CANDLE MAKING GUIDE PART ONE-WAXES! : eBay Guides

There are so many "trade secrets" to candle making that advanced candle makers do not want to share. I have been making candles for many years and have researched by reading, asking questions and by my own trial and error. This guide will be the first is a series of candle making guides. In this guide I will share my knowledge about candle WAXES and hopefully spare you valuable time and money.  Let's get with it, shall we!?!

GUIDE #1

Get to know your waxes!!

There are many types of waxes that are used to make candles, however, there are 6 basic waxes that I will be be discussing in this guide, this are pretty much the only waxes that I work with. SIX waxes may seem overwhelming, but bear with me.

Wax #1-Paraffin Wax (melt point 131)

Paraffin wax is the most basic wax that most chandlers start out with. This is the wax that we use to make votives and tarts. The standard fragrance ratio for this type of wax is 1 ounce per pound. Also, when using this wax, please keep in mind that it expands as it melts, therefore, it will shrink as it hardens which will require 2nd pours.

Wax #2-Container Waxes (melt point 125-127)

Container waxes are used only for making container candles, there are many types of container waxes out there, you just need to find which wax you prefer, paraffin based or soy based. Most container waxes have a fragrance hold of 1 to 1.5 ounces, but check with your supplier to make sure.

Wax #3-Pillar Wax (melt point 145)

Pillar wax has a little higher melt point due so your candles will be able to hold their shape. This type of wax can also be used to make taper candles. Fragrance usage 1 ounce per pound.

Wax #4-Mottling Wax (melt point 136)

Mottling wax is also known as starburst, this wax gives your candles a unique starburst like effect.  This type of wax works best when making darker colored candles. Fragrance usage 1 ounce per pound.

Wax #5-Gel Wax

Gel wax comes in 3 different forms, all of which have very different properties. Low Density is a "thinner" gel wax that has a low fragrance hold, only up to 1/2 ounce per pound and cannot support embeds. Medium Density is a "thicker" gel wax that also has a low fragrance hold of 1/2 ounce per pound, but it can support embeds. Last, is High Density gel wax, which is the "thickest" of the gel waxes. This wax has a fragrance hold of 1 ounce per pound and supports embeds extremely well.

Wax #6-Beeswax (melt point 150)

Beeswax is a great wax for primitive candles. It has a high melt point, so it is a great wax for taper candles. I wouldn't recommend fragrance for these types of candles since beeswax is naturally sweet smelling.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS GUIDE!!

I will be writing more guides about candle making within the next week.

Guides to come:

What wick do I use? (Including a wick chart and how to use it)

Fragrance Oil versus Essential Oils

Dyes and Colorants

How to use Dyes, Colorants, Fragrance and Essential Oils

Packaging and Labeling Ideas

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Thanks for reading and God Bless!!

The Crazee Crafter!!!