Maddie James
There are many ways to add colour to candles, but not all methods are suitable for natural candles, which are made from soy wax, palm wax, and beeswax and are free from artificial ingredients and colours. Natural colours are often more sensitive to fading than synthetic colours, so they should be stored in a dark place when not in use. To achieve a natural colour, you can use herbs and spices such as madder root, alkanet root, annatto seeds, peppermint, and spirulina. The process of extracting the herbal oils that colour the wax must be delicate, and the wax should be given plenty of time to infuse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural colorants | Madder root, alkanet root, annatto seeds, peppermint, spirulina, rose hips, lavender, comfrey |
| Natural waxes | Soy wax, palm wax, beeswax |
| Dyes | Liquid dyes, dye blocks, candle dye flakes, food colouring |
| Testing | Test shade before pouring by dipping a small strip of parchment paper into wax and letting it cool |
| Time | Infuse for at least 24 hours, stirring every 4-6 hours; cure time for soy-based candles is generally one week |
| Equipment | Slow cooker, Presto Pot, Instant Pot, crockpot, coffee filter, cheesecloth, muslin bag |
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What You'll Learn
Using natural colourants like herbs and spices
Natural colourants like herbs and spices can be used to colour candles. The process involves infusing the herbs and spices in wax, which can be done using a slow cooker, Presto Pot, or Instant Pot. First, put jelly jars in a water bath in the slow cooker, or use the no-jar method by putting the wax directly into the pot and setting it on low. The wax should be kept at the lowest temperature possible while still remaining in liquid form. To infuse the colour, the wax should be left for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally, and for up to 48 hours for deeper colours. After infusing, the filters can be removed, and wicks can be added to the jars, or the wax can be poured into moulds or jars with wicks already in place. The wax is then left to cool completely and cure for about a week before burning.
Some recommended herbs and spices for natural colourants include madder root, alkanet root, annatto seeds, peppermint, and spirulina. Madder root produces a light peach shade, alkanet root gives a burgundy red shade, annatto seeds a warm yellow, spirulina a warm green, and peppermint a very light green. Other herbs such as comfrey, rose hips, and lavender can also be used but may not infuse as much colour into the wax. Rose hips, for example, will give a slight orange tint. The amount of colour can be adjusted by using more herb or spice and increasing the infusion time.
It is important to note that natural colours may be more prone to fading than synthetic colours, so it is recommended to store natural candles in a dark place when not in use. Additionally, some colourants like micas and oxides may not work well in candles as they can clog the wick. Therefore, it is important to test colours before pouring the candles, which can be done by dipping a small strip of parchment paper into the wax and allowing it to cool to see the finished colour.
By using natural colourants like herbs and spices, you can create beautifully coloured candles with natural ingredients. With some experimentation and personal adjustments, you can achieve a wide range of colours and effects in your candle-making projects.
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How to test your colour
Testing the colour of your candle before pouring is an important step in the candle-making process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test your colour:
Prepare the Wax
Firstly, melt one pound of wax. When the wax reaches 185°F, add a small amount of colourant and mix thoroughly. It is recommended to start with a smaller amount of colourant and gradually increase until you achieve the desired shade.
Create a Sample
Take a small strip of parchment paper and dip it into the coloured wax. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to place a small amount of wax onto a piece of paper. You can also pour the coloured wax into a wax-lined paper cup or a tart mould.
Observe the Colour
Allow the wax sample to cool. As the wax cools, you will be able to see the final colour of your candle. This is important because the colour of melted, dyed wax will always appear darker than the cooled, finished candle.
Adjust and Refine
If the colour is not as desired, adjust by adding more dye and testing again. Keep detailed notes on the amount of dye you are using so that you can easily recreate the colour. Repeat this process until you achieve the perfect shade.
Additional Tips
It is recommended to test the colour before adding any fragrance. This way, if adjustments are needed, you don't lose any fragrance. Additionally, it is a good practice to use consistent containers for your candles to minimise the need for additional tests.
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The difference between liquid dye and candle dye blocks
Candle makers can choose from a variety of dyes to colour their candles, including liquid dye and candle dye blocks. Both options allow candle makers to customise the colours of their creations and are compatible with other colourants and candle waxes. However, there are some differences between the two options.
Liquid dye offers precise control over the colourant, allowing candle makers to create custom colours by mixing different colours and varying concentrations. It is also easy and versatile to use, with candle makers able to add one droplet at a time to build their desired colour. Liquid dye is also long-lasting, with some claiming it "lasts forever". However, it can be challenging to mix colours with liquid dye, as the pigments of one colour may be absorbed by another if too little is added.
