The biggest component of a candle is the wax. It can be overwhelming to try and pick out the best wax for your want and needs. In this post, the different types of waxes are broken into to categories so you can easily navigate to what wax meets your needs. Within each category there can be multiple brands and types of waxes. The best way to learn about them is to test them all and see what you like best, wax choice is personal preference!
Natural Candle Waxes
- Palm Candle Wax – There are container and pillar palm waxes that are easy to use and one pour. The container wax adheres to the jar with no wet spots and the pillar blend releases from the molds easily. Most palm waxes are made from an all-natural complex blend of tropical plant oils that are renewable and environmentally friendly (make sure to buy from a credible source). The finished candles have been described as having a crystal, feathered or marbled appearance and are clean burning with no soot.
- Soy Candle Wax – Soy waxes are easy to use, most do not shrink. Most of the soy waxes can be melted in the microwave and clean up very easily. Soy candles have a great scent throw both hot and cold but not typically as strong as paraffin candles. Soy candles burn very clean and soot free in all types of candles.
- Beeswax – Beeswax has very little shrinkage and makes an incredibly long burning candle. Can be used in containers or molds, but we recommend only using rubber molds for beeswax since it’s natural properties are sticky and will not release easy. Usually sold as pelletized for easy handling.
Paraffin Waxes
High quality straight paraffins are semi-translucent and mottle nicely when poured at cooler temperatures Straight paraffin waxes blend nicely with most additives so that you can acheive different looks – mottled, translucent, opaque, etc. Great for whipping and making clumpy toppings for homebaked candles.
Blended Paraffin Waxes
Blended waxes are designed for candle makers who like the hassle-free convenience of having a quality wax that can just be melted, color and scent added and pour with predictable results. Pre-blended waxes take the guesswork out of using additives, calculating ratios and blending. Pre-blended waxes make a nice solid, creamy color candle, color nicely and have a great scent throw cold and hot. Easy to use for beginners, convenient and priced well for experienced candle makers.
Hybrid Candle Wax
Do you love the clean burn of a soy candle and also the great scent throw of a paraffin candle? Hybrid (paraffin/vegetable) waxes are for you! You get the best of both worlds (paraffin & soy) pre-blended in easy to use formulas. You will get the clean burn of a natural candle and the great scent throw of a paraffin candle. No additives needed – just melt, add color and scent & pour. It’s that easy!