Tyler Brooks
Beeswax candles are a popular choice for those seeking natural, hypoallergenic candles with a range of potential health benefits. The natural colour of beeswax varies from white to yellow, but many candle makers opt to add colour to their creations. There are several ways to increase the colour of beeswax candles, including the use of crayons, natural dyes such as herbs and spices, or specialised candle dyes. It is important to note that overheating beeswax can cause it to darken and lose its sweet honey scent, so care must be taken during the candle-making process to preserve both colour and fragrance.
Characteristics and Values Table for Increasing Colour in Beeswax Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural Colour of Beeswax | Yellowish-brown, white, or yellow |
| Colouring Options | Herbs, spices, mica powder, crayons, natural dyes, candle dyes, food colouring |
| Recommended Natural Colourants | Turmeric, paprika, rosemary, cloves, saffron, beetroot powder |
| Recommended Herbs for Colouring | Sunflower seeds (purple hue), elder (bluish), dandelions (red) |
| Recommended Spices for Colouring | Cinnamon, parsnip, rosemary, cloves, saffron, paprika, turmeric |
| Commercial Colouring Options | Enviro-dye (vegetable-based), candle dye chips, liquid candle dye |
| Wax Preparation | Melt beeswax in a double boiler or wax melter to fully liquid form |
| Colour Addition | Mix desired colourant into melted wax |
| Moulding | Pour coloured wax into moulds or tubes |
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What You'll Learn
Use crayons to colour beeswax
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by bees, which can be used to make candles, cosmetics, and soaps. In its natural state, beeswax varies in colour from white to yellow. However, you can add colour to suit your needs.
One way to add colour to beeswax is by using crayons. While crayons can be purchased from any supermarket or craft store, it is important to note that they contain chemicals that are not meant to be inhaled. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for natural alternatives such as using ground plants or minerals to create colour. For example, you can use turmeric for yellow, cocoa or coffee powder for brown, and charcoal for black.
To add colour to beeswax using crayons, first prepare the beeswax for melting. Beeswax comes in blocks, pellets, chunks, and sheets. Grate the beeswax into sizes that will fit into the top of a double boiler. Melt the beeswax in the double boiler along with a cake thermometer. The wax will melt at a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius).
Once the beeswax is melted, choose crayons in your desired colour. You can use a single colour or mix two different colours to create your own shade. For example, if you want a soft pink, use both white and pink crayons. Break or grate the crayons and carefully mix them into the melted wax.
After mixing in the colour, you can pour the beeswax mixture into tubes or moulds. Set the moulds aside for a few hours to allow the beeswax to harden. Now you have beautifully coloured beeswax creations!
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Use natural dyes like turmeric or beetroot
Natural dyes such as turmeric and beetroot can be used to add colour to beeswax candles. Beeswax is a natural substance that can be used to make candles, cosmetics, and soap. In its natural state, beeswax varies in colour from white to yellow, but you can add other colours to suit your preferences.
To use natural dyes, you will first need to melt your beeswax. Beeswax comes in blocks, pellets, chunks, and sheets, so you will need to break or grate it into sizes that fit into the top of a double boiler. Place the wax in the top boiler with a cake thermometer and boil water in the lower boiler. The wax will melt at a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius).
Once your beeswax is melted, you can add your chosen natural dye. For turmeric, simply add the powder directly to the melted wax and stir. Turmeric will give your candles earthy shades of green and golden yellow.
If you want to use beetroot as a natural dye, the process is a little more involved. First, chop 3-4 peeled beetroots into chunks and simmer in water for 1.5-2.5 hours. Then, remove the beetroots from the pot and save the red dye liquid. Add this dye to your melted beeswax and stir slowly to avoid splashing. Beetroot will give your candles a vibrant red colour.
After adding your natural dye, simply pour your beeswax mixture into candle moulds or tubes. Allow the mixture to harden for a few hours, and your colourful beeswax candles are ready! Remember to protect your clothing, countertops, and floors when working with melted beeswax, as it can be flammable.
