Jessie Taylor
Soy candles are a popular choice for candle enthusiasts, and adding dye is a great way to personalize your creations. When it comes to choosing the best dye for soy candles, there are several options available, including dye chips, blocks, liquid dyes, and grain dyes. Each type of dye has its own advantages and unique characteristics. For instance, dye chips and blocks offer convenience and flexibility, while liquid dyes provide intense colors with just a few drops. Soy wax has a very light color, so it is important to consider that any color added to it will result in a lighter shade. Additionally, the amount of dye used should be carefully measured to avoid affecting the candle's burn. With the right dye and creative vision, you can craft soy candles with professional-quality results and unique, vibrant colors.
Characteristics and values of soy candle dyes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Granular dyes (chips or powder), liquid dyes, or marbling paints |
| Dosage | 3g of dye for 1kg of wax (granular), 15ml of dye for 1kg of wax (liquid), 2-3g of mica per 100g of wax |
| Ease of use | Granular dyes are very easy to use, but can be inconsistent for small batches. Liquid dyes are extremely concentrated and require gentle stirring to achieve an even color, but have a strong smell. |
| Results | Granular dyes can create a marble effect on the surface of molded candles. Liquid dyes are the quickest way to color soy wax and can save money. |
| Other considerations | Too much dye can clog the wick and affect the burn of the candle. Natural mica may not mix well with wax and can alter combustion. |
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What You'll Learn
Soy wax and dye dosage
Soy wax is very hard to get a dark colour with because it has such a white base. However, there are many options for colouring soy wax, including dye chips, dye blocks, liquid dyes, and grain dyes.
Dye chips are very easy to use, you just add them in with your wax. However, it can be hard to get the exact amount needed to achieve the same colour each time. Dye blocks offer more flexibility and ease of use. Liquid dyes are the most concentrated form of candle dye and a few drops are all that is necessary to get a very intense colour. They are also easy to blend, as they can be added at the start to your wax, or at the end just before you pour. However, they have a strong smell and can cause the wax to cool faster than normal.
The dosage of dye needed will depend on the type of dye you are using. For liquid dye, 15 ml of dye can colour up to 1 kg of wax. For natural mica, the dosage should not exceed 2-3 g of mica per 100 g of wax. For dye chips, the dosage will depend on the desired colour intensity, with half a chip in 200 g of wax resulting in a light tan colour, and 2 chips resulting in a very dark brown colour. In general, it is important to remember that using too much candle dye can mess with how your candles burn. Too much dye can clog the wick, causing a smaller flame and more soot.
To get the desired colour, it is also important to take into account the initial colour of the wax you are using, as the resulting colour of the candles may not be as expected. For example, soy wax has a very white base, so any colour added to it will be a bit more pastel. Additionally, different wax/fragrance/additive combinations can result in different colours, so it is important to experiment and take notes.
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Dye chips vs dye blocks
When it comes to dyeing soy candles, there are two main types of dye to choose from: dye chips and dye blocks. Both options can be used to create vibrant, consistent colours for your candles, but there are some key differences between the two.
Dye chips, also known as grain dyes, are small, coloured chips that can be added directly to your melted wax. They are easy to use and convenient, as they dissolve easily in wax and provide an even colour distribution. Chips are available in a wide range of colours, and you can use them to achieve medium to dark shades. One chip in 200g of wax will give you a nice tanned colour, while using two chips will result in a darker shade. Additionally, dye chips are often cheaper than other dye options. However, one challenge with dye chips is that mixing colours can be difficult. The pigments in the chips can be hard to blend, and it can be tricky to achieve the exact shade you are aiming for.
On the other hand, dye blocks are larger, solid blocks of colour that can be shaved down into smaller pieces to create lighter or darker shades. They are available in a range of 27 colours and can be mixed and matched to create custom colours. Dye blocks are a flexible option, as you can control the intensity of the colour by adjusting the amount of the block you use. Similar to dye chips, dye blocks are designed to mix well with soy wax and provide consistent results. However, one potential drawback of dye blocks is that it can be challenging to shave off the exact amount needed to achieve the same colour across multiple batches.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, both options have their advantages. Dye chips are typically more affordable upfront, and since you only need a small amount per pound of wax, they can last a long time. Dye blocks can also be cost-efficient, as one block can colour a significant amount of wax, depending on the desired shade. However, it is important to note that the pricing and availability of these dyes may vary depending on your location and the brand you choose.
