There are endless options of wholesale candle supplies to choose from. Not all candles are made using the same kind of wax. Understanding the difference between beeswax, soy, paraffin, and other options is key to choosing one that will burn the longest and is the healthiest. Read on to know how to choose the right wax for candle making.
What to Consider When Selecting Wax for Candle Making
Candle making has become more popular throughout the years, and the options can seem overwhelming. We will guide you through some things to consider while searching for supplies to create the perfect candle.
Uniqueness
Even though most people prefer single or plain color candles, multicolored candles are slowly gaining popularity. They provide a degree of customization and originality that single-colored candles don’t offer. The process involves buying plain wax and adding colors and additives to get the desired design.
Opt for pre-blended wax to create high-quality candles to avoid testing various blends. Pre-blended wax comes fully prepared and only requires UV light stabilizers to make unique candles without much work.
Amount of Scent
Not so long ago, the only candles that existed were scentless. Today, things have changed, and scented candles have gained popularity.
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There are different fragrances to choose from, making the candle-making process enjoyable. The scent throw is what determines how long the fragrance will last. For example, paraffin wax delivers excellent scent throw since it effectively holds fragrance oil.
Eco-Friendliness
Most consumers nowadays are looking for candles produced through eco-friendly processes. Such candles don’t affect indoor air quality. Eco-friendly manufactured candles are made using rapeseed wax, coconut wax, soy wax, or beeswax.
These options are usually expensive because they are natural products. But most people don’t mind spending more to get environmental-friendly candles.
Wax Types
While many think all candle wax is the same, there are different types of wax used for candle making. Below we will discuss some options of wax and their qualities.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is the least expensive and most widely used candle wax. It is made from petroleum; that’s why eco-conscious people don’t love it. Regardless of that, most finished candles found in stores are manufactured using paraffin wax.
Paraffin wins many votes among candle makers due to its low price, strong fragrance, easy availability, and color preservation. The wax is mainly used when making pillar candles as it burns relatively fast.
Beeswax
It is 100% natural and among the best waxes for candle making in the market. Beeswax is used to make candles of all types, including containers, votives, tapers, and pillars. The golden color and the honey scent make it the first choice for many consumers.
Even though it can be hard to mix beeswax with other ingredients, it’s considered the healthiest because it burns with no soot and smoke. The fragrance is subtle, which purifies the air in a home.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is 100% natural wax produced from hydrogenated soybean oil in various forms like soy wax flakes. Paraffin wax candles resemble soy wax candles in terms of performance and appearance.
Before deciding on the wax to use, it’s important to know the properties of each. Soy wax is great for candle containers because it shrinks quickly and is soft.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is also 100% natural and is manufactured through hydrogenating palm oils. It produce candles with unique textures. The wax forms crystallizing or feathering patterns (on containers or pillars) on the surface of a candle.
Types of Candles
Different forms of candles need wax with varying properties. Wax hardness determines if the finished candle will stand on its own or not. Below are the different types of candles that exist:
Container Candles
Making container candles involves placing wax inside a metal tin or glass jar. Such candles can be made using different options of waxes since they can’t stand independently. The options include beeswax, paraffin, soy wax, paraffin, and paraffin/soy blends.
Pillar Candles
These candles don’t need any containers since they can stand independently. Create pillar candles using palm wax, beeswax, paraffin, or wax blends.
Tealight Candles
These are small candles designed to fit inside clear plastic or cylindrical metal and a clear plastic container of a small size. Use paraffin, palm, paraffin/soy blend, and beeswax to make tealights.
Taper Candles
These candles are narrow and long and sit in candlesticks. Use beeswax and paraffin to make tapered candles.
Gel Candles
These candles are gelatin-like with a soft texture. They are created inside a container using a gel that is mineral oil-based.
Votive Candles
Like tealight candles, votive candles are also small and made to fit in small glass containers. Since they cannot stand on their own, they can be made using various waxes like paraffin, beeswax, palm, soy, and wax blends.
Tarts
Tarts candles don’t need a wick. Instead, the wax is liquefied into a tart burner to relish the candle’s aroma. Tarts are made using natural waxes and paraffin like soy wax.
Pick the Right Wholesale Candle Supplies for Candle Making
There are many types and uses of candles, so it’s crucial to know what to look for in wholesale candle supplies. Understanding the different types of candles and waxes is the first step to successful candle making.
Look for a reputable supplier with a variety of products. Compare products from different suppliers to make an informed decision.