Candle wax

Popular types of candle wax

The first thing you need to know, before you learn how to make candles, is all about candle wax. There are several types of candle wax that are used to make homemade candles.

Paraffin wax, which is used to create dripless candles, is the most common and the least expensive candle wax available on the market. Paraffin candle wax is usually a bluish white color and it is sold by the pound.

Paraffin is sold in pound or multi-pound solid blocks or sold by the pound as bags full of wax flakes. Paraffin is also sold in multi-colored chunks. These chunks are added to candle molds during a last pouring to create a colorful chunk candle.

Bees wax is also great for those who are just starting to learn how to make candles as the simplest candle that can be made is simply a sheet of beeswax that is rolled up into a taper with a wick inserted inside. This process does not involve melting any candle wax. However beeswax is available in pound blocks, sheets, colored, natural, scented, flat or textured with a honeycomb pattern. It is also sold as beads, called pearls.

Soy wax is a popular and inexpensive option that is available in flakes that are sold by the pound. This wax can be poured into a jar to create a candle or an additive such as palm wax can be added to the soy candle wax to make a votive candle or pillar candle.

All three kinds of wax are widely available in stores and on sites that specialize in selling candle making kits and candle making supplies.