Candle Making 101: Find the Perfect Wax for Your Next Project
by Juan Carlos Choussy
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is one of the most widely used wax types in the candle-making industry. It’s derived as a byproduct of the petroleum refining process, making it a non-natural option. Despite this, paraffin wax is popular for several reasons:
- Slow, steady, and smokeless burn: Perfect for long-lasting candles.
- Excellent hot throw: Ideal for filling rooms with strong, vibrant scents.
- Smooth tops and vibrant colors: Great for achieving a polished, professional look.
If you’re looking for a wax that offers bold colors and strong fragrance, paraffin wax could be the right choice for your candles.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a natural wax made from soybean oil. As one of the most popular natural waxes, it’s loved for its eco-friendly profile and clean-burning properties. Key characteristics of soy wax include:
- Long burn times: Ideal for candles that you want to last longer.
- Cleaner burn: Produces less soot and smoke, contributing to a cleaner air environment.
- Great cold throw: Perfect for giving off scent even when the candle isn’t burning.
If sustainability is important to you and your customers, soy wax is a great option for natural, eco-conscious candles.
Coconut Soy Wax
Looking for the best of both worlds? Our Coconut Soy Wax blend combines the benefits of coconut wax and soy wax, making it one of the most versatile and popular choices for candle makers. Some benefits include:
- Balanced properties: Provides a clean burn, great scent throw, and long burn times.
- Aromatherapy-friendly: This wax is perfect for candles with high fragrance loads, making it ideal for relaxation and wellness-focused products.
Coconut Soy Wax is an excellent option for those looking to create high-quality, scented candles that are both natural and functional.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a versatile, natural wax made from honeycombs. We offer it in two varieties—white and yellow—giving you options depending on your aesthetic needs. Beeswax is not just for candles; it can be used for various creative projects:
- Cosmetics and soaps: It’s perfect for making homemade beauty products.
- Wood lubrication and cheese waxing: Beeswax is great for DIY projects beyond candles.
- Versatile for different uses: Its natural properties make it great for crafting candles, cosmetics, and even practical home solutions.
Choosing the Right Wax for Your Candle Type
Candle types generally fall into two categories: container candles and pillar candles. Each type requires a different kind of wax, and knowing this can help you make the right selection.
Container Candles
Container candles are poured into vessels such as jars, tins, or glasses. The wax used needs to adhere well to the vessel and can be softer in consistency. For container candles, we recommend:
- Paraffin Wax
- Soy Wax
- Coconut Soy Wax
Additionally, our Suave Wax Blend is specifically designed for soft container candles, giving a smooth and even burn.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are free-standing and need a wax that holds its shape without the support of a container. For these candles, a harder wax is essential. Some great options for pillar candles include:
- Paraffin Wax
- Soy Wax
- Beeswax
We also offer specialized blends for pillar candles. Our Pillar Paraffin Wax Blend is formulated for sturdier, longer-lasting pillars, while our Tarts and Melts Blend is ideal for creating wax melts and tarts.