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Choose the right base colour
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by bees and varies in colour from white to yellow to yellow-brownish. The colour of the beeswax depends on the region where the bee lives and the flowers and plants they forage on. Cappings wax, for example, is very light in colour as it is the wax used to seal the honeycomb, whereas honeycomb wax is deeper in colour with golden hues. Brood comb wax is much darker, almost black, and is not used for candles.
When it comes to candle-making, white beeswax is typically chosen over yellow beeswax for aesthetic reasons as it showcases colours better. To achieve white beeswax, wax processors use either a natural filtration system or chemicals to remove the colour and scent from the wax. It is important to note that some white beeswax may be chemically treated and have an artificial aroma. Therefore, when purchasing beeswax, it is recommended to choose a pure, 100% organic, natural beeswax product that does not contain filler ingredients.
If you want to add colour to your beeswax candles, it is best to use dyes specifically made for colouring wax, such as liquid candle dye chips or powder. These can be found online or in craft stores. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. While some sources suggest using natural dyes such as herbs, spices, and crayons, others advise against it as they may contain chemicals that are not meant to be inhaled and may not bond well with the beeswax.
When choosing a base colour for your beeswax candles, consider the type of beeswax you are using and the desired colour outcome. If you want to create a variety of coloured candles, starting with a white beeswax base is recommended as it provides a better backdrop for colours to stand out. However, if you are aiming for more earthy shades, a yellow or golden beeswax base can be a good choice, especially if you want to retain the natural honey scent of the beeswax.
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Use liquid candle dye
To increase the colour in beeswax candles using liquid candle dye, you must first melt the beeswax. Beeswax comes in blocks, pellets, chunks, and sheets, so you will need to break or grate it into sizes that fit into a double boiler. Put the wax in the top boiler with a cake thermometer, boil water in the lower boiler, and heat until the wax reaches a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius).
Once the beeswax is fully melted, add your chosen liquid candle dye. It is important to note that only a small amount of dye is needed to colour the wax. For example, Honey Candles® states that they use less than 0.0125% dye to colour their beeswax candles. The amount of dye used will depend on the intensity of the colour you want to achieve. The more dye used, the more intense the colour. Stir the mixture with a heat-resistant utensil.
Before dipping your wicks, test the colour by dipping a spare candle directly into the dye bath. If the colour is too light, add more dye, and if it is too dark, add more beeswax to lighten it. Once you are satisfied with the colour, dip your candle wicks into the dye bath for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the candle carefully and let it dry on paper towels.
Repeat the dipping process until your candles are as thick as you want them. It is important to allow the wick to cool between dips. You can also pour the coloured beeswax into moulds or tubes to make items such as lip balm or soap.
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Avoid overheating the wax
Beeswax is an all-natural substance that can be used to make candles, cosmetics, and moulds. It is the least processed of all candle waxes and is sourced from the sustainable industry of honey farming.
Beeswax candle makers can cause beeswax to darken if they overheat the wax when making candles. Overheating beeswax can also ruin the sweet honey scent. Thus, it is important to avoid overheating the wax when making beeswax candles.
To avoid overheating the wax, it is recommended to use a double boiler to melt the wax. This involves placing a pot or pitcher inside a larger pot of water on the stove. The wax will melt at a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius). It is important to keep an eye on the wax as it melts and adjust the temperature if needed.
Another option is to use a microwave to melt the wax, but this should only be done in small quantities. It takes a long time to melt the wax in the microwave, as it needs to be heated in bursts.
It is also important to note that beeswax should not be heated directly, as this can burn the wax and change its natural scent and colour. Therefore, it is recommended to use a wax melting device or a double boiler to melt the wax safely and effectively.
By avoiding overheating the wax, candle makers can preserve the colour and fragrance of the beeswax, ensuring a high-quality final product.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbs, spices, and natural dyes such as beetroot or turmeric powder can be used to add colour to beeswax.
Mica powder, crayons, and liquid candle dyes can be used to add colour to beeswax.
The longer beeswax is left in the beehive, the more its colour will darken due to exposure to honey and pollen. Overheating beeswax when making candles can also cause it to darken.
It is recommended to use a wax-melting device or a double boiler to melt beeswax due to its flammability.
White beeswax is typically chosen as it showcases colours better than yellow beeswax.
