Jessie Taylor
Dyeing candles is a fun way to make your candles unique and suit your personal preferences. There are a few ways to dye candles, such as using candle dye, crayons, or dye flakes. To dye a candle orange, you can use orange liquid candle dye, which will produce a colour ranging from light to dark orange depending on the type of wax and amount of dye used. First, melt your wax, then add the dye while it's still liquid, stirring in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Once you're satisfied with the colour, allow the wax to cool before pouring it into a mould.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dye | Candle dye, powdered or liquid |
| Type of wax | Paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax |
| Amount of dye | 3 drops/lb for a lighter shade, 6 drops/lb for a darker shade |
| Temperature | Melt wax at 185°F, pour at 135-140°F |
| Process | Melt wax, add dye, stir, pour into mold, allow to harden |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right dye
When choosing a dye to create orange candles, there are several options to consider. Candle dye is a specific type of colourant that dissolves in wax, and it comes in liquid, chip, block, or flake form. Liquid candle dye is a good option for orange candles, as it can produce shades ranging from light to dark orange, depending on the type of wax and amount of dye used. For example, soy wax typically produces light to medium shades, while paraffin wax can result in pastel to deep shades. To achieve a lighter shade of orange, use three drops of liquid dye per pound of wax, and for a darker shade, use six drops per pound. Candle dye is available from candle-making suppliers and some candle companies sell liquid dyes specifically designed for their products.
Another option is to use powdered or pigmented dyes, such as Rit Dye. These dyes can be useful for achieving a desired colour, but it's important to note that they don't dissolve completely in the wax and may affect the appearance and burning effectiveness of the candle. Additionally, powdered dyes may sink to the bottom, resulting in a less well-blended colour. When using powdered dyes, it's recommended to add 2-3 teaspoons to melted wax, being careful not to oversaturate the wax as it is highly concentrated.
While food colouring may seem like a convenient option, it is not recommended as it is water-based and will not mix properly with the wax, resulting in unsightly splotches. Similarly, while crayons have gained popularity due to their wax-based nature, they are coloured with powder or pigments that may not fully dissolve, impacting the final appearance of your orange candle.
Finally, some candle makers experiment with off-label colourants like mica, oxides, pigments, and vegetable waxes like soy and coconut. However, these alternatives may not function optimally in the finished candle, so it is essential to test them thoroughly before committing to a specific dye.
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Melting the wax
There are a variety of candle dyes available, including liquid, dye blocks, and dye flakes. Liquid dyes are easy to use and can be added during the melting process. Candle-making expert Jun Draper recommends using liquid wax dye. You can add a few drops of liquid dye to your melted wax, stirring constantly to achieve an even colour. The exact amount of dye will depend on the desired shade and the type of wax you're using. For example, soy wax may produce lighter shades, while paraffin wax can result in pastel or deep shades.
If you're using dye blocks, you'll need to shave off a couple of flakes to achieve a lighter shade. Dye blocks require more stirring than liquid dyes. Alternatively, you can use dye flakes, which are easy to use and yield consistent results. For a medium shade, use 1/4 teaspoon of dye flakes per pound of wax, and for a dark shade, use 1/2 teaspoon.
Powdered pigments like mica and glow powder can also be used, but they may not fully dissolve in the wax, affecting the appearance and burning effectiveness of the candle. Food colouring should also be avoided, as it is water-based and won't mix properly with the wax.
Once you've added the dye, continue heating the wax until it reaches the desired temperature. For liquid dyes, the recommended temperature is 135–140 °F (57–60 °C). For dye blocks, the ideal temperature is 185 °F. At this point, you can test the colour by dipping a spare candle into the wax or using the paper test. If the colour is too light, add more dye, and if it's too dark, add more wax.
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Adding the dye
First, melt your wax on a stovetop in a double boiler. You can use an old candle or two, or start from scratch with a block of paraffin wax. Once the wax is completely melted, it's time to add your chosen dye. Candle dye is a specific type of colorant that dissolves in wax, and it usually comes in the form of dye chips, blocks, liquid, or flakes. Avoid using ordinary liquid dyes like food colouring, as they won't mix with the wax and will produce an uneven result.
