Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to colour candles, including using candle dye, crayons, or natural ingredients like turmeric, flower petals, and beetroot powder. The type of wax you're working with will determine the appropriate dye—for example, beeswax has a natural yellow hue, while soy and coconut wax are white. When colouring candles, it's important to avoid water-based dyes like food colouring, as they can cause the wax to pop or even explode. Instead, opt for oil-based dyes or crayons, which blend well with candle wax. To achieve your desired shade, start by adding a small amount of dye to melted wax, stirring continuously, and adding more dye gradually.
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What You'll Learn
Using crayons to colour candles
While crayons can be used to colour candle wax, it is not the best method. Both candles and crayons are made of wax, so they blend well. However, crayons are coloured with pigments, which do not dissolve in wax. Instead, they are dispersed throughout the wax, floating in it. This can cause the wick to clog, leading to uneven burning, a diminished flame, or even the candle being extinguished prematurely. Additionally, when crayon pigments burn, they can produce soot, smoke, or other byproducts that affect the flame quality, scent diffusion, and overall burning experience.
If you decide to use crayons to colour your candles, there are a few steps you should follow. First, prepare your workspace by covering it with a plastic table cover and having paper towels on hand to protect against spills. Next, melt your wax using a double boiler method. Place a pot on medium heat and stir until the wax is melted. Then, add your crayons to the melted wax, stirring continuously until the colour is uniform. It is important to stir slowly to avoid splattering wax. Once you have achieved the desired colour, allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into a mould. You can use metal containers, vintage glass pieces, cupcake foil, or ice cube trays as moulds.
To enhance the appearance of your candles, you can create a layered look by using multiple colours. Additionally, you can add scented oils to your melted wax before pouring it into the moulds. Buttercream oil is a great option for cupcake-themed candles, while lavender vanilla creates a relaxing aroma. You can find these oils, along with wicks and metal moulds, on eBay.
It is worth noting that there are alternative methods for colouring candles that may produce better results. Candle-making dyes, for example, are designed to dissolve into the wax and won't clog the wick. These dyes come in liquid and chip form and are inexpensive and readily available at most craft stores. Natural colours can also be infused into the wax, and herbs like comfrey, lavender, and rosehip can be used to achieve interesting colours.
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The benefits of liquid candle dye
There are several benefits to using liquid candle dye. Firstly, liquid candle dye is highly concentrated, so only a few drops are needed to achieve the desired colour. This makes it a very economical option, as a little goes a long way. Liquid candle dye is also versatile and can be used with various types of wax, including soy, paraffin, beeswax, gel, and palm wax. This ensures flexibility for candle makers.
Another advantage of liquid candle dye is its ability to mix smoothly with the wax without impacting the burn performance of the candle. It can be easily stirred into melted wax, ensuring even colouring throughout the candle. The dye is also available in a wide range of colours, allowing for customization and unique blends. Candle makers can even mix different shades of liquid candle dye to create custom colours, making it a creative and flexible option.
Liquid candle dye is also known for its colour longevity. The dye intensifies the colour rendering of the candle, and a small amount can colour a significant amount of wax. For example, just 15 ml of liquid candle dye can colour up to 1 kg of wax. This makes it a cost-effective option, as well as a visually appealing one.
Additionally, liquid candle dye is practical and easy to use. It can be stored for a long time, making it convenient for future projects. Candle makers can also test small amounts of the dye in wax before committing to a large batch, ensuring the desired colour is achieved. Overall, liquid candle dye offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for those looking to add colour to their candles.
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How to use powder dye
Powdered dyes and pigments, such as Rit Dye, can be used to colour candles. It is important to choose an appropriate dye for the type of wax being used, otherwise, it may not blend properly.
To begin, cover your work area with a plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Melt one cup (240 ml) of beeswax pellets into a mini slow cooker or a double boiler. Stir until the wax is melted. Add half to one tablespoon (7-15 ml) of Rit All-Purpose Powder Dye. The more dye used, the more intense the colour will be. Stir well. You may notice that not all the dye will dissolve completely, but this should not impact your results.
