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. Candles have traditionally been made from a variety of wax which is extracted from two major sources – natural sources like vegetable, insects and animal fat, and 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 majority of candles made today are crafted from paraffin wax which is very cheap and is commonly available everywhere. In various parts of the world, plant materials like soybeans and palm oil are extensively used also to make candle wax. Naturally produced wax are refined from such plant materials like soy beans and palm. United States is noted for massive production of soybeans from which natural soy wax is extracted. Soy wax has swiftly grown in popularity as it is commonly available, cheap to make, renewable and eco-friendly.
Another plant-based wax that is rapidly growing in popularity is Palm wax. It is a renewable resource extracted from the palm tree which is naturally found growing in hot climates of the world like Asia and Africa. Some of the countries where palm trees are grown, quite unfortunately, are regularly destroying vast areas of woodland or forest to make way for palm tree plantations mainly because of the ever growing popularity of palm oil and palm wax in the world market.
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 fashioned from animal products for many centuries. In Egypt, candles are known to have been made from beeswax since early 3000 BC, and the Chinese are also known to have made candles from whale fat during the Qin Dynasty. Candles made from natural beeswax is available in different colors and it is quite popular among candle makers. Although it is more expensive than paraffin wax or palm wax, candle makers are drawn to this wax by its natural fragrance and its burning characteristics.
A new kind of material people are using to make candles now is Gel. Gel candles are rubbery in texture and transluscent but it burns just like candles made from any other kind of wax. Gel wax is available in three different densities – low, medium and high. 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 is best for candles that contain 0-3% of fragrance, and it is usually 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. An understanding of the basic characteristics and quality of every type of wax will empower most candle lovers to use type of wax to its full potential in creating their unique candles.
Tagged with: beeswax • candle making • candle making craft • candle making crafts • candle making wax • candle wax • candles • gel wax • making candles • palm wax • paraffin wax • scented candle making • soy wax • wax
Filed under: Other Hobbies
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We love natural candles. At I Love Candles, we carry palm wax, soy wax and soon bees wax candles.
Each of these waxes has its benefits. In common they share a few very good qualities.
1.All these waxes will burn cleanly and will not release harmful soot, black toxic smoke or CO2 into the air, as breathing this over period of time can be unhealthy. Black smoke and soot can also discolour walls, curtains and furniture.
2.The wick will not drown in the natural waxes.
3.We use high level of scent, so your candles will scent the room beautifully even before you light the candles. With the bees wax candles, we do not add any scents. We like the way they release natural honey scent when they burn.
4.Bees wax candles by the act of ionisation, act as air purifiers.
5.All natural candles burn significantly longer then paraffin candles of the same size.
6.Palm wax candles are the perfect pillars. The wax is very firm and will not melt in the sun. The candles do not need memory burning and you can burn them as often and as long as you wish. By trimming the wick when the wall of the candle becomes thin and transparent, you can eliminate any spillages.
7.Soy wax candles are housed in containers. It is a much softer wax and it burns in a much lower temperature. The melted wax will not burn the skin and is great where there are children to consider. You can even dip your finger in the wax and rub it on your hands as a moisturiser.