How to Tint Beeswax

Beeswax is a popular material for candle making because it is a natural, unrefined product. Beeswax candles burn cleanly and do not drip, making them an attractive choice. Many home crafters dabble in candle making and often choose the work with beeswax. Whether making dipped or molded candles from beeswax, melt it carefully and slowly. Once the beeswax melts, at just over 140 degrees, you can tint the beeswax, if desired, before dipping or molding the candles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pure beeswax
• Double boiler
• Water
• Wooden spoon
• Candy thermometer
• Candle colorant (in block form) (See resources)
• Vegetable peeler
• Two small glass bowls

1. Shave a small amount of colorant from block with vegetable peeler. Place shavings into one of the small glass bowls and set aside until beeswax is melted.

2. Add water to the bottom of the double boiler and heat to just under a boil. Place beeswax in the top of the double boiler and begin the melting process. Place the thermometer in the melting beeswax.

3. Stir the beeswax while it melts. Keep the burner temperature at medium-low and watch the beeswax as it melts at all times because it is flammable.

4. When the temperature reaches about 140 degrees, remove beeswax from the heat.

5. Add colorant shavings to the melted wax and stir with a wooden spoon. Add shavings gradually and stir well before adding more because you cannot reverse the coloring once colorant has been added. To judge the degree of color, pour a small amount of colored beeswax into a small bowl and decide whether you like the color. Stop at this point or add more colorant as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• The finished color of the wax will be darker once the beeswax hardens. Stop adding colorant when the color is slightly lighter than you desire, for best results.

References

• Beeswax

Resources

• Colorant