How to Choose a Type of Candle Wax

There are many kinds of candle wax with different characteristics. Depending on the type of project you make, you need a candle wax with a specific melting point, texture and a wax that fits your budget. Read on to learn how to choose the right type of candle wax for your project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know your candle wax choices. Paraffin, soy, bayberry and beeswax are the most popular candle waxes used in projects.

2. Choose a candle wax based on the melting point of the wax. Different types of candle wax melt at different temperatures. If you plan to make a poured candle (a candle in a container) choose a wax with a melting point between 130 and 140 degrees F. Paraffin and soy wax are popular choices for poured candles. Molded, free-standing candle require a wax with a higher melting point.

3. Factor in the cost associated with candle wax. Paraffin and soy waxes are plentiful and cheap. Specialty waxes like bayberry wax and beeswax are very expensive due to the time and effort it takes to make the wax. If you plan to mass-produce wax candles, choose a cheaper wax.

4. Decide what scent you want. Bayberry and beeswax are naturally scented and no additional aroma is necessary. Paraffin and soy waxes require additional scents. If you want to create your own scents, choose basic wax like paraffin or soy.

5. Think about the environment when choosing a candle wax. Natural waxes are clean burning while paraffin wax--which is petroleum-based--is not clean burning.