Tyler Brooks
There are several ways to mix candle colours, and it's important to note that the method you choose may depend on the type of wax you're using. You can opt for liquid dyes, grain dyes, or even natural colourants like micas, crayons, and food colouring. To create new colours, you can experiment with mixing primary colours (red, blue, and yellow) or follow specific colour formulas. It's recommended to test your colours before pouring the wax, as overheating can affect the final shade. Additionally, layering different colours can create visually appealing candles, but it requires careful temperature control to prevent the colours from bleeding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary colors | Red, blue, and yellow |
| Testing color | Put a bit of dyed wax on a paper towel and wait for it to dry |
| Achieving a darker shade | Add black candle dye |
| Achieving a paler shade | Add white |
| Testing the shade | Dip a small strip of parchment paper into the wax and let it cool |
| Layering | Allow each layer to cool completely before pouring the next layer |
| Layering temperature | No higher than 140° F |
| Liquid dye | 15 ml of dye = up to 1 kg of wax |
| Natural mica | Dosage not exceeding 2-3g of mica per 100 grams of wax |
| Types of dyes | Liquid dyes, chips, blocks, grain dyes |
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What You'll Learn
Primary colours: red, blue, yellow
When it comes to candle-making, the primary colours—red, blue, and yellow—form the basis of your palette. By mixing these three colours in different proportions, you can create an array of hues and tints for your candles.
Let's start with the basics: red, blue, and yellow are the primary colours of light, and when combined in different ways, they create all other colours. In the world of candle-making, these three colours are your foundation. You can purchase candle dye in these primary colours and then mix them to create new colours.
Now, let's delve into the art of mixing:
Red, Blue, and Yellow
- Orange—To create a vibrant orange shade, mix equal parts of red and yellow. You can adjust the shade by adding a tiny bit more red for a reddish-orange or a touch more yellow for a yellowish-orange.
- Purple—For a regal purple, combine equal amounts of red and blue. If you desire a bluish-purple, add a tad more blue, or for a reddish-purple, add a smidge more red.
- Green—To achieve a lively green, mix blue and yellow. Play around with the proportions to get the desired shade, whether it's a bluish-green or a yellowish-green.
It's important to note that the type of dye and the temperature of the wax play a crucial role in the final colour. Liquid dyes are excellent for achieving high colour saturation, while dye flakes and blocks are better suited for medium and pastel shades. Additionally, testing the colour before adding fragrance is recommended, as some fragrances can alter the final colour.
Lastly, keep a log of your measurements so that you can recreate your favourite colours and continue experimenting with confidence!
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Testing colours: paper test
Testing your candle colours before pouring is a crucial step in the candle-making process. This is because it can be difficult to determine the final colour of your candle by simply observing the melted wax, as some colours may appear quite clear while still in liquid form. Overheating wax can also affect the colour of your dye. Therefore, testing your colours beforehand will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to achieve your desired shade.
To test your colours, you can perform a paper test. Start by cutting long, slim strips of white paper. Then, dip a paper strip into the coloured wax and observe the colour as it cools. This will give you an accurate representation of how your candle will look once cured. If you find that the colour is too light or too dark, you can adjust it by adding more coloured wax for deeper shades or incorporating white wax to create pastel shades. Stir the mixture until it is well-blended, and then perform the paper test again to ensure that you are happy with the colour.
It is important to always conduct a candle colour test before adding any fragrance to your candle. This way, if you need to make any adjustments to the colour, you won't have to worry about burning off the fragrance or keeping the wax on the heat source for an extended period. Additionally, make sure that your wax has cooled to the appropriate temperature of 135–140 °F (57–60 °C) before pouring it into your mould, as pouring wax at higher temperatures may cause issues such as frosting, shrinkage, or even shattering of glass containers.
By following these steps and performing a paper test, you can ensure that your candles will turn out exactly the colour you want them to be. This testing process allows for precision and creativity in your candle-making journey.
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Layering colours: allow wax to cool
Layering colours in candle-making is a fun way to add a unique, colourful twist to your candles. However, it can take some practice and patience to master the technique.
Firstly, melt your wax to between 150-160°F. It is important to ensure that your wax is not too hot when adding dye; for best results, do not add dye chips to wax hotter than 225°F. Dye flakes are a great option for achieving medium and pastel shades, while liquids are perfect for mixing colours and creating highly saturated shades. When using dye flakes, less is more—you can achieve a vivid colour with less than 1/2 teaspoon per pound.
Once your wax is melted, add your first colour of dye. Stir until the dye has completely dissolved and the pigment is fully blended. Then, carefully pour the wax into your chosen container, tilting it to the desired angle and ensuring it is secure. Cover your work surface with aluminium foil or newspaper to protect it from spills.
