Waxes Used in Candle Making

Video Transcript

"For Expert Village.com this is Matt Freedman, owner of the Blue Creek Candle Company. In this clip we’ll be talking about waxes. To find out more about my candles please visit my web site. Keeping in mind that there are many different kinds of waxes and that each of those waxes has a different burn property, it’s very important to know the differences between these waxes and their burn properties in deciding on a certain type of wax to use for a given project. Remember that most waxes are not used in their natural state but instead they may come with additives already pre-blended in or you may add certain additives to create certain effects, particular to again to a given project. One thing that you want to look for when shopping for a wax is the amount of shrinkage that will occur in it. Some waxes are going to require a re-pour. Now what that means is when you pour your wax, as it cools and dries it will create a sinkhole that when completely dry or completely cool, is going to need to be re-poured and topped off. Other waxes that come pre-blended, are what is called a one pour, and as it states, it’s a one pour wax, you’ll pour it and that will be it. That’ll save you a lot of time if you’re making multiple candles. The five types of waxes that I’m going to talk about right now. I’ll begin with paraffin; it comes in three different grades, low melting point, melts at or below 130 degrees Fahrenheit, medium, which melts between 130 to 145 degrees and high, which melts at 145 to 150 degrees. Soybean wax, which is better than some of the other wax, which you may use, melts at 120 to 180 degrees. Tallow, which is a colorless wax from the fat of pigs, cows and sheep. Its often-used in period candles. Just remember its got an unpleasant smell to it. "