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The Different Types of Wax for Candle Making

Choosing the wax for your candle is the most important part of candle making. Here are the main waxes that can be used:

At Frændi candles, we use soy wax for candle-making. Why? Because we care about the quality of our candles, as well as your health and the environment.

What is wax?

Technically speaking, the term “wax” refers to a flammable, carbon-containing solid that becomes liquid when heated above room temperature.

    What are the different types of wax to make a candle?

    Paraffin and Soy wax are the most popular for candle-making, but the wax you choose depends on the candle you would like to make.

    Here are the main waxes that can be used for candle making:

    Choose your candle wax

    Your choice of wax for candle making depends on various factors, including:

    • The form of the candle
    • The kind of wax (all-natural wax or not)
    • The amount of scent
    • The type of finish

    Use the table below to choose the best wax for your type of candle :).

    Wax type Description Specifications Candle-types you can make

    Paraffin wax

    Paraffin wax is made from a by-product of the oil refining industry.

    It’s an easy and affordable wax, but not very eco-friendly.

    Candles made with paraffin wax burn quicker.

    Price (per kg): €9 (US$10.5).

    Texture: solid at room temperature.

    Colour: white/colourless.

    Melting temperature: between 46 and 68 °C (115 and 154 °F).

    Boiling point: above 370 °C (698 °F).

    Scent: odourless.

    Pillar candles

    Container candles

    Votive candles

    Tealight candles

    Taper candles

    Tart candles

    Soy wax

    Soy wax is a 100% all-natural, vegan and eco-friendly wax.

    It holds fragrances really well, but colouring is a bit more difficult than with paraffin or beeswax. 

    A soy candle burns slower and cleaner than most waxes.

    If you are looking for great soy wax, have a look at our shop!

    Price (per kg): € 15 (US$ 17).

    Texture: quite soft and pliable.

    Colour: opaque white/beige.

    Melting temperature: between 49 to 82 °C (120 to 180 °F).

    Scent: natural/forest-like.

    Container candles

    Palm wax

    Palm wax is produced by hydrogenating palm oils.

    Price (per kg): € 14 (US$ 16).

    Colour: yellow.

    Melting temperature: between 82 to 86 °C (180 to 187 °F).

    Container candles

    Beeswax

    Beeswax is a 100% all-natural wax and made during the honey making process.

    Beeswax is however very expensive and not vegan.

    Price (per kg): € 18 (US$ 21).

    Texture: solid.

    Colour: yellow and/or brown.

    Melting temperature: 62 °C to 64 °C (144 °F to 147 °F).

    Pillar candles

    Container candles

    Votive candles

    Tealight candles

    Taper candles

    Tart candles

    Gel wax

    Gel wax isn’t wax at all.

    It is made from mineral oil and a polymer resin.

    With it, you can make see-through candles or embedded-object gel candles.

    It holds wicks, colour and fragrances just as well as a standard paraffin wax.

    Price (per kg): € 14 (US$ 16).

    Texture: jelly.

    Colour: transparent.

    Melting temperature: 82 °C (180 °F).

    Container candles

    Rapeseed wax

    Rapeseed wax (or canola wax) is an alternative to soy wax for making container candles, but is a bit more expensive.

    It provides great fragrance retention, scent throw and extended burn time.

    Price (per kg): € 9 (US$ 10.5).

    Texture: firm.

    Colour: white/beige.

    Melting temperature: 43°C (109 °F).

    Container candles

    Pillar candles

    Coconut wax

    Coconut wax is made from hydrogenated and refined coconut oil.

    Price (per kg): € 30 (US$ 35).

    Texture: firm.

    Colour: bright white to creamy and opaque.

    Melting temperature: 37°C (100 ºF).

    Scent: odourless.

    Container candles

     

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    5 reacties

    • I am busy doing research on how to make candles and this information was really helpful. Did not think of different types of wax to be use when making candles .looking forward to starting my new hobby along with my husband.

      anthea philander
    • I just started to learn to make candles and made my very first one using Lavender essential oil. I used the proper materials and for wax, I used soy wax and one wick in. 6 oz metal holder. However, while the burning of the soy is even, the fragrance doesn’t carry strong. I have to get almost over the candle to smell the Lavender. I know that the Lavender is not the problem. Could it be because i’m only using one wick? hope you can help

      OB
    • I would like to start using Rapeseed (canola) wax for my pillar candles. What wicks do you suggest for this type of wax? My pillar candles are 3 inches in diameter.

      Grace
    • Very informative, I am looking into making natural candles. I was very hesitant on which wax to choose from, after reading your article I believe soy wax is the right choice for me. Thank you

      Mia Alvarez
    • Hello,

      I am interested in making candles, and in the process of doing so. I am really focused on this project not only because I love candles, but I find myself spending $40.00 a week on just two candles. In the past I’ve been very disappointed in purchasing beautiful candles with little scent. So, I thought, why not make them myself! The candles I purchase now are made from soy wax blend. In my readings soy wax and bees wax catch my interest. I’m looking for long lasting strong scent candles. I’m very excited to start this process!

      Ondra Lyons

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