GENERAL

General Information on Candle Making.

CANDLE WAX TYPES

Two of the biggest varieties of candles in the world are soy and beeswax. The other most common is paraffin, however, people are starting to not like this one as much. This is because when paraffin candles are lit they release carcinogens and dangerous soot in to the air. While many people think soy and beeswax candles are actually pretty similar, probably because they are both made out of natural ingredients, they are actually quite different.

Soy candles are made out of soy wax, which comes from soy beans. Typically speaking, soy candles have a lower melting point than both beeswax and paraffin, which makes them safer. Many people buy soy candles because they are considered safer and because they are vegan/vegetarian friendly. But what many people don't know, is that even 100% soy candles do contain small amounts of paraffin in them. Many soy candles have also been treated with different vegetable oils and waxes. Another negative side to soy candles is that they don't distribute as strong a smell/scent as paraffin based candles. However another bonus to soy candles is that they are 100% biodegradable, unlike other candles such as paraffin based ones. Normally soy candles are a white colour, however some people like to colour them. Overall, soy candles are pretty safe and the most common type of candle in the world.

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Beeswax candles are one of the oldest candles around, and can even be found in the pyramids of ancient Egypt. Beeswax candles are also vegetarian, however they are not vegan. Many people with allergies or asthma take a liking to beeswax candles. This is because when burned, beeswax candles release negative ions, which helps eliminate dust, mould and unpleasant odours. These candles also tend to have a sweeter sent than other candles, such as soy. It is also said that the light produced by these candles is the brightest and purest. It is even said that the light from these candles is the closest to sunlight, making it the best for minimal eye strain. It takes a bee 30 million visits to a flower to make 400g of beeswax. This means that beeswax candles are usually pricey, which can obviously be expected considering how long it takes the bees to create the wax. Typically speaking beeswax candles are made out of 100% beeswax. These candles are naturally a yellow honey colour, however like soy candles they can also be dyed another colour.

Overall neither candle is necessarily better. While on one had beeswax candles are yellow and pure, soy candles are white and not pure. While beeswax candles are healthier, they are also more expensive. So if you were choosing purely off health, beeswax candles are probably the best. However, if you were looking for a still generally healthy but cheaper and more readily available candle- soy is the way to go.

WICK TYPES

Wicks play a verry important part in the candle making process. If it wasn't for the wicks the candles actually wouldn't be able to work. As with candle types they are also different wick types. Some of the most common types of wicks include: cotton, whisper, ribbon, wood and true flames. Occasionally some candles even need two or more wicks to burn evenly. However, this is only if the candle jar is larger than 3.5 inches in diameter.

Wicks work by using what is called 'capillary action'. This works by the hot liquid being draw to the wick. The heat of the hot flame then turns the wax into a hot gas, which then start to break down the wax into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen.

Two of the most common types of candle wicks are cotton and wood. Wooden wicks are thin slabs or tubes of wood which have been carefully crafted for candle making. Cotton wicks are made out of braided cotton strands which are dipped into wax to help them hold their shape. Typically speaking, cotton wicks burn easier then wooden wicks the more they are lit. One tip for if the wicks are not lighting is to trim the wick. Sometimes a wooden wick can take up to 20 seconds or 3 or 4 attempts to light. It is also recommended that you light wooden wicks with lighters, because they are nearly impossible to light with matches. Whereas cotton wicks can be lit with either matches or lighters. When it comes to lighting candles outside, cotton wicks are more highly recommended. This is due to cotton wicks being able to handle gusts of wind better then wooden wicks. A bonus to wooden candle wicks however is that they tend to throw more fragrance out. Wooden wicks usually have a longer burning time, due to the fact that they produce a cooler, smouldering flame. Cotton wicks on the other hand tend to produce a higher flame, which means they don't burn for as long.

Overall, there are bonuses and negatives to both wooden and cotton wicks. It just depends on what you want your candle to be able to do when deciding which one you choose to use. Many people just simply tend to pick a wick based on looks and brand.