Jessie Taylor
Adding colour to candles is a great way to personalise your creations and make them stand out. While there are many candle dyes available on the market, some people prefer to use natural dyes. However, it is important to note that not all colourants and dyes are suitable for candles, especially those made with vegetable waxes like soy and coconut. Water-based dyes, for example, can be dangerous as the introduction of water to a candle can cause it to pop or explode. Natural mica, for instance, can cause wick clogging. Food colouring is also not recommended as it contains ingredients like water, propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, alcohol, and high-fructose corn syrup that are unable to bond with the wax. Instead, candle dyes such as liquid dye, dye blocks, and dye chips are formulated to give consistent results and can be easily purchased from candle companies.
Characteristics and values of natural candle dyes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Grain dyes, liquid dyes, marbling paints, crayons, candle dye flakes, food coloring, micas, oxides/pigments |
| Dosage | Liquid dye: 15 ml of dye = up to 1 kg of wax |
| Natural mica: Not exceeding 2-3g of mica per 100 grams of wax | |
| Dye flakes: 1/4 teaspoon to 1 pound wax for a medium shade, 1/2 teaspoon for a dark shade | |
| Liquid dye: 1 ounce of dye = 125 lbs. of wax | |
| Dye blocks: Shave off a couple of flakes for a lighter shade, add half a block or the whole block for a darker shade | |
| Dye blocks temperature: 185 F | |
| Liquid dye temperature: Melting point | |
| Advantages | Easy to use, economical, wide range of colors, consistent results |
| Disadvantages | May clog the wick, may alter combustion, may cause whitish deposits and loss of color |
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Using natural mica
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in cosmetic and beauty products for ages. Mica powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in candles, soaps, bath bombs, and beauty products. It adds a beautiful shimmer and is a great way to make your candles stand out. Mica powder is made from natural ingredients and is skin safe. Mica particles need direct light to reflect and shine, so they turn into pastel colours on finished candles.
Mica powder can be added to melted wax and stirred thoroughly to evenly distribute the colour. It is recommended to use 1/14th of a teaspoon for every 14 liquid ounces of base, but you can always add more or less as you wish. 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. The dosage of mica should not exceed 2-3 grams of mica per 100 grams of wax.
Mica powder can also be used to decorate the outside or top surface of candles. You can dust the inside of your candle moulds with mica powder before pouring in the wax, or sprinkle mica on top of the wax after it has cooled down and gently smear it in with your finger. You can also use a paintbrush to decorate the top. This method is recommended as it drastically reduces the chances of clogging the wick.
While mica powder is a great way to add a unique finish to your candles, it is important to note that it is not the best option for colouring the entire candle. This is because mica is a mineral powder that does not dissolve perfectly into the wax, and the fine particles can clog the candle's wick, resulting in a smaller flame. However, some candle makers still use it and say it works.
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Grain dyes
To use grain dyes, you can melt the wax in a pot on low heat, ensuring that it does not exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid applying direct heat to the wax, as this may alter its consistency and could even cause a fire. Instead, use a double boiler or place a glass mixing bowl inside a pan of hot water. You can also use a slow cooker or a Presto Pot, which allows you to set a stable low temperature for a long time.
Once the wax is molten, add the grain dye in small amounts and stir the mixture for a few minutes to ensure the colour is evenly distributed. You can test the colour by applying a small amount of wax to a piece of paper, as the colour of molten wax can change as it cools. If you need to adjust the colour, add more dye for a darker shade or more wax to lighten it.
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Liquid dyes
To naturally dye candles with liquid dyes, you can follow these steps:
First, prepare your workspace by covering it with a plastic table cover and having paper towels on hand to protect against spills. Then, decide whether you want to melt an existing candle or use raw wax to make a new candle from scratch. If you're using an old candle, cut it into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process. Place the wax in a double boiler or slow cooker and melt it down, stirring periodically to break up lumps.
