When it comes to selecting the perfect wax for your candle-making, the process involves careful consideration of several key factors.
First, it's essential to recognize that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a wax. Determining the most suitable wax for your project involves considering the following factors:
- The type of candle being crafted. Keep in mind that a pillar candle requires a different wax than a container candle
- Personal preferences regarding natural versus synthetic materials. Some makers opt for eco-friendly choices like soy and soy-blends, while others prioritize achieving the strongest hot throw possible with paraffin wax.
- Desired color and texture
- Specific burn characteristics and fragrance throw. Soy and Soy-blend waxes, known for their lower melting point, offers a clean burn and slower pace. On the other hand, while paraffin wax may emit soot, it's valued for its superior hot throw.
For those venturing into candle making for the first time, we often recommend starting with soy blend wax, particularly varieties like AromaMax 700 Premium Para-Soy Container Wax. Known for its versatility, user-friendliness, and overall high performance, it is an ideal choice for novice candle makers. However, through some experimentation, you may discover that other waxes better suit your individual requirements.
Choosing a wax type is also dependent on what type of candle will be made:
Container Candles: Container candles are the most common type and are perfect for beginners. Since these candles are poured directly into containers, the wax doesn't need to be hard to support itself while burning, and there's no need for mold release. Shrinkage isn't wanted in container wax because it can cause the wax to pull away from the glass. That's why softer waxes, known as "single-pour" waxes, are popular. Paraffin, Soy, and Blends can all be used to make container candles.
Votive Candles: Votive candles go into holders for burning and don't need to be as hard as pillar candles. However, they still need to release from molds, so some shrinkage is necessary. Paraffin waxes tend to work well for votives.
Pillar Candles: Pillar candles stand alone while burning, so they need to be hard and release easily from molds. Paraffin waxes are ideal for pillars.
Wax Tarts: Wax tarts are similar to votive candles but need to be firm enough to remove from molds. Paraffin waxes tend to be popular but soy and blends can also work well.
Types of Wax
The main difference between waxes lies in where they come from. Traditionally, candles were mostly made from paraffin wax. However, soy-based waxes have become more popular lately due to their improved quality and the appeal of using a natural product from American farmers.
- Derived from crude oil, paraffin wax has long been a staple in candle making.
- Ideal for pillar candles due to its ability to harden and release easily from molds.
- Offers vibrant color options and a frost-free finish, making it a favorite for those prioritizing aesthetic appeal.
- Creates strongly scented candles that don't require much curing time.
Soy Wax:
- Made from soybean oil, soy wax has gained popularity in recent years for its eco-friendly profile and support of American farmers.
- Suitable for container candles, soy wax provides a clean burn with minimal soot and slower pace.
- Blended waxes offer the advantages of multiple wax types, combining the best characteristics of each.
- Ideal for achieving specific performance qualities tailored to individual preferences and project requirements.
How does Wax impact Scent Throw
The type of wax plays a significant role in scent throw. Generally, paraffin candles have a stronger scent throw than soy candles. On a molecular level, soy is denser than paraffin. This means soy requires more heat to burn, which can delay the release of fragrance. As the wax melts, the flame's heat turns it into vapor, diffusing the fragrance oil into the air. Since paraffin burns more easily, it typically releases fragrance more effectively, resulting in a stronger scent throw.
Wax additives
Most of our waxes are pre-blended, meaning they're ready to use without additives. However, if you're using a base paraffin wax, you may need additives like Vybar to enhance performance. Vybar helps with fragrance retention and hot throw. Vybar 103 is for harder waxes like pillars, while Vybar 260 is for softer waxes like containers. If adding dyes to your candle, consider also using a UV Stabilizer to protect candles from fading due to exposure to UV light. It's recommended for all wax and candle types to prolong color retention.
Burn Rate
There's often debate about which type of wax offers a longer burn time. While factors like wick size, additives, and candle size play a role, the type of wax used also matters. As mentioned earlier, soy wax is denser than paraffin and usually needs more heat to burn. This suggests that a soy wax candle may burn longer than a paraffin one.
To calculate burn time, it is best to do a full burn test: Burn the candle in 2-3 hour intervals and keep track of the number of burns it takes for the candle to completely burn down. For example, if it takes 20 burns at 3 hours each, the candle would have an approximate burn time of 60 hours. Though time-consuming, this method provides a precise estimate. If selling candles, perform this test on at least 2 candles simultaneously for consistent results.