Ben Carter
Candles are made from wax, a wick, and oil. The wax can be paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, apricot, palm, gels, synthetic waxes, or synthesized waxes. The wick can be wood, cotton, or zinc. Oils used are either fragrance or essential oils. Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin, Soy, Beeswax, Palm, Gels, Synthetic waxes, Coconut, Stearin, Microcrystalline, Vegetable-based, Tallow, Whale fat |
| Wick | Wood, Cotton, Zinc, Metal-core, Tin |
| Oil | Fragrance, Essential, Aniline-based dye |
| Burn | Clean, Safe, Yellow flame, Sooting, Smoke |
| Other | Colourants, Additives, Containers, Pillar candles, Standalone candles |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax
Compared to other types of wax, such as coconut and soy wax, paraffin wax is less environmentally friendly due to its fossil fuel origin. Coconut and soy wax are more sustainable alternatives, although they each have their own drawbacks. For example, coconut wax is more expensive and softens easily in warm temperatures, while soy wax is grown in monoculture systems, leading to soil erosion and deforestation.
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Soy wax
However, there are some concerns about deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides within the soybean industry and production process. Soy wax also doesn't hold as much fragrance as other waxes, and it can be temperamental with temperature—it can shrink and 'frost' with white spots.
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Coconut wax
The process of making coconut wax candles is similar to that of other candles. The wax is melted at a temperature between 65°C and 80°C, and fragrance oils or essential oils are added, along with any desired dyes. The melted wax is then poured into a jar or container, and a wick is centred before the wax is allowed to cool and solidify.
While coconut wax has many benefits, it is important to note that candle ingredients are not subject to strict regulations, and some brands may not disclose all the additives in their coconut wax formulas. For example, coconut wax may be blended with other waxes like soy or beeswax to improve performance and firmness. Therefore, consumers should be aware that "coconut wax" candles may contain additional ingredients beyond just coconut wax.
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Beeswax
There are several methods for making beeswax candles, including rolling, hand dipping, and moulding. The simplest method is rolling, which involves placing a wick at the edge of a beeswax sheet and tightly rolling the sheet around the wick. Hand-dipped candles are created by melting the beeswax and dipping a wick into the liquid wax, repeating the process until the desired thickness is achieved. Moulded candles are another option, though the process may be more complex and messy.
When making beeswax candles, it is important to choose the correct wick size for the diameter of the candle. Cotton core, square braid wicks are recommended for beeswax candles, and larger wicks are typically required compared to soy or paraffin candles. Adding coconut oil can also improve the burn of the candle.
To ensure the purity of beeswax candles, it is important to purchase from reputable sources that sell 100% pure beeswax. One way to test the purity of a beeswax candle is to look for "bloom," a white dusting that appears on the surface of pure beeswax over time due to the presence of natural oils.
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Wicks and wick materials
Wicks are an essential component of a candle, and the type of wick can significantly impact a candle's burning behaviour and performance. Wicks are typically made from braided fibres, and the material used for the wick can vary. Here are some common wick materials:
- Cotton: Cotton wicks are one of the most common types of wicks used in candle-making. They are natural, inexpensive, and easy to source. Cotton wicks work well for most candle types and provide a consistent, steady flame. They are often braided tightly, which helps with a more controlled burn.
- Wood: Wooden wicks are becoming increasingly popular, especially for soy and beeswax candles. They create a relaxing, soft crackling sound similar to a fireplace when burning, adding ambiance. Wooden wicks require a thicker braid and often burn hotter than cotton wicks, making them suitable for larger candles.
- Paper: Paper wicks are often used in pillar candles and taper candles. They are made from a flat, thin piece of paper that is then plaited or woven. Paper wicks burn with a wide, bright flame, making them ideal for candles that need to illuminate a space.
- Zinc Core Wicks: These wicks are made from cotton or paper fibres wrapped around a thin zinc core. The zinc core helps the wick to stand upright in the melted wax and provides additional support. Zinc core wicks are often used in container candles to ensure a consistent burn.
- Braiding Materials: The way a wick is braided can also impact its performance. Common braiding materials include cotton, paper, and synthetic fibres. A wick with a tighter braid will often burn slower and produce less smoke, while a looser braid can create a larger flame and faster burn.
It's important to note that the type of wick used can vary depending on the type of wax, fragrance, and size of the candle. Wick testing is crucial to finding the perfect wick for a specific candle formulation, ensuring optimal burning behaviour and fragrance throw.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made of wax, a wick, and sometimes oil. The wax can be made from a variety of substances, including animal fat, vegetable oil, beeswax, and paraffin wax.
Wicks can be made of wood, cotton, or zinc.
Different types of wax include paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and blends of waxes.
Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax today due to its low cost and ability to work well with fragrance oils and colorants.