On the other hand, dye blocks are solid, concentrated blocks of colour formulated for candle-making. They are less messy and easier to incorporate into candles than liquid dye. Candle makers can add more or less of a block to change the colour or saturation of their candles. One dye block can typically colour 5-10 pounds of wax. Dye blocks are also cheaper than liquid dye, and you need to use less dye to achieve the same colour intensity. However, it can be challenging to create custom colours with dye blocks, as it is difficult to achieve precise colours.
The choice between liquid dye and dye blocks depends on the candle maker's preferences and needs. Those who value precise colour control and custom colours may prefer liquid dye, while those who want a less messy and more cost-effective option may opt for dye blocks.
It is important to note that, regardless of the type of dye used, candle makers should always start with small quantities and gradually increase the amount of dye until they reach their desired colour. Adding too much dye can alter the colour, burn, and smell of the candle.
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Using natural colourants with different types of wax
Natural candles are typically made from soy wax, palm wax, or beeswax, and they do not contain any artificial ingredients or colours. When it comes to colouring these candles, it's important to note that not all colourants and dyes will work in the same way. For example, regular pigments, micas, and oxides can clog the wick and are therefore not suitable for candle-making.
Madder Root
Madder root can impart a light peach shade to your candles. It is suitable for soy wax, which is a popular choice for natural candles due to its base of modified soybean oil.
Alkanet Root
Alkanet root will give your candles a beautiful burgundy red colour. It can be used with soy wax and may leave a small amount of sediment in the final product, which is not enough to affect the candle's performance.
Annatto Seeds
Annatto seeds will turn your candle wax a warm yellow. Like alkanet, it can be used with soy wax and may leave a small amount of sediment.
Spirulina
Spirulina provides a warm green hue to your candles. It can be used with soy wax, but due to its fine powder consistency, it may be difficult to prevent all of it from mixing into the wax.
Herbs and Spices
Other natural colourants include herbs and spices such as peppermint, comfrey, rose hips, and lavender. These may not infuse as much colour into the wax, but they can still provide subtle tints, such as a light green shade from peppermint and a slight orange tint from rose hips.
When using natural colourants, it's important to give the wax enough time to infuse, typically at least 24 hours with stirring every 4 to 6 hours. You can adjust the infusion time and the amount of colourant to achieve your desired colour intensity. Always test the colour before finalising your candles, and store your natural candles in a dark place to prevent colour fading.
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How to prevent natural colours from fading
Natural colours in candles are often more sensitive to fading than synthetic colours. Here are some ways to prevent natural colours from fading:
Store in a Dark Place
When not in use, it is best to keep natural candles in a dark place. Sunlight can cause colours to fade, so it is important to shield candles from direct sunlight and artificial lighting as much as possible. This is because the UV wavelengths in sunlight break down the colour at a molecular level. Fluorescent light bulbs also have a bleaching effect.
Use a UV Inhibitor
A UV inhibitor is a wax additive that helps to lessen the degree of discoloration over time. It is specifically designed to prevent the yellowing caused by sunlight or artificial lighting. The inhibitor can be purchased at most candle-making suppliers and comes in powder form—it is melted with the wax. However, even with the UV inhibitor, it is best to keep candles away from excessive heat and light.
Test Colour Before Pouring
Before pouring the candle wax, test the shade of your colour by taking a small strip of parchment paper and dipping it into the wax. As the wax cools, you will be able to tell what the final colour will look like. This is especially important when using natural dyes, as some colours may vary in intensity.
Avoid High Levels of Fragrance
High levels of fragrance can speed up the colour-fading process, so if you are making scented candles, be mindful of the amount of fragrance you are using. Additionally, certain fragrance oils may cause discolouration, so it is important to choose your fragrances carefully.
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Frequently asked questions
Madder root, alkanet root, annatto seeds, peppermint, spirulina, comfrey, rose hips, and lavender can be used to naturally colour candles.
Natural ingredients can be infused into candle wax by using a slow cooker, Presto Pot, or Instant Pot. The wax should be left to infuse for at least 24 hours, stirring every 4 to 6 hours. For deeper colours, the wax can be left for another 24 hours. After infusing, the filters can be removed, and wicks can be added to the jars. The wax should then be left to cool completely and cure for about a week before being burned.
Candle dye blocks, liquid dyes, crayons, food colouring, and candle dye flakes can be used to colour candles.
Dye blocks can be shaved or cut into small pieces and added to melted wax. The mixture should be stirred until the dye is fully dissolved and the desired colour is achieved.
