Paraffin Candle Wax

Paraffin candle making wax is a product of petroleum refining and is the most commonly used wax in candle making. It is less expensive than other types  of wax and can be purchased in chunks or powder form. Wax can be purchased pre colored. Paraffin is edible and is often used in making chocolates and other candies. Paraffin wax is also considered to be biodegradable.

Beeswax

Beeswax candle making wax is made from the wax found in beehives. It is available in several different forms including flat & honeycomb sheets, blocks, chunks and pearls. Sheets can be purchased pre-colored but the chunks, blocks and pearls usually come in their natural  color. Since beeswax is naturally aromatic it is unusual that any scent would be required.

Beeswax is sticky and has a low melting point. When using beeswax sheets, the heat from just your hand will make the wax pliable and easy to roll. Whenever you are using pure beeswax in candle molds or containers, you ought to consider using a candle hardener as well and be ready to top off your molds as the wax is inclined to shrink significantly when cooling. Beeswax is usually more expensive than paraffin  wax, and you will get a great deal of fluctuation in color and melting point between waxes, however do not let that stop you from experimenting anyway.

Bayberry Candle Wax

Bayberry candle making wax was discovered by early American colonists who were looking for an alternative to tallow wax which gave off tons of soot,  air pollutants and an unpleasant smell. Bayberry candle wax comes from the bayberry shrub which makes very decorative bluish grey colored  berries.

There isn’t any need to add scents or colors as this wax is by nature fragrant and dries to a  very pleasant olive green color. Bayberry candles requires about 3-15 pounds of berries to make 1 lb of wax.  It was due  to this costly and tedious feature that American colonists abandoned making bayberry candles.

Soy Wax

Soy candle making wax is among the newest candle waxes out there. It’s popularity represents belief that soy is a renewable resource and  biodegradable.  Unfortunately, most soy beans that result in the ultimate manufacture of soy wax in the candle are genetically modified and thus not that earth friendly. There are also many claims that soy wax burns cleaner, with reduced carbon build up, has no pollutants and is  less likely to trigger allergies. However there’s no reliable verification of these assertions so you might want to take that information  with a grain of salt.

Nevertheless, soy wax can be melted in the microwave so convenience is a major feature of the wax but the wax is very soft. You will need either containers for your candles or lots of  hardener.  You will also need to use either a larger wick or paper-cored wick. The candles that you make from soy wax will result in a fair  amount of shrinkage as they cool so you will need to add more wax level off the top. The completed candles show up as a very nice creamy color.

Wax Crystals

Wax crystals are also mostly made from paraffin wax but there is no heating required.  You can use it like normal paraffin wax if you’re  making candle molds certainly but to make a wax crystal candle, you do not need to melt the wax. This makes this a perfect candle making  project to do with your kids since there is no dangerous heating required. The wax comes in crystal form and can be bought in bags of various  sizes and colors at your favorite local or online craft shop. The wax is premixed with hardeners and pre-packaged treated wicks are available  to make candle making a real cinch to perfect.

Gel Wax

Gel candle making wax is used in those candles when you want to add non-flammable ornaments such a seashells or bubbles within the wax. Gel candle  wax is made from processed mineral oil combined with a gelling agent. It is a clear wax with a rubbery texture, but when measuring it out  resembles hair gel.

Gel wax candles are among the most dangerous types of candle to make because you cannot use the normal double boiler to melt the wax. A greater temperature of 260-280 degrees is required to melt gel wax so you need a special multi-cooker to obtain the right temperature. You must be very careful with gel wax because if it heats to the flashpoint, you are going to have a very nasty and explosive mess. Ensure you have the right equipment before attempting to make gel candles. Adding fragrances or coloration is not recommended as they will affect the  melting point and flashpoint.

Jelly Candle Wax

Another simple candle making wax for kids to use, it looks and feels exactly like hair gel and comes in squeezable tubes. Jelly cancle wax comes pre- colored and pre-scented. Very handy for using in tea lights.

Starburst Wax

Starburst wax is used for decorating your candle rather than as the prime ingredient. Your candle must be completely cooled but don’t trim  the wick yet because you need it to hold onto. Dip your candle into the melted starburst wax quickly and snowflake-like patterns will appear.  Starburst wax is expensive but goes a long way since it is only used as a coating.  It’s recommended that you study the method of applying Starburst wax as it isn’t meant for beginners.