Ultimately, the decision between dye chips and dye blocks depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize convenience and ease of use, dye chips might be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer the flexibility of creating custom colours and shades, dye blocks might be the ideal choice.
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Liquid dye pros and cons
Soy wax is known to be challenging to work with when trying to achieve a dark colour because of its white base. However, liquid dyes are highly concentrated and can be used to colour soy wax. Here are some pros and cons of using liquid dye for soy candles:
Pros
- Liquid dyes are versatile and can be used to colour paraffin, soy, gel, and natural wax blends.
- They are easy to use and require only gentle stirring to achieve an even colour.
- Liquid dyes are cost-effective as a small amount goes a long way.
- They offer colour longevity and can be stored for future use.
- Liquid dyes can be mixed to create unique colours.
- They do not compromise the combustion of the candle.
Cons
- Liquid dyes may not be suitable for creating dark colours in soy wax due to its white base.
- Using too much liquid dye can affect how the candle burns, causing a smaller flame and more soot.
- Achieving a consistent colour may require experimentation with different wax/fragrance/additive combinations.
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Natural mica dosages
Natural mica powder can be used to add a glittery, shimmering effect to candles. However, it does not mix well with wax and can cause wick failure if used in high quantities. If you wish to use natural mica, the recommended dosage is 2–3 grams of mica per 100 grams of wax. This dosage may vary depending on your tests and can be adjusted using stabilizers or stearin to avoid whitish deposits and loss of colour.
Mica powder requires careful handling to avoid unintentional spread and can be challenging to distribute evenly, especially in larger batches. It can also affect the transparency of soy wax, making it less suitable for creating candles with a translucent appearance. Additionally, mica powder can be relatively expensive compared to other candle-making additives, impacting the overall cost of candle production if used extensively.
When adding colour to your candles, you can choose between granular dyes and liquid dyes. Granular dyes, also known as grain dyes, are easy to use and compatible with all types of wax. They typically require a dosage of 3 grams of dye per 1 kilogram of wax. Liquid dyes, on the other hand, offer an intense colour rendering and can be used to colour up to 1 kilogram of wax with just 15 millilitres of dye. They are particularly suitable for paraffin and gel wax and do not compromise combustion.
For soy candles specifically, it is important to note that achieving a dark colour can be challenging due to the natural white base of soy wax. As a result, colours may appear more pastel than expected.
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Marbling with candle dye
To get started, select your container and measure out the wax you need for the size of your container. Place the wax in a pouring pitcher on a digital scale and tare the weight. For a 4627 Comfort Blend Wax candle, weigh 14 oz (396.8 g) of wax. Then, melt the wax with a double boiler or on a hot plate. The recommended temperature for pouring this blend is 180°F (82.2°C).
Once the wax has melted, pour a small amount into the bottom of your candle container. You can experiment with how much wax to use, but you only need enough to coat the inside of your container without too much overlapping. The wax will start to cool quickly, so once it appears slightly cloudy, add your liquid candle dye. Be careful not to over-mix. Rotate the jar slowly to coat the sides with the wax and dye.
If you want several veins of colour running through your candle, poke a ring of holes around the edge of the candle with a wire. The more holes you make, the more veins of colour you will have. Using a toothpick, dab a tiny drop of liquid candle dye into each hole, alternating colours in any pattern you like. Remember, a little dye goes a long way!
Now, use a hairdryer or heat gun to re-melt the wax, starting at the top of the candle and working down the sides. You will see the dye start to travel down the holes and blend with the wax, creating a swirling, marbling effect. You can encourage this by rolling the container or using a skewer to move the colour around.
Finally, leave the candle to cool for at least 24 hours before burning. Enjoy your unique, marbled candle!
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of candle dyes: granular dyes and liquid dyes. Granular dyes can come in the form of chips or powder, while liquid dyes are oil-based.
Liquid candle dyes are extremely concentrated and are the quickest way to colour your candle. They are also easy to blend and can be added at the start or end of the candle-making process. However, they have a strong smell and can cause the wax to cool faster than normal.
Granular candle dyes are easy to use and compatible with all types of wax. They also have rapid setting times and do not disturb the candle's combustion. However, they can be messy and hard to get consistent results with, especially when working with small batches.
Soy wax has a very white base, so the resulting colour may be lighter than expected. Add the dye when the wax is fully melted and between 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it dissolves properly and the colour is evenly distributed. Use the recommended amount of dye to avoid clogging the wick and altering the burn.
