Chloe Adams
Candles have been a source of light and ambiance for centuries, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient times. They are typically made of a wick embedded in wax or another flammable material, and their combustion provides heat, light, and a cozy atmosphere. Today, candles come in various forms, from traditional beeswax and tallow to modern soy, coconut, and paraffin wax options. With the different types of candles available, it's essential to know how to distinguish a candle to ensure optimal burning and fragrance release. This includes understanding the different waxes, wicks, and methods of extinguishing to preserve the quality of your candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle-making materials | Beeswax, tallow, paraffin wax, soy wax, coconut wax, apricot wax, vegetable wax, plant materials, animal fat |
| Candle types | Beeswax, wood wick, sparklers, trick candles, soy wax, paraffin wax, etc. |
| Candle holders | Candlesticks, candelabras, chandeliers, lanterns, sconces |
| Candle extinguishers | Blowing out, using a lid, wick dipper, or candle snuffer |
| Candle wicks | Cotton, wood, lead, metal |
| Candle maintenance | Centering and trimming wicks, avoiding blowing out to prevent wax unevenness and tunneling |
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What You'll Learn
- Candle composition: beeswax, tallow, paraffin wax, soy, or coconut
- Candle-making methods: moulds, hand-rolling, or dipping wicks
- Candle holders: candlesticks, candelabras, chandeliers, lanterns, or sconces
- Candle-snuffing methods: blowing, using a lid, a wick dipper, or a candle snuffer
- Candle usage: light, heat, and combustion
Candle composition: beeswax, tallow, paraffin wax, soy, or coconut
Beeswax is the most natural and expensive wax available. It is the only type of wax that does not require chemical processing, preservatives, or UV stabilizers. Beeswax candles are also the only type of candle that will "bloom", developing a white dusting as the natural oils rise to the surface. This process occurs within days or weeks of the candle being made.
Tallow is a common candle material that has been used for thousands of years. It is made from animal fat, such as beef or bacon fat. Tallow candles are edible and can be coloured with arsenic to prevent theft. Tallow can be mixed with beeswax to harden the candle and increase its burn time.
Paraffin wax candles are derived from non-renewable petroleum. They are typically more affordable than beeswax candles but may contain harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene.
Soy wax is a renewable resource derived from soybean oil. It is a popular, natural, and eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. Soy wax candles produce fewer toxins and pollutants, improving indoor air quality. They also tend to burn slower and longer than paraffin candles. However, soy wax may not produce as strong of a scent throw as paraffin candles.
Natural coconut apricot wax is a colourless and odourless wax made from cold-pressed coconut meat or coconut oil mixed with soy wax. It is considered one of the healthiest types of wax for candle-making as it produces less soot. Coconut wax candles burn slower than other types of wax and can be easily blended with other natural waxes. They are also non-toxic and eco-friendly.
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Candle-making methods: moulds, hand-rolling, or dipping wicks
Candle-making can be done through moulds, hand-rolling, or dipping wicks. Here is an overview of each method:
Moulds
Making candles in moulds is a popular method, and you can reuse moulds repeatedly if you care for them properly. You can purchase moulds or make your own using various containers such as glass jars, porcelain containers, or even food containers like pickle jars. It is important to ensure that the container has an open mouth with no inward tapering to allow for proper airflow when the candle is burning. Before using a container, it should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual grease, food bits, or liquids that may interfere with the final product.
Hand-rolling
Hand-rolling candles involves creating the wax core of the candle by hand and then rolling it in a layer of wax to create the finished product. This method requires a flat surface, such as a table or counter, to roll the wax into the desired shape. While this method can be more labour-intensive, it allows for more creativity and customization in the candle-making process.
Dipping wicks
Dipping wicks is a simple and straightforward method for making candles. First, treat the wicks with a solution of Borax and salt to make the candles burn brighter and longer, reducing ash and smoke. Then, dip the treated wicks into melted wax to coat them evenly. This process can be repeated multiple times to build up a thicker coating, making it easier to insert the wick into the candle. Finally, hang the wicks to dry before placing them inside a candle mould or container.
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Candle holders: candlesticks, candelabras, chandeliers, lanterns, or sconces
Candle holders, also known as candlesticks, are functional and decorative items that provide support and stability to candles while also protecting surfaces from dripping wax and potential fire hazards. They come in various designs, materials, and sizes that can match any interior style, providing an elegant touch to any room.
