Various Types of Wax in Candle Making

Candle making is growing in popularity given its scope to explore the creative side and also run a successful business. With growing popularity of the hobby, the required materials particularly candle making wax, has witnessed a growth in its variety and options. Wax is the main component of candle making and a candle maker is always on the lookout for different materials with improved efficiency and reduced price.

Commonly used wax today is obtained from petroleum and is called paraffin wax. Most candles made are from paraffin as it is easily available and inexpensive. Plant and vegetable materials are also commonly used as candle wax. These include palm, bayberry and soy. Soy wax is very popular and is obtained by hydrogenating soy beans. It is clean, eco-friendly and is easily available as soy beans are grown in United States itself, mainly in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Palm is another natural material. But with growing popularity of its use as candle wax, unsustainable plantations in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia resulted in the destruction of rainforests. As a result ecosystems and habitats of animals particularly orangutans, rhinoceroses and the Sumatran tiger were compromised. With timely intervention of World Wildlife fund for nature (WWF), RSPO was developed to promote sustainable practices to cultivate palm. Members of this organization can also learn these practices to cultivate palms themselves. As a candle maker, you have to ensure that your wax comes from eco friendly sources.

Candle wax can also be made from animal material. Beeswax is most commonly used.  Though candles were earlier made from palm, beeswax and bayberry, there is now a renewed interest to make candles from these natural products. Beeswax has assumed more popularity than ever and is not available in yellow and white. Though expensive, Beeswax attracts candle makers because it has a pleasant fragrance, is sturdy and it has superior burning characteristics compared to any other animal product.

Gel candles are the newest kind of materials for wax. The appearance is clear and they have a rubbery texture. Depending on the density of the gel, the required type of candle can be made with the amount of fragrance. For about 0-3% fragrance, low density wax is good. Low density wax can also be poured into the molds at lower temperatures. If you desire a 3-5% fragrance load, a medium density gel wax will do. For a higher fragrance load, a high density wax load is preferred.

There are umpteen choices and each candle maker has different options to choose from. A candle maker knows which material suits his skills the best. It is also important to ascertain that your wax for candle making comes from a source that is eco friendly and can be reusable. The mark of a good candle maker is not just how the candle looks or burns, but also depends on the material and the practices of candle making. With experience, you can mold the materials in ways that will make you renowned candle maker and help you get the most out your investment.

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