Tyler Brooks
Adding colour to candles is a fun way to personalise your creations. There are several ways to dye candles, including using liquid dyes, dye blocks, dye chips, or grain dyes. Candle dyes are synthetic chemicals specifically formulated for use in candle wax and are commonly made from anilines, an oily chemical substrate. The type of dye you use will depend on the desired colour intensity and your personal preference. It's important to note that not all colourants and dyes are suitable for candles, especially those made from vegetable wax like soy and coconut.
How to Dye Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Candle Dye | Grain/Granular, Liquid, Dye Chips/Blocks, Mica |
| Dosage | Grain Dye: 3g per 1kg of wax |
| Liquid Dye: 15ml per 1kg of wax | |
| Mica: 2-3g per 100g of wax | |
| Dye Chips/Blocks: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per pound of wax | |
| Dye Forms | Liquid, Flakes, Blocks |
| Dye Application | Add dye when wax is fully melted at 170-185°F |
| For liquid dye, add one drop during the melting point | |
| For dye blocks, add at 185°F | |
| Testing Colour | Dip a small strip of parchment paper into the wax and let it cool |
| Alternatively, use a spoon to place wax on paper or use a wick/spoon for a "wax dip test" | |
| Fragrance Oils | Add before colourant to melted wax |
| Use 1 ounce per pound of wax | |
| Off-Label Colourants | Micas, Oxides/Pigments, Crayons, Food Colouring |
| UV Light Sensitivity | Store dyes away from direct sunlight |
| Use a UV inhibitor to maintain colour vibrancy |
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What You'll Learn
Candle dye types: liquid, block, and grain
Candle dye is a synthetic chemical specifically formulated for use in candle wax. It is most commonly made from anilines, which are oily chemical substrates. Candle dyes can come in liquid, flake, block, or grain form.
Liquid dye is an oil that will intensify the colour of your candle. It is particularly suitable for paraffin and gel wax and does not compromise the combustion of your candle. Liquid dye is also very practical to use, as it ensures colour longevity and can be stored for a long time. The recommended amount is 15 ml of dye for up to 1 kg of wax.
Block dye is pre-measured to achieve the colours shown on a colour chart, ensuring consistency and ease of use. To create different shades of a colour, vary the amount of wax used with a single dye block. For a light shade, use one dye block with a larger amount of wax. For a medium shade, follow the recommended amount of wax on the colour chart. For a dark shade, use less wax with one dye block or combine it with additional dye blocks. All the dye blocks are compatible with each other and can be mixed to create custom colours.
Grain dye, also known as dye flakes, is easy to use and compatible with all types of wax. It is fatty, which makes it easier to incorporate into your candle wax. The recommended usage is 1/4 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax for a medium shade, and 1/2 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax for a dark shade.
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How to test your colour
Testing the colour of your candle dye is an important step in the candle-making process. The colour of melted, dyed wax will always appear darker than the final product, so it's a good idea to make a small wax sample before pouring a large batch. This will ensure you get the colour you want. Here are a few tips on how to test your colour:
First, melt one pound of wax. When the wax reaches 185°F (85°C), add the smallest amount of colourant recommended on the package and mix thoroughly. It's important to constantly stir while pouring in the pigment to ensure an even colour. Candle-making expert Jun Draper recommends using liquid wax dye, but you can also use powdered dyes and pigments such as Rit Dye. Avoid ordinary liquid dyes like food colouring, as they will produce an unsightly splotchy effect.
Once the dye is fully incorporated, pour a small amount of the coloured wax into a wax-lined paper cup or a tart mould. Place it in the refrigerator and observe the colour when cooled. This will give you a better idea of the final colour of your candle. If you're using powdered pigments like mica, be aware that they tend to sink to the bottom and may not give you a well-blended colour.
If the colour is too light, add more dye. If it's too dark, add more wax to lighten the colour. You can also adjust the colour by adding more dye to the pouring pot until you achieve the desired shade. Keep in mind that creating darker shades like hunter green or navy blue may require you to use more dye. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the total batch size by 0.05% to estimate the amount of dye needed. Always add the dye when the wax is at its hottest to ensure it fully melts and blends evenly.
Finally, allow the wax to cool to 135–140 °F (57–60 °C) before pouring it into your mould. You can use a kitchen thermometer to test the temperature. By following these steps, you can ensure that you're happy with the colour before committing to a large batch of candles.
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When to add dye to wax
When adding dye to candle wax, it is important to ensure that the wax is at the right temperature. Adding dye to wax that is too hot can cause the colour to not blend consistently, whereas adding dye to wax that is too cold can result in the dye not dissolving completely, leaving behind unwanted particles. The ideal temperature for adding dye to candle wax is around 175°F to 185°F, when the wax is fully melted. This ensures that the colourant is fully incorporated into the wax.