One of the most classic types of candle holders is the candelabra, which features multiple arms and has been in use since the Middle Ages. Candelabras can range from small tabletop designs to elaborate floor-standing models, and they are often used during special occasions or events to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They come in various styles, from classic and elegant metal designs to modern, sleek versions made from materials like glass or acrylic.
Lanterns are another popular choice for candle holders, offering a rustic or vintage charm for both indoor and outdoor use. They often come in metal or wood frames, featuring glass panels to protect the candle from wind and other external factors. Lanterns can accommodate different types of candles, depending on their size and design.
Chandeliers are elegant lighting options that can enhance the ambiance of any room. They come in various styles and materials, such as metal, glass, or crystal, to suit different preferences and décor styles.
Wall sconces are also a popular type of candle holder, offering a quintessential charm that can complement existing décor and create a cohesive look. They come in various styles, from vintage to rustic, and can add a timeless metallic sheen to any room.
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Candle-snuffing methods: blowing, using a lid, a wick dipper, or a candle snuffer
Blowing out a candle is a popular method of extinguishing it, but it is not recommended. Blowing can cause wax to splatter, and it can also lead to issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, the wick will continue to emit smoke, affecting the cold and warm throw of the candle.
Using a lid to extinguish a candle is another common practice, but it is not without its drawbacks. Trapped smoke can infuse back into the melted wax, altering the scent, and the vessel can become filled with soot, turning black. Furthermore, if the lid is placed on the candle while it is still hot, it can cause the lid to suction and possibly break.
A wick dipper is a recommended method for putting out a candle. A wick dipper typically has a long handle with a hook at one end. To use it, quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method produces very little smoke and instantly extinguishes the flame.
A candle snuffer is another popular choice for extinguishing candles. Candle snuffers usually have a long handle with a bell-shaped or cylindrical cone at one end. To use it, hold the snuffer over the candle, ensuring you do not dip it into the wax. The lack of oxygen will cause the flame to go out, and the snuffer will catch any falling pieces of the wick. Candle snuffers are a mess-free, sophisticated, and aesthetically pleasing way to extinguish candles, preserving their quality.
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Candle usage: light, heat, and combustion
Candlelight has been a source of illumination for centuries, but today, candles are mostly used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes.
When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts a small amount of solid fuel (the wax). This liquid wax then vaporizes and combines with oxygen in the air to form a flame. The flame gives off heat in three directions through conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction carries heat down the wick to melt more wax, while convection draws hot wax vapors out from the wick and pulls oxygen from the surrounding air into the base of the flame. Radiation emits heat in all directions, with approximately one-fourth of the energy created by a candle's combustion radiated as heat.
The vaporized wax molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they undergo combustion. This is a chemical reaction in which the wax reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water vapour. The blue area at the base of the flame is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break apart into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water vapour, while some of the carbon burns to form carbon dioxide. The dark orange-brown region has less oxygen, and this is where the various forms of carbon continue to break down and form hardened carbon particles. As these particles rise, they are heated to around 1000 degrees Centigrade.
The combustion process of lighting a candle releases light, heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. However, it also emits volatile organic compounds, releasing carbon into the air. This can be unsafe if fragrances are inhaled at high doses. To address this issue, some candle companies have created non-toxic alternatives that use eco-friendly packaging and non-toxic wax blends. These candles are made from coconut, soy, vegetable, and beeswax, and they are better for lung health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made up of three essential components: the wick, wax, and fragrance. The wick should be naturally absorbent so that it can easily draw the wax and fragrance. The candle wick acts as an absorbent, pulling the liquid wax up and through the wick as it touches the flame.
Early candles were made from beeswax, tallow, or plant materials dipped in animal fat. Beeswax candles were expensive and their use was limited to the elite and churches. Tallow was cheaper but less aesthetically pleasing. In modern times, candles are made from paraffin wax, soy wax, coconut wax, apricot wax, vegetable wax, and more.
Blowing out a candle is not recommended because it can cause wax to splatter, cause issues with the wax like tunneling and unevenness, and release a lot of smoke. Putting a lid on a candle is also not recommended because it traps smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the wax and change its throw. The best methods are to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer.