For liquid dye, add a few drops at a time and stir well. You can also use powdered dye; add a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Remember, a little goes a long way with candle dyes, as they are highly concentrated. If using dye blocks, you'll need to shave off a few flakes to achieve a lighter shade of orange. You can always add more dye, but it's challenging to lighten the colour once it's too dark. Therefore, it's best to add the dye gradually and constantly stir while pouring in the pigment.
If you're using beeswax, add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of powdered dye to 1 cup of melted beeswax. Stir well, and don't worry if some of the dye doesn't dissolve completely. Test the colour by dipping a spare candle into the dye bath. If it's too light, add more dye, and if it's too dark, add more beeswax to lighten it.
Once you're happy with the colour, allow the wax to cool to 135–140 °F (57–60 °C). This is important because if you pour the wax into the mould at too high a temperature, the colours may bleed and create a marbled effect.
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Testing the colour
Firstly, it is important to understand that the type of wax and dye used will impact the final colour. For instance, orange liquid candle dye in soy wax tends to produce light to medium shades, while paraffin wax can result in pastel to deep shades. Different types of dyes, such as liquid, dye blocks, or flakes, may also require varying amounts and temperatures for optimal colour payoff.
To test the colour, start by preparing a small batch of melted wax. If using liquid dye, add a drop or two during the melting process, as recommended by some sources. For dye blocks, it is suggested to shave off a few flakes for a lighter shade. Powdered dyes can be added in small amounts, ranging from a few drops to a teaspoon, as they are highly concentrated. Always stir the dye into the wax thoroughly for even distribution.
Next, the colour testing begins. One method, suggested by Bramble Berry, is to use a paper test. Take a small strip of parchment paper and carefully dip it into the melted wax. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to place a small amount of wax onto the paper. Allow the wax to cool for about a minute. As the wax cools, you will get a good indication of the final colour. This method is especially useful for layered candles, as it helps prevent colour bleeding.
Another testing method involves using a spare candle. Dip the candle directly into the dye bath for 5 to 10 seconds, then carefully remove it and let it dry on paper towels. This approach gives you a preview of how the colour will look on a candle. If the colour is too light, add more dye, and if it's too dark, adjust by adding more wax or using fewer dye flakes/drops.
It is important to note that some colours, like red, can be more opaque even at high temperatures, resulting in a true-to-colour finish. Additionally, certain powdered pigments like mica and glow powder may not fully dissolve in the wax, affecting the appearance and burn efficiency. Therefore, testing the colour is essential to achieving your desired shade and ensuring the candle burns effectively.
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Pouring the wax
When you are satisfied with the colour of your wax, it's time to pour it into your mould. Before you do so, ensure that your wax has cooled to 135–140 °F (57–60 °C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to test the temperature.
If you are layering colours, you must let each layer cool completely before pouring the next one. Aim to pour at a cooler temperature, no higher than 140° F, to prevent the colours from bleeding.
If you are dipping your candle into the dye, as you might with a spare candle and beeswax, leave it in the dyebath for 5 to 10 seconds, then carefully remove it and let it dry on paper towels.
If you are making a candle from scratch, pour the wax into an empty mould with a new wick and allow it to harden.
If you are using dye blocks or chips, you might want to shave off a couple of flakes to achieve a lighter shade.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle dye is a special type of pigment or colourant that dissolves in wax and gives it a colour. Candle dye is formulated to blend evenly with oil-based products such as wax.
You can use liquid candle dye, dye blocks, or dye flakes. CandleScience offers an orange liquid candle dye that produces a colour ranging from light to dark orange depending on the type of wax and amount of dye used.
The amount of dye you use depends on the desired shade of orange. For a lighter shade, use 3 drops per pound of wax. For a darker shade, use 6 drops per pound of wax.
First, melt the wax you are using to make the candle. Next, add the orange candle dye. Stir in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Once the wax is the right colour, pour it into an empty mould complete with a new wick and allow it to harden.
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