Chloe Adams
Candles are used across various cultures and spiritual practices, with different colours holding symbolic significance. The colour of a candle is the second most important factor (after fragrance) when it comes to influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Coloured candles are made of wax, a candle pigment or dye, a wick and, occasionally, a candle fragrance. While paraffin wax is a popular wax type, other types include bayberry, soy and beeswax. Candle wicks are usually made from cotton, with zinc and paper used to give the wick a more rigid shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of colourants | Pigments, dyes, micas, oxides, crayons, food colouring |
| Pigments | Microscopic, suspended colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint |
| Dyes | Liquid or powder form, gives candle a translucent colour, easily combustible |
| Micas | Mineral that colours wax, can settle at the bottom of the candle |
| Crayons | Insoluble pigments/oxides, too dense, will likely burn out before reaching a full melt pool |
| Food colouring | Does not blend or bind with wax |
| Wax | Paraffin, bayberry, soy, beeswax |
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What You'll Learn
Coloured candles are made using dyes or pigments
Dyes are available in both liquid and powder forms and give the candle maker a high degree of control over the shade. They are easily combustible and will not clog the wick. They generally have a minimal effect on the burn performance of the candle. Candle dye blocks come in a wide range of colours and shades and are non-staining. Liquid dyes are inexpensive and can be easily mixed to create any colour. However, they can be messy and will stain most surfaces they come into contact with.
Pigments, on the other hand, are microscopic colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They are usually not suitable for candles that are meant to be burned, as they can clog the wick and do not burn well. However, they are useful for coating the outside of the candle with colour. Powder pigments are commonly used to colour cosmetic and beauty products and art tools.
There are also other colouring agents that can be used to colour candles, such as crayons, food colouring, and micas. However, these may not be as effective as specialised candle dyes and pigments. For example, crayons are too dense and can cause the candle to burn out quickly, and food colouring does not bond with candle wax. Micas can be used to colour the wax, but they may cause the candle to burn unevenly.
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Dyes are used to colour the candle throughout
The use of dyes is a popular method for colouring candles throughout. Dyes are available in both liquid and powder form and give candles a translucent colour. They are also easily combustible and will not clog the wick, making them ideal for candles that are meant to be burned.
Candle dyes are synthetic chemicals specifically formulated for use in candle wax. They are most commonly made from anilines, an oily chemical substrate that is water-soluble and provides optimal colour and function. Dyes are also available in the form of wax chips, which are highly pigmented and create fully saturated colours. These chips are easy to use and provide consistent results, even for small-batch homemade candles.
When using liquid dyes, it is important to note that a little goes a long way. The primary colours can be easily mixed to create any desired colour shade. However, liquid dyes can be messy and will stain most surfaces they come into contact with, including the skin. It is recommended to wear gloves when working with liquid dyes.
Candle dye blocks are another popular option, offering a wide range of colours and shades. These dye blocks are non-staining and can be easily added to melted wax, creating vibrant colours. The variety of dye block colours available makes it a cost-effective option, as one can mix primary colours to create new shades without wasting money on unwanted colours.
While dyes are a common choice for colouring candles throughout, it is worth mentioning that pigments are also used. Pigments are microscopic colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They are often used to coat the outside of a candle but are not suitable for colouring the entire candle as they can clog the wick and affect the burn performance.
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Pigments are used to coat the outside of a candle
Candles are available in a wide range of colours, from ivory and pastels to metallics and chromatic layers. The colour of a candle is the second most important factor (after fragrance) when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions.
Pigments and dyes are used to colour candles. Dyes are used to colour the candle throughout, while pigments are used to coat the outside of a candle with colour. Pigments are microscopic, suspended colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They do not dissolve, migrate or "bleed", and are therefore less susceptible to colour fade than dyes.
Pigments are available in powder form and are often oil dispersible but not soluble. They are safe to use and there are no known health concerns associated with their use in candles. However, they usually do not burn well and will clog a wick if burned. This makes them unsuitable for candles that are meant to be burned.
Candle dye blocks, chips, and liquid dyes are also available and can be used to colour the entire candle. These dyes are highly pigmented and provide consistent results, even for small-batch homemade candles. They are also non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, skin-safe, and irritant-free.
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Food colouring and crayons are not suitable for colouring candles
Coloured candles are made using specially formulated pigments and dyes. Dyes, which are available in both liquid and powder form, give a candle its translucent colour. They are easily combustible, do not clog wicks, and have a minimal effect on the burn performance of a candle. On the other hand, pigments are microscopic colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They are used to coat the outside of a candle. While they do not dissolve, migrate, or "bleed", they do not burn well and can clog wicks.
While it may be tempting to use food colouring or crayons to colour your candles, these are not suitable options. Food colouring is water-based and will not mix well with candle waxes. It contains ingredients like water, propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, alcohol, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are unable to bond with the wax. Introducing water into a candle can be dangerous as it may cause the candle to pop or even explode.
Crayons, on the other hand, are made primarily of wax but also contain insoluble pigments/oxides which are powder colourants added to the wax. These powder pigments are often oil dispersible but not soluble, and you will likely experience issues with the candle's burn. The particles are too large to travel up the wick, causing the flame to diminish or even extinguish prematurely. Additionally, the use of crayons can lead to uneven burning and the formation of bubbles in the candle.
Therefore, it is best to avoid using food colouring or crayons to colour your candles. Instead, opt for specially formulated candle dyes and pigments, ensuring that you select the proper type and amount of colourant suitable for the type of wax, wick, and fragrance you are using.
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Candle dye blocks come in a wide range of colours
Candles are available in a wide range of colours, from ivory and pastels to metallics and chromatic layers. New shades are introduced each year, reflecting emerging trends in interior design and fashion. The colour of a candle is the second most important factor (after fragrance) in influencing consumer purchasing decisions.
Candle dye blocks, made from wax and highly pigmented colour, come in a wide range of colours and shades. They are used to create fully saturated coloured candles and are suitable even for small-batch homemade candles. The variety of colours available is a definite advantage, and the investment is minimal, costing less than $20. However, achieving the right colour can be challenging when making candles in small batches.
Candle dyes have different properties from pigments. While pigments are used to coat the outside of a candle with colour, dyes are used to colour the candle throughout. Dyes are available in both liquid and powder form and give the candle a translucent colour. They provide the candlemaker with a high degree of control over the shade.
Candle dyes are easily combustible and will not clog a wick. They generally have a minimal effect on the burn performance of a candle. On the other hand, pigments are microscopic colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They do not burn well and will clog the wick if burned, making them unsuitable for candles meant to be burned.
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Frequently asked questions
Coloured candles are made of wax, a candle pigment or dye, a wick and, occasionally, a candle fragrance.
Paraffin wax is a popular choice as it is naturally white, unscented, inexpensive and holds colour and scent well. Other types of wax used include bayberry, soy and beeswax.
Specially formulated pigments and dyes are used to colour candles. Pigments are usually used to coat the outside of a candle with colour, while dyes are used to colour the candle throughout.
Candle dyes are synthetic chemicals, most commonly made from anilines (an oily chemical substrate). They are water-soluble and provide optimal colour and function in candles.
It is important to use the proper type of colourant for candles. Food colouring and crayons, for example, will not blend with candle wax.
