If you want to create candles, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is which wax to use. To produce a rushlight, we used to have to place a piece of the wick into a lump of tallow or dip a reed into some grease, but now we have many more possibilities.

Today, there are numerous varieties of candle wax easily accessible for producing candles: some natural, some synthetic, and some a little bit of both, each with its unique properties. Many candlemakers are particular about the wax they use, while others utilise multiple varieties for different purposes.

Wax Of Paraffin

One of the most flexible and widely used waxes today is paraffin wax. It is available in a variety of melt points that are ideal for a wide range of applications, from votives to pillars to containers.

The majority of commercially available candles sold today are produced using paraffin. However, it is not commonly accepted these days. Because paraffin wax is a byproduct of the crude oil refinement process, it is typically avoided by environmentally conscious people.

Wax Made From Soy

Soy wax is a relatively recent addition to the candlemaking market, but it has quickly established itself. Soy wax was produced in the early 1990s as an alternative to petroleum-derived paraffin and natural (but more costly) beeswax, as the demand for natural candles grew. Soy wax bulk buy, like paraffin, come in a range of mixes and melting degrees, with container candle mixtures being the most prevalent.

Many soy waxes are manufactured entirely of soybean oil. Others are combined with other vegetable oils (such as coconut oil) and waxes (like palm and beeswax). There are also a variety of paraffin/soy mixtures available that make use of the advantages of both waxes. It should be noted that a soy wax mix contains at least 51% soy.

Wax Gel

Candle gel wax is not, in fact, a wax. It is made up of resin and mineral oil. It melts and burns similarly to other waxes and keeps its aroma and colour. The distinction lies in the transparency, which enables the creation of a wide range of candles. In novelty candles, gel wax is sometimes used to simulate water or other liquids like beer or wine.

Gel wax is most typically used for votive or container candles, although stronger gel wax may also be used to make pillar candles.

Beeswax

Beeswax is the oldest candle wax, and many claim that it is also the best wax for candles. Beeswax candles have even been discovered in the pyramids. Beeswax is a byproduct of the honey-making process that is created by bees. The bees excrete wax into “combs” to incubate their larvae. Because it is infused with honey throughout the manufacturing process, it has a naturally pleasant aroma that changes somewhat depending on the flowers or plants on which the bees feed.

Beeswax is melted and sifted multiple times after being extracted from the hive. Candle makers can buy beeswax as blocks or slabs, similar to paraffin, in “pastilles” (small pellets) that melt quickly, or in pre-rolled sheets that can be readily formed into candles without any melting.

Wax From Palms

Palm wax, like soy wax, is manufactured from a natural oil––in this case, palm oil. Palm wax is a hard, almost brittle wax that is ideal for pillars and votives. It frequently results in a wonderful crystalline or “feathered” look in the candles. Palm wax is frequently combined with soy wax to create it.