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Choosing the Right Wax For Homemade Candles

Date Added: December 04, 2008 01:20:44 PM

For most candles, beeswax or soy wax is the best option, not only because they are all-natural, but because they simply burn longer and produce less smoke than other types of wax.

Soy Wax

One of the main benefits of using soy wax over paraffin is that is easier to work with. When you order wax to make candles, it typically will be delivered in a block weighing one to fifty pounds. The more you order, the more money you will save, and luckily, if you have chosen soy wax, then you will find that it is much easier to cut into smaller pieces and measure than traditional paraffin.

Soy wax also burns up to twice as long as paraffin candles, making it an excellent option when you want your candles to last longer. Since soy is also unscented, you can easily add essential oil to make the candle smell as beautiful as it looks.

Beeswax

Beeswax is probably the most popular option for all-natural, homemade candles, but it is slightly more costly than soy wax. Beeswax is also easier to handle than paraffin wax, and can be used without scents for a nice, honey smell throughout your home.

If you choose beeswax for your candle wax, remember that it is slightly cream-colored, since it is an all-natural substance. If you want a whiter wax, then you can choose chemically-treated and cleaned beeswax, which will have a lighter honey scent than the untreated wax.

Melting the Wax

To melt candle-making wax, you will need to use a double boiler. You can make your own double boiler out of two saucepans: fill a larger pan with water, and then set a smaller pan on top of the water. Fill the smaller pan with the wax that you have chosen. You should also make sure that the larger pan remains filled with water, or you risk burning the wax.

Although it does seem like a simple process, overheating your wax or letting the water run out can cause problems. Some waxes are prone to catching fire when they are excessively heated, so take your time with the candle-making wax, and heat it slowly.

Cindy is a freelance writer who spends a lot of time on her hobbies. Candle Making is just one of the ways I spend my time. Visit my website for more Candle Making Tips.

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