A Guide to Different Types of Candle Wax
For all intents and purposes, there are three different types of candle wax: paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy wax. Each has different properties thus making them burn differently. Here you'll find information on the differences and helpful tips when cleaning up these waxes and making candles with them.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax, made from crude oil, is most commonly used in candlemaking - this is the wax that most candles in stores are made of. You can find paraffin wax at grocery stores in the canning aisle, but the best paraffin wax for making candles is found at candle making stores. If you decide to make candles with paraffin wax, be sure to place newspapers down first, as it can be difficult to clean up. If you spill some on your tiling or carpet, you can clean it up by putting paper towels over the spot, then smoothing a warm iron over it. The paper towels should absorb the wax.
Soy Wax
The next most popularly used wax is probably soy wax. Soy wax candles are generally softer than paraffin and are all natural. Soy wax is made from 100% soybeans, burns longer than paraffin wax, and cleans up easiily - just use soap and water. For this reason alone it might be wise to use soy wax if you're a beginner candle maker, in any case, it's always wise to place newspapers down first before making candles.
Bees Wax
The other alternative is beeswax, also a natural alternative. Beeswax is said to burn the longest of the three waxes and is naturally honey scented. Beeswax candles are also easiest to make because you just wrap a sheet of beeswax tightly around a wick, seal, and you have a candle. You can melt beeswax but be very careful! Beeswax does not boil, it just ignites into dangerous flames when heated to high. Wax of any kind should never be melted directly on a burner, either - ALWAYS use a double boiler when melting wax.
For more information, or to choose from related products, choose from one of the following links:
Candle Making | Soy Candles | Aromatherapy
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