Allow the wax to cool completely before adding the next layer. This is crucial to ensuring your colours do not bleed. The wax should be fully opaque and no longer warm to the touch. You can also test the colour at this stage, before adding any fragrance, to check if you need to adjust the shade.
Repeat the process for each additional colour layer, always allowing the wax to cool completely between layers. For the final layer, be sure to leave some wax aside to fill the depression that forms as the candle cools, ensuring a smooth top surface.
By following these steps and allowing your wax to cool completely between layers, you can create beautiful, colourful layered candles with distinct and unique personalities.
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Dosages: liquid dye, natural mica
Liquid candle dye is a highly concentrated colourant, and only a few drops are needed to colour your candle. The amount of dye you need depends on the type of wax and the amount of wax you are using. For example, paraffin wax requires the least amount of dye to achieve bright, vibrant colours, while coconut wax requires more dye than paraffin, and soy wax requires the most dye. When calculating how much liquid dye to use, first figure out how much wax you are melting and decide how dark you want your wax to be. Liquid dyes are a good option if you want a consistent colour throughout your candle.
When using liquid dye, simply add a few drops to your melted wax and stir it in. Most people add dye when the wax has reached a temperature of at least 185 degrees F, but it can be added at any temperature as long as the wax is fully melted. If you are using fragrance oils, add them after mixing in the dye, and make sure the wax is at the right temperature for adding fragrances.
Mica powder, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used to add a shimmering, iridescent effect to your candles. Mica powder does not dissolve perfectly into the wax and will fall to the bottom of the melt pool, so your candle's colour will change after each melt cycle. To use mica powder, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired colour or effect, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution. To prevent clumping, sift the mica powder through a fine-mesh sieve before use, or mix it with a small amount of oil, glycerin, or isopropyl alcohol before adding it to your base.
The natural colour of your wax will affect the final colour of your candle when using mica. For example, yellow bases like beeswax will retain their yellow tint, while white bases will result in more pastel hues. Mica powder can be added directly to your melted wax and stirred thoroughly, or you can use a light dusting technique to sprinkle it over the surface of your wax. You can also mix mica powder with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to create a liquid dye that can be added to the wax for a more vibrant colour.
When adding mica powder to liquid or oil-based products, be aware that it may clog the candle's wick and cause a smaller flame. It is recommended to use wooden wicks to avoid powder sticking to cotton wicks. Mica powder is made from natural ingredients and is skin-safe, so you can use your finger to apply it to the outside or top surface of your candle.
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Off-label colourants: micas, oxides, crayons
Micas, oxides, crayons, and food colouring are some of the off-label colourants that can be used to mix candle colours. However, not all of these options are ideal.
Micas
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral found all over the world. It is often coated in additional minerals such as iron and tin oxides. Mica powders are non-toxic, completely safe, and have a glass-like sheen effect. They are the best option for adding a "final touch" to your candles. Mica powders do not migrate or bleed over time and are not susceptible to fading.
However, most artists don't recommend using micas to colour candles because the mineral powder doesn't dissolve perfectly into the wax. The fine particles can clog the candle's wick, resulting in a smaller flame. To avoid this, you can use wooden wicks or apply the mica powder to the outside of the candle.
Oxides
Oxides are a type of pigment that can be used to colour candles. They are often found in crayons and are added to the wax as a powder colourant. When using oxides to colour your candles, be aware that some colours may require more pigment, resulting in denser particles that can clog the wick.
Crayons
Crayons are made primarily of wax, specifically paraffin, and can be used to colour candles. They contain powder colourants known as insoluble pigments/oxides. While crayons can be used to dye your candles any colour you want, they can quickly clog the wick. This is because crayons are pigment-based, and the pigments don't dissolve in wax; they are simply dispersed throughout. As a result, the pigments get left behind in the candle and can prevent it from burning effectively.
Food Colouring
Food colouring is available in liquid form, which makes it easier to add and mix into the candle. However, it is water-based and will not mix with wax. When added to wax, food colouring forms droplets that don't dissolve.
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Frequently asked questions
You can mix primary colours (red, blue, and yellow) to create different shades. White can help you achieve a paler shade, while black can darken your candle colour.
Testing your colour before pouring is important. Take a small strip of parchment paper and dip it into the wax, or use a spoon to place a small amount on paper. Allow it to cool, and you will know what the final colour will look like.
Common candle colourants include candle dye flakes, liquid dyes, crayons, and food colouring. Natural mica is also an option but can clog your wick, and stabilizers or stearin may be needed to avoid whitish deposits.
To make orange, mix yellow and red. For gold, use 2-3 drops of yellow and 1 drop of honey golden. Pink can be achieved with a small amount of red. For a full list, see online guides.
Always allow one layer to cool completely before pouring the next. Pour at a temperature no higher than 140° F to prevent colours from bleeding. For a rainbow-striped candle, use 1.25 ounces of wax for each colour.