The amount of dye added to the wax will depend on the desired shade and the type of dye being used. For a medium shade using dye flakes, a quarter of a teaspoon per pound of wax is recommended. For a darker shade, this can be increased to half a teaspoon per pound of wax. Similarly, one whole dye chip is sufficient to colour one pound of wax, while a dye block can be used to colour 5-50 pounds of wax, depending on the desired shade.
When using liquid dye, a small amount goes a long way. One drop of liquid dye is typically enough to colour a whole pound of wax. It is important not to overload the wax with liquid dye as it may alter the burn and smell of the finished candle.
It is also worth noting that different types of wax may affect the final colour of the candle. For instance, paraffin wax tends to produce bolder, more vibrant colours, while soy wax may result in lighter or pastel shades. Testing the colour before pouring the wax is important to ensure the desired shade is achieved. This can be done by placing a small amount of coloured wax on a white piece of paper and allowing it to cool, providing a preview of the final colour.
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How much dye to add
When dyeing candles, the amount of dye you add depends on the type of dye you're using, the type of wax, and the shade you want to achieve. Here is a comprehensive guide on how much dye to add:
Liquid Dye
Liquid dyes are easy to use and can be purchased from candle-making suppliers. They are suitable for paraffin and gel wax and do not compromise the candle's combustion. To achieve a medium shade, use about 0.05% dye, which is equivalent to about seven or eight drops of colour per pound of wax. For darker shades like burgundy or navy, use 0.1% dye, and for pale shades like peach or pink, use about 0.005%. To achieve black, use 0.2% dye, and for vanilla or ivory shades, use 0.001%.
Dye Flakes
Dye flakes are another option and can be used to achieve medium to vivid saturated colours. For a medium shade, use 1/4 teaspoon of dye flakes to 1 pound of wax. For a darker shade, use 1/2 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax.
Dye Blocks
Dye blocks require a significant amount of stirring and are messier to use compared to liquid or flake dyes. The amount of dye block needed will depend on the desired shade and the specific product used.
Grain Dye
Grain dye, also known as granular dye, is fatty, making it easy to incorporate into candle wax. It is compatible with all types of wax but may yield less intense results with vegetable waxes like soy or coconut. Generally, 3 grams of grain dye is enough to colour 1 kilogram of wax.
Mica
Mica is a natural mineral product that can be used to add colour to candles. However, it does not mix well with wax and can clog the wick if mixed directly into the wax. It is best applied by gently rubbing it on the surface of a cooled candle. The recommended dosage should not exceed 2-3 grams of mica per 100 grams of wax.
Testing Colour
It is important to test the shade of your colour before pouring your candle. To do this, take a small strip of parchment paper and dip it into the wax, or use a spoon to place a small amount of wax onto a piece of paper. Allow it to cool, and you will then be able to see the final colour.
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How to create a marble effect
To create a marble effect on your candles, you can use either liquid dye or dye blocks. The liquid dye is easier to use and can be stored for a long time, but the dye blocks allow for more intense colours. If you are using two different colours of dye, make sure they will blend well together.
The marble effect is created by adding dye to the wax and then rolling it over the sides of a jar, creating swirls. The amount of wax and dye used, as well as the colours chosen, will affect the candle's appearance, so feel free to experiment with different amounts and colours.
First, melt the wax in a pouring pitcher on a digital scale and weigh out 14 oz (396.8 g) of wax. Melt the wax with a double boiler or on a hot plate until it reaches 180°F (82.2°C). Then, pour a small amount of wax into the bottom of your candle container, just enough to coat the inside without too much overlap.
Once the wax starts to appear cloudy, add your liquid dye. Work quickly, as the wax will cool down fast. Rotate the jar to coat the sides evenly, aiming for clear patterns. Then, use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the dye in the wax and create a marble pattern.
Finally, allow the wax to cool completely. If the wax entirely adopts the dye's colour, it may be due to excessive heat. If the poured wax picks up the dye colour, your wax was too hot.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three main types of candle dyes: liquid, block, and grain/granular. Liquid dyes are oils that intensify the colour and are suitable for paraffin and gel wax. Block dyes are best for pastel shades and can be cut or shaved to achieve the desired amount. Grain dyes are fatty, making them easy to incorporate into candle wax and are compatible with all types of wax.
The amount of dye depends on the desired shade and type of dye. For a medium shade using dye flakes, use 1/4 teaspoon per pound of wax. For a darker shade, use 1/2 teaspoon per pound. With liquid dye, 15ml is enough to colour up to 1kg of wax. For dye blocks, use a couple of flakes for a lighter shade, and half a block or more for a darker shade.
Add the dye when the wax is fully melted and between 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wax is too cool, the dye may not dissolve properly. Ensure the dye is fully melted and mixed before pouring the wax.
Candle dyes come in a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to bold and vibrant hues. You can also mix colours to create custom shades. Red is a popular choice for the holiday season.
It is not recommended to use standard food colouring to dye candles as it can be unsafe. There are specially formulated liquid, chip, and block dyes available from reputable candle companies that are designed to be burned safely.
