Chloe Adams
White candles are a common sight in homes, churches, and other settings worldwide, but many people don't know what they are made of. Most white candles are made from paraffin wax, a waxy petroleum compound that is naturally white. Paraffin wax was first distilled from coal and oil shales by James Young in the mid-1850s, revolutionizing candle-making by making inexpensive, high-quality candles accessible. Today, paraffin wax is still one of the most common types of wax used in candle-making, favoured for its ability to work well with fragrance oils and colourants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin, beeswax, stearic acid, soy wax, microcrystalline wax, gel wax, plant waxes |
| Wick | Cotton, pre-waxed cotton |
| Dye | Titanium dioxide, white pigment, white colour button |
| Oil | Fragrance oil, essential oil |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax
In addition to paraffin wax, candles can also be made from beef tallow, beeswax, spermaceti (a waxy substance derived from the sperm whale), stearin (produced from palm waxes), microcrystalline wax, gel (a mixture of polymer and mineral oil), or plant waxes (such as palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax).
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Stearic acid
In candle-making, stearic acid is used as a stabiliser and softener. It can also be used as a surface lubricant and a mould release agent. One of its most important properties is its ability to act as a hardening agent when combined with softer waxes like paraffin. This makes the candle last longer without affecting its burning quality.
Overall, stearic acid is a very useful and important ingredient in the candle-making industry, offering a range of benefits and advantages.
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Titanium dioxide
The use of titanium dioxide in candles is relatively recent. In the past, candles were commonly made from tallow (rendered from beef or mutton fat) or beeswax, which produced a yellow or ivory colour. With the discovery of paraffin wax in the mid-1800s, candles could be made more cheaply and in a variety of colours, including white. Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum refining and has a naturally white colour. However, it can still be challenging to produce a pure white candle, and titanium dioxide can be added to enhance the whiteness.
While titanium dioxide can be an effective whitener, it may cause problems with the burning of the candle. Titanium dioxide particles can clog the wick, preventing the candle from burning properly or staying lit. This issue has led some candle makers to develop alternative methods for making white candles, such as using white dye or stearic acid.
Overall, titanium dioxide plays an important role in making white candles, but it must be used carefully to avoid affecting the performance of the candle. Candle makers must balance the desire for a pure white colour with the functional aspects of the candle to ensure a safe and enjoyable product.
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Beeswax
The whiteness of beeswax is dependent on how golden the wax was initially. The colour of the wax depends on the bees and the flowers they fed on. The bees mix the wax with propolis, which is made from resins found on specific trees. This gives the wax its distinctive golden hue.
To return the wax to a white colour, the propolis must be removed. This can be done through a natural filtration process, or by using chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide. However, using chemicals to bleach the wax may damage its natural compounds and reduce its purity.
White beeswax is a popular choice for candle-making, as it can be dyed to achieve vibrant colours. It is also used in a variety of natural bath and body products.
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Beef tallow
To make beef tallow candles, the tallow must first be melted in a double boiler until it reaches a temperature of around 120–130°F / 49–54°C. At this point, essential oils can be added if desired. The melted tallow is then poured into a container with a wick in the centre, and left to cool and set. Once set, the wick is trimmed to the appropriate length.
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Frequently asked questions
Most white candles are made of paraffin, a waxy petroleum compound that is naturally white.
Other materials that can be used to make white candles include beeswax, stearic acid, gloss polymers, titanium dioxide, and soy wax.
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is a bluish-white wax that burns cleanly and does not produce an unpleasant odor.
To make a white candle, you can add white candle dye, blocks, powder, or liquid to the wax. You can also use stearic acid to make the candle more opaque.
Paraffin wax is commonly used for candles because it is inexpensive, works well with fragrance oils and colorants, and produces a better scent throw than other types of wax.
