There are several types of wax that can be used for making candles. Each type has its own distinct characteristics that make it unique from the other types of waxes used.
Candle making is a popular hobby. It has been popular among many people for centuries. A fun and exciting activity, this hobby has even been taken more seriously by certain people. The more serious hobbyists or candle makers have taken their hobbies to the next level by setting up a business on candle making. The process of making candles is quite easy even for beginners as long as all the important materials are available. Choosing the right type of candle wax is also important to be able to make the best types of candles.
There are several types of candle waxes. Each of these types may have its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Each may also have unique properties not present in other types of candle waxes. They may also have different melting points.
Popular Types of Candle Waxes
Among the many types of candle waxes available for use by candle makers, paraffin wax, soy wax and beeswax are by far the most popular. These types of candle waxes are widely used by people because of their ease of use and the type of candle that they produce.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is white in color and does not contain any odor. It has a low melting point, making it easier for candle makers to burn and form it into desired types of candles. Moreover, it is more affordable. The downside to paraffin wax is that it may not do well with fragrances. Being a byproduct of the crude oil refining process, there has been controversy over the safety of its use. Despite the controversies, however, paraffin wax continues to be widely used by many candle makers for both hobby and business.
Soy Wax
Soy wax has a higher melting point compared to paraffin wax so it burns longer. When completely melted, longer time may also be needed before it can completely be cooled and formed into candles. The advantage of this type of candle wax over paraffin wax is that it can do well with scents. Scented candles can be made out of this type of candle wax.
Beeswax
Beeswax has been used for centuries by people. Its use can be traced back to the ancient ages. This type of candle wax is made as a byproduct of the honey-making process of bees. Because beeswax is made out of the nectar of flowers, it can have a natural sweet fragrance which may differ depending on the type of flowers that the bees are feeding from.
Beeswaxes can burn really clean and may hold different types of candle scents very well. The downside to using beeswax in making candles may lie on the price of this type of candle wax. Beeswax is priced higher than any of the other popular types of candle making waxes.
Other Types of Candle Making Wax
Apart from the three most popular types of candle waxes, some less widely used types can also be bought in the market and used for making candles. Other types of candle making waxes include the gel wax and the palm wax. These waxes are often not made from one particular type of natural ingredient. They are also quite new to the market.
(Originally posted in my Suite 101 account, Candle Wax and Candle Making: The Different Type of Waxes and Their Characteristics)
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