Once your wax has liquefied, it's time to add your liquid dye. Candle dye is a highly concentrated colourant, so a little goes a long way. Add a few drops of the liquid dye to your melted wax and stir well. You can always add more dye gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Keep in mind that the exact amount of dye needed will depend on the size and number of candles you're making, as well as the desired colour intensity.
When using liquid dye, it's important to choose one that is suitable for the type of wax you're using. Liquid dyes are typically formulated to mix with oil-based materials, making them perfect for candle waxes like soy wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, gel wax, and beeswax. Avoid using ordinary liquid dyes like food colouring, as the watery dye and oily wax will separate, resulting in an uneven splotchy effect.
To test your colour before pouring, you can take a small strip of parchment paper, dip it into the wax, and let it cool. This will give you an idea of the final colour of your candle. Once you're happy with the colour, allow the wax to cool slightly (around 135–140 °F or 57–60 °C) before pouring it into your mould. Finally, insert a new wick and allow the wax to harden.
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Marbling paints
To create a marbled effect, you can use acrylic paints. First, protect your work surface as marbling with acrylic paint can be messy. Place your project inside a cardboard box. Next, mix your chosen paint colours with a marbling medium in a 1:1 ratio in small disposable cups. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes to minimise air bubbles.
Then, cover any areas of the candle you don't want to paint with painter's tape. Once the air bubbles have settled, start dripping the mixed paints all over your candles. The paint will immediately marble as the sides of the candles are not flat. You can use a craft stick to push the paint around and ensure that every surface is covered.
After painting the entire candle, use a large disposable cup to hold the candle up while it continues to drip and dry. Turn the candle around to check for any areas that still need paint. Once you are happy with the coverage, set the candle aside and allow it to dry for about 24 hours. Finally, carefully remove the candle from the cup and cut away any excess dried paint with a craft knife.
You can also achieve a marbled effect by using a painting method with candle dye. First, pour the wax into a container, ensuring that it is slightly below the recommended pouring temperature to prevent the dye from bleeding. Carefully pour the wax into the container, avoiding the sides where the marbled wax has cooled. Add a wick bar and allow the candle to cool completely. This technique involves painting the dye on the inside of the jar before the wax has completely cooled, allowing you to control the placement of the dye and the finished pattern.
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Dosage and testing
The dosage of dye you use will depend on the type of dye and the desired colour intensity. For a medium shade using dye flakes, the recommended usage is 1/4 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax. For a darker shade, 1/2 teaspoon to 1 pound of wax should be enough, and you may need less to achieve the desired colour depth.
Liquid dyes are great for achieving high colour saturation. For liquid dye, about 1 ounce of dye should be enough for 125 pounds of wax. So, one drop should be enough to colour your wax red.
If you are using dye blocks or chips, you can shave off a couple of flakes for a lighter shade or add half a block or the whole block for a darker shade.
The recommended temperature for adding dye blocks is 185°F. For liquid dye, add one drop during the melting point for the best results.
Natural mica should not exceed 2-3 grams per 100 grams of wax. Using a little mica on the surface will not alter the functioning of your candle, but mixing it with wax may cause wick clogging.
To test the colour of your candle wax, you can do a "wax dip test". 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. Let it cool, and you will be able to see what the final colour will look like. This is a good way to test the colour before pouring your candles.
Some fragrances may alter the finished colour, so testing is encouraged when using fragrance oils with high amounts of vanillin.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few natural ways to dye candles, including using crayons, candle dye flakes, and food colouring.
Candle dye flakes are a great option for achieving consistent results. They are easy to use and can be cut into smaller pieces to create custom shades and experiment with different colour intensities.
The amount of dye you use will depend on the desired colour intensity. For a medium shade, use 1/4 teaspoon of dye flakes per pound of wax. For a darker shade, use 1/2 teaspoon per pound of wax.
To test your candle colour, perform a wax dip test. Dip a small strip of parchment paper into the wax and let it cool. As the wax cools, you will be able to see what the final colour will look like.
