Tyler Brooks
Candles have been made from a variety of materials over the centuries, depending on the availability of raw materials and the intended use. The most common candle waxes today include paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum refining, is the most widely used due to its low cost and ability to hold fragrance oils and colourants. However, it is not renewable and has given way to more sustainable alternatives like soy and coconut wax. Soy wax, made from hydrogenated soybean oil, is a popular choice for its affordability, renewability, and ability to burn cleanly and slowly. Coconut wax is also sustainable, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, but it is more expensive and challenging to work with due to its low melting point. Other types of wax used in candle-making include palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and blends, each offering unique properties and advantages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthesized waxes, blends of waxes, coconut wax, apricot wax, microcrystalline wax, stearin, tallow, spermaceti wax, plant waxes |
| Wick | String or cord, commercial wicks are braided cotton |
| Oils | Fragrance or essential oil, fragrance oils are synthetically made scents and are less expensive than essential oils which are pure plant extracts |
| Burn rate | A modern candle typically burns at a steady rate of about 0.1 g/min, releasing heat at roughly 80 W |
| Light produced | About 13 lumens, for a luminous efficacy of about 0.16 lumens per watt |
| Burning characteristics | Wicks are infused with chemicals to modify their burning characteristics, e.g. ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax
There are different types of paraffin wax, with varying melting points. Low-melt paraffin wax, which melts at around 124°F, is soft and adheres well to jars or containers. It is best for container and tealight candles. High-melt paraffin wax, which melts at over 130°F, is harder and provides structural rigidity, making it suitable for votive and pillar candles.
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Vegetable-based waxes
Soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from non-renewable resources such as petroleum and coal. Soy wax is more environmentally friendly, renewable, affordable, and burns cleaner and longer than most paraffin wax products. It is also slow-burning, making it a longer-lasting option for candles.
Another vegetable-based wax is coconut wax, which is made by extracting oil from coconut meat and then hydrogenating it. This process turns the liquid oil into a solid wax, which is then purified to remove any impurities. Coconut wax is sustainable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and burns cleanly, producing little to no soot. However, it is far more expensive than soy wax and paraffin wax, and softens easily in warm temperatures, making it difficult to work with in warmer climates.
Palm wax is another example of a vegetable-based wax, which is produced by hydrogenating palm oil.
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Animal-based waxes
Wax is a substance that can be solid, liquid, or gas, and it is this unique characteristic that makes it so useful for candle-making. While most people think of beeswax when considering natural waxes, there are other animal-derived waxes that can be used for candle-making, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
One of the most common animal-based waxes is beeswax. Beeswax is produced by honeybees and has a long history of use in candle-making, dating back to ancient times. It is a natural, non-toxic substance with a high melting point, which makes it ideal for candles as it burns slowly and cleanly. Beeswax also has a pleasant, subtle honey scent and can be used to create a natural, warm glow. It is important to note that the availability and quality of beeswax can vary depending on geographical location and the health of bee colonies, which may be affected by environmental factors.
Another animal-derived wax is tallow. Tallow is a hard, fatty substance derived from the rendered fat of cattle or sheep. It has been used for candle-making for centuries and was once the most common fuel source for lighting before the widespread use of paraffin wax. Tallow candles are economical and have a long burn time, but they may produce a strong smoke and an unpleasant smell when burned, which is why they are not commonly used today. However, they can be useful for outdoor lighting or in emergency situations.
In addition to beeswax and tallow, there are other specialty animal-based waxes that can be used for candle-making, each with its unique properties. For example, lanolin is a wax derived from sheep's wool and can be used to create soft, creamy candles with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Lanolin candles are often used for decorative purposes and to add a touch of luxury to the ambiance.
Another specialty animal wax is spermaceti, which is derived from the head oil of the sperm whale. Spermaceti candles were highly prized in the 18th and 19th centuries for their bright, white light and lack of smoke. However, due to the decline in whaling and the protection of sperm whales, this wax is no longer commonly used. It is worth noting that the use of some animal-based waxes may be controversial or carry cultural and religious sensitivities, so it is important to be mindful of these aspects when considering their use.
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Wicks
Candle wicks are an essential part of a candle, delivering fuel (wax) to the flame and acting as a fuel pump. The size of the flame and the rate of burning are determined by the wick. The wick's capillarity determines the rate at which the melted wax is conveyed to the flame. If the capillarity is too great, the molten wax will stream down the side of the candle.
Artificial fibre wicks are the most economical option and are resistant to humidity. However, they are treated with chemicals, which can be harmful to health, especially during combustion.
The size, shape, colour, and fragrance of a candle all impact the choice of wick. The correct wick is critical to ensure the candle burns cleanly and properly. The best wicks are made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres to encourage a slow and consistent burn. Twisted wicks are of lower quality and burn faster due to their loose construction. Flat wicks are braided or knitted flat so they curl back into the flame, making them self-trimming.
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Oils
Fragrance oils are manufactured to deliver a strong scent, and they are often cheaper than essential oils as they are not made by extracting plant oils. They are designed to work with specific types of wax, such as paraffin and soy waxes, and can be used to create a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to warm and woody. These oils can also be used in other products such as soaps and lotions, making them versatile. When selecting fragrance oils, it is important to consider the desired strength of the scent, the environment where the candle will be used, and compatibility with the wax.
On the other hand, essential oils are derived from organic plant matter and are 100% natural. They contain the strongest scents of the particular plant, root, or flower, and are often used for aromatherapy and wellness purposes. Essential oils can be tricky to work with in candle-making due to their low flash points, which cause them to evaporate at high temperatures. However, they offer more than just fragrance, as they can positively influence mood and well-being. When choosing essential oils for candle-making, it is recommended to select those with higher flash points (above 150°F) and strong aromas. Examples include geranium, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and ginger.
It is worth noting that some waxes have a maximum fragrance load, usually up to 10% for soy wax, and exceeding this can impact scent throw and performance. Therefore, it is important to check with the wax manufacturer for specific fragrance load recommendations or use a fragrance calculator for precise measurements. Additionally, the heat from the candle flame can break down essential oils, altering their odour. Hence, testing each oil is crucial to ensure the desired scent and performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made from wax and a wick. The wax can be derived from animal, vegetable or petroleum sources. The wick is typically made from braided cotton.
Common types of wax used to make candles include paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, palm wax, gels and synthesized waxes.
Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used to make candles today. It is derived from the refining of crude oil or petroleum.
Commercial wicks are typically made from braided cotton. They are often infused with chemicals to modify their burning characteristics.
