as it is specially designed for this purpose, easy to use, and will not clog the wick. Solid candle dye, which comes in the form of coloured dye chips, can also be used and mixes smoothly into candle wax during the melting process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients to avoid | Food colouring, crayons, powder pigments, natural mica |
| Ingredients to use | Liquid candle dye, solid candle dye, Rit All-Purpose Powder Dye, soy wax, beeswax |
| Tips | Use soy wax for crisp and clean colours, use beeswax for a warm tint, use marble dye for an aesthetic effect |
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What You'll Learn
Using natural ingredients like turmeric, mica, flower petals, pink clay and beetroot powder
Natural dyes are a fantastic way to colour candles at home. Using natural ingredients like turmeric, mica, flower petals, pink clay, and beetroot powder can give your candles a handcrafted touch, making them non-toxic and eco-friendly. Here's how you can use these natural ingredients to colour your candles:
Turmeric
Spices like turmeric can be used to create vibrant yellow or orange candles. Simply mix the spice with a small amount of your chosen wax, such as beeswax or soy wax, and melt it down. Once the wax is melted, add your desired amount of spice, stirring continuously until you achieve the desired colour. Then, pour the coloured wax into your candle mould or container and allow it to cool and harden.
Mica
Mica powder is a natural mineral that adds a shimmering effect to your candles. It is non-toxic and safe to use. When adding mica to your candles, you can either mix it with the liquid wax before pouring or decorate the outside of the candle after it has hardened. A small amount of mica powder will create a light pastel colour. It is important to note that mica does not dissolve perfectly into the wax, so it may settle at the bottom or produce an uneven colour.
Flower Petals
Pressed flower candles are a beautiful way to incorporate natural colours and textures into your creations. To make pressed flower candles, start by drying the flowers or petals. Once they are fully dried and feel papery, use tweezers to gently place them onto the side of your candle. Dip a brush into melted wax and gently dab around the edges of the flower to secure it. Continue adding flowers or petals until you are happy with the design.
Pink Clay
Clay, such as pink clay, can be used as a natural dye to create soft, elegant colours. Similar to using flower petals, you can mix clay powder with melted wax and pour it into your mould. Alternatively, you can dust the inside of your mould with clay powder before pouring in the wax to create a two-toned effect.
Beetroot Powder
Beetroot powder or juice can be used as a natural dye to create vibrant pink or red candles. Mix the beetroot powder or juice with your chosen wax, and you can add vinegar to brighten the colour. Then, pour the coloured wax into your mould and allow it to cool.
Experimenting with these natural ingredients is a fun and sustainable way to create unique, personalised candles at home. Remember to take the necessary safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames.
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How to avoid a clogged wick
To avoid a clogged wick, it is important to choose the right colouring agent for your candle. While crayons may seem like a good option, as they are made of wax, they also contain insoluble pigments and oxides in powder form. These powder particles produce a beautiful colour in your candle wax but will quickly clog the wick. Similarly, mica powder can be too dense and clog the wick.
Candle dye, on the other hand, is formulated specifically to colour candle wax and comes in three main types: water-soluble, granular, and liquid. Water-soluble dyes are a good option as they do not clog wicks and are easy to clean up. Granular and liquid dyes are also effective and practical options that will not clog the wick.
Additionally, it is important to use the correct amount of fragrance and dye. Using too much can cause the wick to become clogged and prevent it from burning properly.
Finally, ensure that you are using the correct type of wick for your candle. A wick that is too small will not be able to efficiently burn all the fuel and will go out. Choosing the right wick and placing it correctly will help prevent clogging and ensure your candle burns evenly.
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Liquid candle dye
To get the best results, add the liquid dye when the wax is fully melted and between 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wax is too cool, the dye might not dissolve properly, leading to uneven colouring. Make sure the dye is fully mixed in before pouring the wax into moulds or containers.
You can also get creative and mix colours to create unique blends. Use a pipette to add the dye, and you can even achieve a marble effect on the surface of your moulded candles.
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Solid candle dye
When working with solid candle dyes, it is important to test the colour before pouring your wax into moulds or containers. Create a small test batch to see how the colour appears once solidified, and gradually increase the amount of dye until you achieve the desired shade. Additionally, be mindful not to use too much dye as it can clog the wick, resulting in a smaller flame and more soot. Stick to the recommended amount of dye to maintain optimal burning and aesthetic appeal.
Overall, solid candle dyes are an excellent option for adding colour to your candles. They provide vibrant and consistent results, making them a popular choice for candle makers of all skill levels. With their ease of use and versatility, solid candle dyes enable you to create stunning candles that are sure to impress.
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The pros and cons of using crayons
While colouring candles at home, you may be tempted to use crayons as they are easily available and made of wax. However, there are several pros and cons to using crayons as a colouring agent for candles.
Pros
- Crayons are made of wax, and candles are made of wax, so it seems like a good match.
- They are easily available and can be found at home.
Cons
- Crayons are made primarily of paraffin wax, but they also contain insoluble pigments/oxides which are powder colourants added to the wax.
- Crayons with deeper hues require more pigment, making them denser and more likely to clog the wick.
- The particles of the crayons will produce a beautiful colour in your candle wax, but will quickly clog the wick, causing the candle to burn itself out well before reaching a full melt pool.
- The wax and pigments used in crayons are formulated very differently from the components used for candle-making and are not intended to be burned with a wick.
- Crayons may not blend properly with the candle wax and create clumps or uneven patches. These clumps can ignite unexpectedly, leading to potential fire hazards.
- Crayons are made with various pigments, waxes, and additives that may not be compatible with the composition of candle wax, leading to unpredictable chemical reactions.
- When crayon pigments burn, they can produce soot, smoke, or other byproducts that affect the flame quality, scent diffusion, and overall burning experience.
- Using crayons to colour candles can negatively impact their burning performance.
Therefore, while crayons may seem like a convenient option for colouring candles at home, they can cause several issues, including safety hazards. It is recommended to use candle dye blocks or liquid candle dye to achieve the desired colour without compromising the candle's performance and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to colour candles at home, such as using liquid candle dye, solid candle dye, natural ingredients (e.g. turmeric, mica, flower petals, pink clay, and beetroot powder), crayons, or food colouring.
Liquid candle dye is made specifically for candles, so it won't clog the wick or cause the flame to go out prematurely. It's easy to create custom colours, and it mixes well with melted candle wax. It also produces bright, bold colours.
Crayons and natural ingredients like mica may clog the wick and cause the candle to burn out prematurely. The insoluble pigments/oxides in crayons and the powder particles in mica can affect the capillary action of the candle, preventing the wax from being drawn up the wick properly.
