Tyler Brooks
Dyeing candles allows you to customise them to suit your preferences. To dye a candle black, you will need candle wax, a candle wick, liquid candle dye, stearic acid, and a piece of white paper to test out the colour. You can use a blend of waxes, but note that paraffin wax takes colour better than soy wax. Melt the wax in a slow cooker or double boiler, then stir in the dye gradually until you achieve the desired shade. You can test the colour by dripping a small amount onto a piece of white paper. Once you are satisfied with the colour, allow the wax to cool, then pour it into a mould.
How to Dye Candles Black
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Beeswax, Paraffin Wax, Soy Wax, or a blend |
| Dye Type | Powder, Liquid, or Natural |
| Natural Dye Options | Charcoal Powder, Cocoa Powder, or infused with Herbs, Spices, Flowers, or Fruits |
| Tools | Slow Cooker or Double Boiler, Paper Towels, Kitchen Thermometer, Container/Mould |
| Process | Melt wax, add dye, test colour, adjust if needed, dip or pour wax, let dry |
| Tips | Use more paraffin than soy wax for a black colour, don't add too much dye, read instructions |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
When it comes to choosing the right wax for your black candle, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the form of candle you want to make. Pillar candles stand on their own, without a container, and work well with paraffin, beeswax, and palm wax. Container candles, on the other hand, are designed to sit inside a glass jar, metal tin, or another type of container, and paraffin and soy wax are commonly used for this type.
If you're looking for a natural wax, you might opt for soy wax, which is derived from soybeans and offers a longer burn time and less soot. It's a good choice for those seeking a natural product, but it may not always be suitable for certain applications, such as when making figures from silicone molds. Soy wax also tends to produce a bumpy, uneven top when it cools, which may be undesirable aesthetically.
Paraffin wax is another popular option, especially for scented candles, due to its excellent scent throw and versatility. It comes in various melting points, allowing for the creation of different types of candles, and it's also affordable. However, paraffin wax may require a second pour to fill any sunken areas.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, rapeseed wax is a sustainable and vegan-friendly choice that burns cleanly with minimal soot production. It's also a good option for blending with other waxes. Palm wax is another unique option that creates beautiful crystalline and feathered textures, making it ideal for decorative candles. It burns slowly and cleanly and is suitable for freestanding pillar candles.
For a black candle, it's worth noting that paraffin wax takes colour better than soy wax. A blend of the two can work, but it should contain more paraffin than soy to achieve a true black colour. Liquid dye tends to produce a more intense colour than dye chips, and stearic acid can improve the opacity of the colour.
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$4.59
Selecting the dye type
When it comes to selecting a dye type to make black candles, there are a few options to consider. The most commonly used and recommended type is liquid candle dye. This type of dye is known to produce more intense colours compared to other forms of dye, such as dye chips or powder dye. When using liquid candle dye, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging, as the amount of dye required may vary depending on the type of wax and the desired shade of black. For example, soy wax generally produces lighter shades, while paraffin wax can result in darker shades.
Another option is to use natural dyes derived from plants, herbs, spices, flowers, or fruits. These dyes create eco-friendly and non-toxic candles, ensuring a handcrafted touch. Some common natural dyes for black candles include activated charcoal, cocoa powder, and certain herbs such as lavender or chamomile. However, it's important to note that natural dyes may require more experimentation to achieve the desired shade of black.
Powder dye is another simple option, as it is widely available and can be easily mixed with melted wax. The intensity of the colour can be adjusted by altering the amount of dye added. However, it is important to follow safety precautions and use protective gear when handling powder dye to avoid any potential inhalation risks.
Additionally, stearic acid is worth considering as a candle additive. It improves the opacity of the colour and is highly recommended for black candles or any other intense colours. The general guideline is to use 10% of the wax weight, ensuring a more vibrant and saturated shade of black.
Lastly, some candle makers have experimented with dye chips, but achieving a true black colour with this method can be challenging. It often results in dark grey shades, even when using a large number of dye chips. Therefore, while dye chips can be used, they may not be the best option for achieving a deep black colour.
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Preparing the workspace
First, select a well-ventilated area to work in. Candle-making can involve the use of hot equipment and potentially harmful ingredients, so adequate ventilation is crucial. Set up your workspace near an open window or in an area with good airflow. Cover your work surface with a plastic table cover or a large sheet of protective material, such as a drop cloth or a large piece of cardboard. This will protect your work surface from any spills or stains that may occur during the candle-making process.
