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Candle Making Wax…Basic Characteristics

Candle making has grown tremendously in the past few decades and this exponential growth has led to the further improvement in quality, availability and sheer diversity of wax, which as we all know, is one of the main ingredients of candle making. From the dawn of time, candles have been made from a variety of waxy materials and today, wax is derived from two major sources - natural sources like vegetable, insects and animals, and artificially manufactured materials like paraffin and gel.

Paraffin wax is one of the most abundant wax used to make candles today. It is manufactured or refined from petroluem. The vast majority of candles made today are made with paraffin wax because it is cheap and available everywhere. In various parts of the world, plant materials like soybeans and palm oil are extensively used also to make candle wax. Natural candle wax are refined from such vegetable materials like soybeans which is extensively produced in the United States. Soy wax is rapidly growing in popularity as it is a renewable resource, readily available, inexpensive and also eco-friendly.

Palm wax is another natural wax used in making candles which is also rapidly growing in popularity among candle lovers. Palm wax is a natural and renewable resource which is refined or extracted from palm trees. Unfortunately, due to the growing popularity of palm wax and palm oil, some of these countries are busy clearing out enormous stretches of rainforest and replacing matured trees with palm plantations.

This unfortunate destruction of virgin woodlands has contributed significantly to the global warming phenomenon affecting every part of planet earth today. Tens of thousands of endangered animal species has also been displaced by this wanton destruction of their natural habitats. Damaging our ecosystem in this irresponsible way is such a massive price to pay for the growing popularity of palm produce.

Candles have been made in many parts of the world from animal materials down the ages. The Egyptians have been known to make candles from beeswax as early as 3000 BC, while the Chinese made theirs from the fat of whales between 221 and 206 BC during the Qin Dynasty. Candles made from natural beeswax is available in different colors and it is quite popular among candle makers. Although more expensive than paraffin wax or palm wax, candle entrepreneurs are drawn to beeswax because of its natural fragrance and its burning quality.

A new kind of material people are using to make candles now is Gel. Gel candles are clear and have a rubbery texture but it works much the same way as candles made from any other kind of wax. Gel wax comes in three different flavors – low, medium and high densities. The type of candle you want to make and the amount of scent you want to add will dictate the gel density you need to use. Low density gel works best for candles that contain 0-3% scent, and it is poured at low temperatures. Medium density gel is probably the most popular gel for making gel candles and it is best with candles that contain 3-5% of fragrance. High density gel wax requires to be poured at much higher temperatures than the other two and is better for candles that contain a heavier percentage of fragrance.

Candle makers now-a-days are spoilt for choice considering the bewildering array of wax available on the market for the candle making craft. You can pick and choose the type of wax that works best for you and the type of candle you are planning to make. A complete understanding of the characteristics and quality of the different types of wax will allow every budding candle entrepreneur to use each one to its fullest potential in crafting the candle of their dreams.

Reviewing The Beautiful Candle

Where would romance be if it were not for candles? How would you make your home or office nice and sweet without scented candles? It would be a harder life if it were not for the candle. Mankind would not have made the great leaps in technology had it not been for this luminescent light form. They have been instrumental in lighting the way for decades and are still what we turn to when the power goes out or we want to create a certain atmosphere at home.

Candle light has long been a way to celebrate occasions, but at one time it was the chief means of lighting a person’s way. The earliest forms of candles were not the sweetly scented candles found today in supermarkets, discount dollar stores and fine retail shops. They were made from animal fat, berries and even ground up bugs.

Using paraffin wax has become the traditional method for making candles in today’s era and it is remarkably easy to do at home. You can find kits that contain everything from the wax, the wicks and the scented oils that make the pillar candles that you so dearly love. The absolute hardest thing about making these candles is melting the wax. However, simply follow the directions and you can have your own homemade candles.

Most kits contain a wax that you have to melt using a double boiler. This ensures that the wax does not burn or catch on fire. The next step is pouring the melted wax into the included mold. After adding the wick you are done and you just have to wait for the candle to harden. It is really that easy. Some kits now even include paraffin wax that can be melted in the microwave for an even easier time.

The next time you are out shopping for decor candles or simply want candles for a birthday cake, consider making your own candle creations for the occasion. You will save a lot of money and can make any design, shape or style that you possibly want. You can find kits at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s or other craft stores. These stores also usually sell the essential oils you need in order to make your candles fragrant and beautiful. Also, do not forget to pick up the decorative molds for your candles when you make them. So go enjoy yourself and make your own scented candles at home.