To test the colour, dip a spare candle directly into the dyebath until you achieve your desired shade. If the colour is too light, add more dye; if it is too dark, add more beeswax to lighten the colour. Once you are satisfied with the colour, dip the candle into the dyed beeswax for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the candle carefully from the dyebath and let it dry on paper towels.
It is important to note that powder pigments may not be the best option for colouring candles, as they can sometimes struggle to incorporate or melt into the wax. This can cause issues with the candle's ability to burn properly.
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Natural ingredients for candle colour
Natural dyes are an excellent way to colour candles, and they are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Natural candle dyes are pigments extracted from minerals or plants. You can use flowers, herbs, spices, or berries to infuse colour and scent into your candles. For example, cocoa powder and activated charcoal are commonly used for brown and black colours, respectively.
However, it is important to note that not all natural ingredients will work as candle dyes. Some ingredients, such as mica, can clog the wick and cause the candle to self-extinguish. While mica can be used as a finishing touch, it should not be the sole colourant. Similarly, powder pigments may not fully incorporate or melt into the wax, causing the candle to burn out prematurely.
Some natural dyes may also require more patience, as the colouring process can be slower compared to synthetic dyes. It is also crucial to ensure that any natural ingredients used are safe and suitable for candle-making.
If you are looking for a more convenient option, you can use candle dyes specifically designed for candle-making. These dyes come in liquid or powder form and are available in various colours. However, it is important to choose a dye compatible with the type of wax you are using to ensure proper blending.
Ultimately, whether you use natural dyes or candle dyes, always follow the recommended dosages and instructions to achieve the best results and ensure the safe functioning of your candles.
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Choosing the right wax for your colour
When choosing a wax to colour, it's important to consider the type of dye or pigment you want to use, as not all dyes are compatible with all types of wax. Here are some tips for choosing the right wax for your desired colour:
Beeswax
Beeswax is a great choice for candles because it holds colour well and melts slowly, giving your candles a longer burn time. However, since most beeswax has a yellow hue, it will give your colours a warm, aged tint. If you prefer a less tinted base, you can opt for white beeswax. To dye beeswax, melt the desired amount in a slow cooker or double boiler, then add your chosen powder or liquid dye, stirring continuously.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a popular choice for homemade candles because it is inexpensive, clean-burning, and white in colour, resulting in crisp and clean colours. Soy wax is also a good option if you want to use natural pigments like turmeric, mica, flower petals, pink clay, or beetroot powder, as these can give a yellow tint to other waxes.
Coconut Wax
Like soy wax, coconut wax is solid white, making it a great base for dyeing. It is considered a soft wax, so it may not be suitable for pillar candles, but it works well for container candles or wax blends.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a versatile option and can be coloured with a variety of dyes, including liquid candle dye and crayons. It is important to note that paraffin wax may not be suitable for certain types of liquid dye, as the water in the dye can cause the wax to separate or become splotchy.
Choosing the Right Dye
When choosing a dye for your wax, it is important to consider compatibility. Powdered dyes, such as Rit Dye, are suitable for most types of wax, while liquid dyes like food colouring should be avoided as they can cause splotchiness or, in some cases, be unsafe due to the water content. Crayons can be used, but it is important to note that they are not 100% wax and may contain pigments that can clog wicks, so they should be used sparingly. Natural pigments like mica can be used sparingly on the surface of the candle without affecting its function, but mixing them into the wax can cause uneven distribution and wick clogging.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use candle dye, either in liquid or powder form. You can also use crayons, mica, or oil-based food colouring, although these are not recommended as they may not mix well with candle wax.
Add 15ml of liquid dye to 1kg of wax. Mix the dye into the wax thoroughly to ensure the colour is even. Allow the wax to cool to 135–140 °F (57–60 °C) before pouring it into a mould.
Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of powder dye to 1 cup of wax. Stir well. You may notice that not all the dye will dissolve completely, but this should not impact your results.
Yes, but use them sparingly as they are not 100% wax and may clog the wick. Simply peel off the paper label and add as many pieces as needed, stirring continuously.
A small amount of mica on the surface of your candle will not alter its function. However, mixing it with wax will result in an uneven distribution and may cause the wick to clog. The recommended dosage is no more than 2-3g of mica per 100g of wax.