Next, gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients and lay them out on your prepared work surface. This includes items such as a double boiler or slow cooker for melting the wax, measuring cups and spoons, a thermometer, a heat-safe container for your coloured wax, candle wicks, wick stickers and bars, and, of course, your chosen black candle dye. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and help you avoid any last-minute scrambling.
If you're using natural dyes, prepare your herbs, spices, flowers, or fruits by cleaning and drying them. You can use coffee filters or bundles to separate and contain these natural ingredients, as some methods require steeping them in the wax for extended periods. If you're using charcoal powder or other powdered dyes, measure them out and have them ready to be mixed into your wax.
Before you begin, it's important to read the instructions for your chosen colouring ingredient carefully. Different dyes may have specific requirements or limitations, and following the instructions will help you achieve the desired results. Pay close attention to safety precautions, especially when working with hot wax and dyes.
Finally, ensure you have paper towels and perhaps even a small bowl of water nearby to quickly clean up any spills or messes. Preparing your workspace thoroughly will make the process of dyeing your candles black more enjoyable and help you create high-quality candles.
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Melting the wax
You can melt the wax in a double boiler on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker. If you're using a slow cooker, place your wax in a jelly jar first, then put the jar in the slow cooker and fill it with wax. Set the cooker to a low heat and leave the wax to melt. If you're using a double boiler, simply follow the standard procedure. You can also add stearic acid to improve the opacity of the colour. Use 10% of the wax weight—for example, if you're using 6 ounces of wax, add 0.6 ounces of stearic acid.
Once your wax has melted, it's time to add the dye. Liquid dye will give you a more intense colour than dye chips, so it's a better option for black candles. Candle-making expert Jun Draper also recommends using liquid wax dye. Add a small amount of liquid dye to the melted wax, stirring constantly to ensure the colour is even. You can also use powdered dye, but make sure to follow the instructions on the packet to achieve the right colour. Remember, it's always better to start with less dye than you think you need and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Take a spatula and drip a little of the dyed wax onto a piece of white paper to test the colour. If it's still grey, add more dye until you achieve a true black.
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Testing the colour
- Prepare a piece of white paper: Before you begin testing, it's important to have a white piece of paper ready. This provides a neutral background that allows you to accurately assess the shade of your wax.
- Melt the wax: Start by melting your chosen wax, such as beeswax, paraffin wax, or soy wax, in a slow cooker or a double boiler. Stir the wax until it is completely melted and reaches the desired temperature.
- Add the dye: Gradually add your chosen black candle dye to the melted wax. You can use liquid candle dye, dye chips, or powder dye. Always start with a smaller amount than you think you need and adjust accordingly.
- Test the colour: Dip a spatula or a dropper tool into the melted wax and place a small amount of wax onto the white paper. Allow it to dry for about a minute. Examining the dried wax on the white paper will give you a more accurate representation of the final colour than simply looking at it in the melting pitcher.
- Adjust the colour: If the wax dries to a grey colour or a lighter shade of black than desired, add more dye gradually. Remember that it's easier to add more dye than to remove it, so increase the amount slowly. On the other hand, if the wax is too dark, you can add more beeswax or wax of your choice to lighten the colour.
- Re-test: After adjusting the colour, repeat the testing process by placing another small amount of wax onto a new section of the white paper. Allow it to dry and evaluate the shade. Continue making adjustments until you achieve the desired shade of black.
- Consider additives: If you're having trouble achieving a true black colour, consider using stearic acid as an additive. It improves the opacity of the colour. Add about 10% of the wax weight in stearic acid.
- Avoid excess dye: Keep in mind that too much dye can clog the wick and affect the burning of the candle. It's important to find the right balance between achieving a deep black colour and maintaining the functionality of the candle.
By carefully testing and adjusting the colour, you can ensure that your black candles have the desired shade without compromising their performance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need candle wax, a candle wick, liquid candle dye, stearic acid, and a piece of white paper to test the colour. You can use a blend of waxes, but ensure it has more paraffin than soy to achieve a black shade.
Start with less than you think you need and work your way up. You can use 3 drops per pound of wax for a lighter shade, and 6 drops per pound for a darker shade.
Dip a spatula into the melted wax and place a dot of it on a piece of white paper. Wait about a minute to see the shade it dries to. If it's still grey, add more dye.
Stearic acid is a candle additive that improves the opacity of the colour. It is optional for most colours, but recommended for black candles. Use 10% of the wax weight.
Store your candles in a dry and dark place, preferably in a closed container.
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