Beautiful container candle with flowers and herbs sprinkled around it

Understanding the Differences in Candle Waxes: A Quick Guide

Understanding the Differences in Candle Waxes: A Quick Guide

When it come to making candles, the type of wax you choose plays a crucial role in determining the quality, burn time, scent throw, and appearance of the final product. Each type of wax has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different kinds of candles, from container candles to pillar candles and beyond. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between popular candle waxes, helping you make an informed choice for your candle-making projects and for creating a welcoming and fragrant home environment.

Types of Wax and Their Characteristics

The type of wax you choose for candle-making impacts several factors, including the candles' burn time, scent throw, appearance, and ease of use. Different waxes have varying melting points, influencing how quickly the candle burns and how well it holds fragrance. Additionally, the colour and texture of the wax can affect the candle's aesthetic appeal.

Types of Wax Used for Container Candles

 Wax Type Melt Point C Colour Suitability Burn Time
Paraffin Wax 46 - 68

White 
Can be dyed

Excellent 30 - 35 hours
Soy Wax 49 - 82 Creamy White 
Cleanest
Can be dyed but colour will be muted
Excellent 40 - 50 hours
Beeswax 62 - 65 Natural Golden Brown 
Best for pillars and tapers
Good 50 - 55 hours
Palm Wax 49 - 57 Creamy White 
Can be dyed
Excellent 35 - 45 hours
Coconut Wax 35 - 48

White
Smooth Finish

Excellent 40 - 50 hours

 

Breakdown of Popular Candle Waxes

Paraffin Wax

  • Melt Point: Paraffin wax has a variable melting point, ranging from 46°C to 68°C, depending on its formulation.
  • Colour: It is typically white or clear, making it easy to dye.
  • Suitability for Container Candles: Paraffin wax is excellent for container candles because of its smooth finish and ability to hold fragrance well.
  • Burn Time: A 220g paraffin wax candle typically burns for 30 to 35 hours. It’s known for providing a strong scent throw.

Paraffin wax is one of the most commonly used candle waxes due to its affordability and ease of use. It has a high scent throw, which makes it ideal for scented candles. However, it is derived from petroleum, making it less environmentally friendly than other options.

Soy Wax

  • Melt Point: Soy wax has a melting point ranging between 49°C and 82°C, depending on the blend.
  • Colour: Naturally creamy white, soy wax can also be dyed, but its colour may appear softer compared to paraffin.
  • Suitability for Container Candles: Soy wax is highly suitable for container candles, offering a clean burn and excellent fragrance retention.
  • Burn Time: A 220g soy wax candle burns for approximately 40 to 50 hours, making it more economical due to its longer burn time.

Soy wax is a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers. Made from soybean oil, it’s a renewable resource that burns cleaner than paraffin. Soy wax has a lower melting point, which allows for a slower and more even burn. It’s particularly well-suited for container candles.

Beeswax

  • Melt Point: Beeswax melts at around 62°C to 65°C.
  • Colour: This wax is naturally golden brown but can be filtered to remove colour.
  • Suitability for Container Candles: Beeswax is good for container candles but may require blending with softer waxes for improved performance.
  • Burn Time: A 220g beeswax candle offers a burn time of 50 to 55 hours, and it naturally purifies the air by releasing negative ions.

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. It has a higher melting point than soy and paraffin waxes and burns for a long time. Beeswax emits a natural, honey-like scent and has a beautiful, warm colour that ranges from golden to brown. It’s one of the most traditional and luxurious candle waxes.

Palm Wax

  • Melt Point: Palm wax melts between 49°C and 57°C.
  • Colour: Typically creamy or white, palm wax has a crystalline finish that adds texture.
  • Suitability for Container Candles: While it is good for containers, palm wax is more commonly used in pillar candles.
  • Burn Time: A 220g palm wax candle burns for approximately 35 to 45 hours.

Palm wax is derived from palm oil and is known for its ability to create candles with unique crystalline patterns. It has a high melting point and is often used in pillar candles. However, the sustainability of palm wax is a concern due to the environmental impact of palm oil production.  

Coconut Wax

  • Melt Point: Coconut wax has a lower melting point, ranging from 35°C to 48°C.
  • Colour: It is naturally white and smooth.
  • Suitability for Container Candles: Coconut wax is excellent for container candles, known for its clean burn and superior scent throw.
  • Burn Time: A 220g coconut wax candle can burn for 40 to 50 hours, offering a long-lasting and luxurious experience.

Coconut wax is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative made from coconut oil. It burns cleanly with a long-lasting, smooth finish, and it holds fragrance well. Its low melting point makes it ideal for container candles, offering a luxurious and environmentally conscious option.

Choosing the Right Wax for Your Candle

When selecting a wax, consider the type of candle you want to make or have in your home and the desired qualities of the final product. For instance:

  • Container Candles: Soy wax is an excellent choice due to its lower melting point and cleaner burn. It also adheres well to glass, making it perfect for jar candles.
  • Pillar Candles: Beeswax or palm wax might be more suitable due to their higher melting points and ability to hold their shape.
  • Scented Candles: Paraffin wax, with its strong scent throw, is often favoured for highly fragranced candles, although soy wax also performs well in this category with a subtler scent release and cleaner burn.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right wax for your candles depends on your specific needs, whether it’s burn time, scent throw, or environmental considerations. Paraffin wax remains popular for its affordability and strong scent throw, while soy wax is preferred for its clean burn and environmental benefits. Beeswax is a premium option that not only burns longer but also offers natural air-purifying properties. Coconut and palm waxes are also excellent choices, each offering unique benefits in terms of texture and burn quality.

Understanding these differences will help you make informed choices, whether you’re purchasing candles or making your own. By selecting the appropriate wax, you can create candles that not only light up a room but also enhance your overall ambiance with the perfect scent and burn quality.

Have you ever thought about the kind of wax used to create your candle, and if so did it make a difference to your buying decision?  Comment below

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