Quick Guide To Candle Making Wax

When you're getting started with your candle making, one of the first choices you will need to make is which type of wax to use. There is quite a range of different waxes available which all have different qualities and, because of this, some are more suitable for certain types of candles than others. There is, however, no question that the most common wax is the paraffin-based wax and this is the wax that most people use initially. As you master the basic steps in candle making and discover how easy it is, you'll soon be trying out all the other different types of waxes.

Paraffin waxes are petroleum based waxes and can be found in a variety of blends. Paraffin wax is one of the most versatile waxes available and because it is so popular, it is supplied in three different melt points. These melt points are suitable for specific applications from container candles (low melt point) to hurricane candles (high melt point). Paraffin wax candles are the most commonly available candle which you can buy and you will find them in their most basic form as the white household candles which everyone has at the bottom of their kitchen drawers just in case of power cuts!

Beeswax is probably the earliest type of candle making wax and is produced by bees as a byproduct of the honey making process. It's quite a versatile wax but it is heavy and sticky and doesn't release from molds particularly easily. Sheets of foundation beeswax are readily available and are very popular for making the rolled beeswax candle which doesn't need any melting of wax.

Palm wax is made from palm oil and is a natural vegetable product. It is a very firm, almost brittle wax that is particularly suitable for candles which have to stand up on their own such as pillars and votives. It often produces a crystalline effect on the surface of the candles which is quite attractive.

Soy wax is a relatively new wax for candle making and was developed in the early 1990s as a natural alternative to paraffin wax and a more affordable alternative to the significantly more expensive beeswax. Like paraffin wax, soy wax is available in a variety of blends and melting points, but it is naturally a very soft wax with a relatively low melting point. This makes it intrinsically more suitable for container candles as without blending and additives it is unable to hold its shape for pillar-like candles. Soy wax is most commonly available in a blended form as this makes it more usable, and as long as the blend is at least 51% soy wax, it can be called a soy wax blend.

In short, the chemical composition of all waxes is similar and they all burn in a similar manner whatever claims are made to the contrary. You will find that initially you will select your wax depending on the type of candle you are making, but with time, wax selection will be down to your own personal preferences and experience.

By: Julie Sinclair

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Julie Sinclair is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys helping others to get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on candle making wax, visit www.candlemakingtoptips.com