Wax for Candle Making

The kind of wax to be chosen for making candles is very important because that wax would serve as fuel for candles. Wax is available in numerous varieties. The choice of wax corresponds to the appearance of candle, as every kind has its unique qualities. Also, the melting points of wax differs from one to other. The melting point can be defined as the temperature at which wax starts melting. Knowing the melting point is very important as the pouring of the wax should take place at that time itself.

Paraffin Wax: Paraffin wax can be referred to as a ‘by-product of crude oil’. It is the most common type of wax used in candle making. Paraffin exists in various grades. These grades get separated as per their melting points. Paraffins are labeled according to their melting points. The ones having the lowest melting point can melt below 130 degree Fahrenheit. This paraffin is extremely soft and hence suitable for manufacturing candles in containers. Due to its softness, carved or molded candles cannot be made from it.

The paraffin having melting point of medium level changes its state, i.e. from solid to liquid, when temperature ranges between 130 and 145 degree Fahrenheit. The softness of this paraffin prohibits it from being used in carved or molded candles. It is recommended to be used in manufacture of pouring candles.

The paraffin which starts melting between the temperatures 145 and 150 degree Fahrenheit can be referred to as the paraffin having melting point of high level. This wax is harder than its counterparts are. That’s why; it’s suitable for molded and carved candles. Its burning time is longer than its softer grades.

Bayberry wax: The berries obtained from bushes of bayberry are boiled. The substance produced out of this boiling is called bayberry wax. It has a fragrance of its own, along with the greenish shade. People creating old-fashioned candles make use of wax of this kind. However, it proves to be cost-prohibitive for most of them. This can be proved from the fact that around fifteen pounds of these berries are required to make 1 pound of quality wax. Bayberry wax has a melting point of around 118 degree Fahrenheit.

Tallow: Tallow is another kind of naturally occurring wax. It was used years ago. The material of obtaining Tallow is fat of cows, pigs, and sheep. It does not have any color. However, it has the property of emitting an obnoxious odor. Due to its softness, it is being used for manufacture of candle in container.

Soy Wax: This wax is capturing the market slowly. Soy can be referred to as an inexpensive, clean-burning natural wax that might be used excluding additives for changing clarity, hardness, or color. Its melting point ranges between 120 and 180 degree Fahrenheit. Soy possesses natural oils which mix properly with scented oils. Soy does not shrink much during the process of candle making. Tapping is not at all required for getting the air bubbles removed.

Beeswax: This wax is liked by most of the people due to its natural fragrance. It does not emit smoke and burns slowly. Melting point is around 150 degree Fahrenheit. Due to its sticky nature, it is best suited for making candles which are not molded. 

If you are looking for a step by step candle making guide then check out this guide or buy